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Sometimes you will be getting a visa when you enter a country... like Cambodia. This is pretty straight forward. You fill out your application on arrival, you'll have photos and fees available as needed, and after you get through the bureaucratic line, you're on your way.
Some counties require that you get a visa before you leave on your trip. This usually means that you need to get some sort of an official stamp or page glued into your passport. Some travel agents can help you get necessary visas. Or, you can even hire a service to get visas for you for an additional fee. We've always gotten our own visas.
Getting a visa to come to the U.S can be long and involved, and from what we've heard... a little frustrating. Citizens from countries in the visa waiver program should have no problem visiting the U.S. We're going to deal here with tips for getting a visa to other counties.
There are a few countries that are beginning to issue visas electronically. Australia, for instance, now grants visas electronically for eligible citizens of many countries.
Most countries still require you to fill out paperwork and submit it to the appropriate government agency before you leave on your trip. You can generally download a visa application from the internet. Go to a website for the Embassy or a Consulate of the country you want to visit. If you need a visa, they should have a downloadable application along with all the rules and requirements. You can also contact the Embassy and have them mail you an application.
Once you have filled out the application and collected the documentation you need, you will then have to carry your passport, application, photos and fee to one of the appropriate government offices if you live near one.
If you don't have an Embassy or Consulate close to you, you will have to mail your passport with the application, fee, and photos to them.
Each country has it's own rules and requirements, check on the web or with an official representative to get the appropriate information. You will probably have to provide return postage as well. Read through all the rules and follow them... then you shouldn't have a problem getting a visa.
Allow plenty of time. If you live in or near a city with a Consulate, you can drop off your passport and application yourself and pick it up... sometimes later the same day.... sometimes later in the week. Some Consulates will mail your passport back to you, some won't. If you have to use the mail or an express delivery service it will take longer. Just remember to send your passport as securely as possible.
Requirements may change from time to time, so even if you think you know what the requirements are because you checked years ago.... check again. You don't want to ruin a trip because you didn't get the visa!
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
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