Planning an international trip? Don’t forget to see if you need a travel visa. Not sure where to start? Here is your ultimate guide to travel visas.
I’ve been traveling internationally for much of my life but it wasn’t until I went to Italy about 17 years ago that I needed to get my first visa. And NO, I’m not talking about a credit card.
I’d heard of student visas and work visas and horror stories about people getting to a travel destination only to find out they needed to apply for a travel visa BEFORE they left the US. But I had no idea how to apply for one when I would need to apply, how much it would cost…
I’ve since learned a lot about travel visas. I’ll start with the basics.
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What is a Travel Visa?
A travel visa is an item (sometimes a physical stamp or piece of paper) associated with your passport stating the foreign country’s government has agreed to allow you to enter their country for a set period of time for the purposes of travel only.
Think of it like you are going to a night club and the bouncer checks your ID at the door. The bouncer then stamps your hand to prove they checked your ID and that you are legit to be inside. A travel visa is the foreign government’s stamp of approval for you to be inside their country.
These are NOT optional so if you think you can skip this step you will find your behind on the next airplane back to the US.
What is the difference between a travel visa and other types of visas like a work or student Visa?
There are a ton of different types of visas and some are specific to a country. The main types of visas most people have heard of are work, student, immigration, or travel visa.
As I mentioned previously, a visa is an agreement between the applicant and the country’s government to enter the country for a set amount of time. The type of visa you apply for is the reason you are approved to be in the country.
For example, if you are going to study at a foreign university, you will need a student or education visa. This allows you to stay in the country if you are still actively enrolled in an education program.
A Tourist or Travel Visa allows you to enter the country for a short period of time for purposes of travel or leisure only. The time period is often up to 30 days, with some countries allowing up to 6 months. Each country is different so you will need to find out the specifics for your destination.
One word of caution is the difference between a work visa and a travel visa for some professions like photographers. If you are a professional photographer, bring all of your photography equipment, but only apply for a travel visa, you may be questioned at immigration and customs.
Make sure, if you plan on working or gathering media for professional use while in a foreign country, (I.E. photography to sell, or news story for a website for which you are paid) you may need a work visa.
How do I find out if a country requires a Travel Visa?
Since every country has different travel visa requirements. The best resource to find out if you need one (for US citizens) is the United States Department of State Website. Since visa requirements and application processes can change, using an official website like the US Department of State will have the most up-to-date information available.
There is always good ol’ Google too. The US Department of State website has the information you will need but will also give you all kinds of information about why you should be worried about traveling to wherever you are going. While it’s good to be aware of the risks in the area you are traveling, the US Department of State may make you paranoid too.
A simple Google search of “Is a travel visa needed for (fill in the country name)?” Will also give you the information needed.
How do I apply for a Travel Visa?
The application process for a travel visa is different from country to country. Many now offer e-visas and a website for application. The US Department of State website will also give you the most current link to any online visa application processes available.
Some countries still allow you to apply for a visa when you arrive at the airport. I, however, would not recommend waiting. The lines for upon-entry visas can be long and the wait to get the application approved can be even longer.
You didn’t spend all of that money and travel that distance to spend your time in an airport waiting for your travel visa approvals. Whenever possible apply before you leave!
This does require some advanced planning, however. Some e-visa applications are approved almost immediately while others may take a few days or even a few weeks. My suggestion is at least 1-2 months before your departure date, apply for your visa. It’s better to have it early than panic at the last minute.
Should I use a third-party vendor to complete my Visa application on my behalf?
This one is new to me. In my past travels I have always just applied online myself. However, I have an upcoming trip planned to Tanzania and it was suggested I use a 3rd party visa application service due to the complexities of the Tanzanian visa process.
I thought I would give it a try. I used PVS International since that was the company I was referred to. I’m sure there are many other options but I had a good experience with PVS.
The application process was simple once I created a profile, I selected a Tanzania visa, and a form with all of the necessary information displayed. On a side note, the form was a PDF and my phone and iPad did not allow for me to update so I needed to use my PC.
I received my e-Visa one week later with everything I needed. I don’t know how difficult the process is to go directly to the Tanzania Embassy website but I read through the website and FAQs. There were several if/then situations that could get someone tripped up. I’d consider using a service again if the country’s application process seems cumbersome or confusing.
If however, the application process is straightforward, I’d save my money and apply myself.
What do I need to apply for a Visa?
First, you need a valid passport. A visa is only an agreement about what you will do in the country and how long you can stay. A passport is proof of your natural citizenship. It’s an agreement your home country allows you to leave and more important, come home. You can’t get a visa without a valid passport.
You also need money. Yes, even travel visas cost money. The fees are different based on the country you are going. I’ve paid as little as $50 and as much as $175. Some countries charge per day, others charge a flat rate, ALL will charge you something for a travel visa.
Everything else you need is dependent on the country. Each can require anything from a scanned color copy of your passport to a new passport photo. Read the application requirements to understand any additional documentation you may need to provide.
In a Nutshell
Applying for a travel visa is usually a quick and simple online process. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to apply before you leave and if the thought of applying stresses you out, find a reputable 3rd party visa application service to do the work for you.
While you are researching if your next vacation will need a travel visa, you should figure out if you need to see a travel doctor too. Not sure where to start? I have you covered in this previous post on When to see a Travel Doctor.
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you.
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