Last week’s column highlighted the importance of looking into visa requirements when planning international travel. This week’s column addresses some of the common nuts-and-bolts issues related to getting a visa.
How can I figure out if the country I’m traveling to requires a visa?
The embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit can provide definitive information on visa requirements. For contact information, go to the U.S. Department of State’s website (www.travel.state.gov) and look up the consular information sheet, which provides basics on the destination country, visa requirements, and contact information for the embassy or consulate.
How much does it cost to get a visa?
Visa fees vary from country to country and can also depend on the reason you are entering the country. Visas for tourism or study are usually the least expensive, while those for permanent residency or working tend to be more expensive.
Can I get the visa once I arrive in the country?
Some countries will issue a visa upon your arrival, but this is not a common procedure in most countries and could cause delays. This may be an acceptable option if you want to have a flexible travel itinerary and don’t mind hanging around for days (or sometimes weeks) for a visa. If you have a limited amount of time for your trip, it is almost always best to obtain a visa before you leaving the States.
Seems strange to me, but the embassy for the country I want to travel to says that I need to send them my real passport. Is that right?
Yes. While it may seem counterintuitive in the Digital Age, virtually all countries will want to actually see and handle your passport before issuing a visa. This is in part because most visas are physically stamped in your passport. Be sure to mail the passport in a secure manner to ensure its safe handling.
This article appears in November 2 • 2007.