We love to travel, and 2020 was supposed to be a big travel year for us. Like the rest of you, that didn't happen. 2021 hasn't been so good either!
We're still dreaming about travel, reading about new destinations, and making (tentative) plans for the future. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
Let's hope we can all be traveling again in 2022!
What is visa? Where do you get one and where does it go?
Did you think that all you needed to travel was your passport?
Sometimes that is all you need, but some countries also require a visa, so let's take a look at them.
Visas go in all those blank pages in your passport.
I'm assuming you've read the pages on passports, and you've got your passport or you'll soon have one.
If you're going to travel you need a passport...
I mean, come on, you need one just for bragging rights.
No, it's not that piece of plastic that you carry in your wallet.
Although I do recall one time entering Nairobi, Kenya and seeing a sign directing tourists to the proper office... the sign came straight from an advertisement for that very same credit card!
O.K. Let's get serious. A visa is permission from the country you are going to visit to enter their country.
We'll review some of the basics at the top, and get to questions you may have to answer at the bottom.
Many countries do not require a visa for entry if you are only going to visit on vacation for less than 30 or 90 days.
They will look at your passport when you enter the country, probably scan it into a computer, and they may or may not place an entry stamp in your passport.
For example, American citizens can travel to most countries in the European Union, Canada, Mexico and some South American and Asian counties without a visa.
Some countries require a visa, but it can be obtained at entry.
This requires you to fill out paperwork on arrival. It may require passport size photos and a fee payable at application.
You should check ahead to see how many photos may be required for each country and how you can pay for it. For instance when we went to Cambodia a couple of years ago, the requirement was one passport size photo and US$20.00 cash.... no matter what country you came from, it had to be US dollars.
A Tip On Passport Photos:
You will need two 2" x 2" photos for your passport application anyway. Get extras in case you need them for visas.... 6-12 so if you need some you will have them on hand.
Carry them with you when you travel. They can be handy for those applications at the border or in case you lose your passport...
Though as we keep saying, we hope you've got your passport tucked safely in your money belt and you will never need to use them for this!
Just remember that they should be "current" photos, so you can't save and use them forever.
Some countries require you to obtain a visa stamp in your passport BEFORE your departure.
This is not difficult. To do this you must obtain an application.... either by contacting the Consulate, United Nations Mission, or Embassy of that country and having them mail you one or by downloading an application off of the web.
Check with your government's website for information. U.S. citizens can check at the U.S. Department of State site. Their Learn About Your Destination section lets you look up the country or countries you will be going to. Look for their Foreign Entry Requirements. The State Department site also has links to Consulates and Embassies.
This site gives you general information on what is required if you are traveling for tourism, but check the link to the country anyway... for instance, the State Department site tells you most of the information you need, but you'll have to check with the Chinese Embassy to find out that China requires your passport to be valid for six (6) months and at least one full blank page.
Why worry about blank pages? There seem to be a lot of blank ones when you start. But if you really get into it and travel a lot, you may collect a lot of large stamps and have to add pages to your passport as we just did.
Once you have collected all the documentation you need, you will then have to carry your passport, application, photos and fee to one of those entities if you live near one, or you will have to mail your passport with the application, fee and photos to them.
Check With Each Country's Website
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.
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.
If you have to use the mail... Just remember to send your passport as securely as possible.
If you are visiting more than one country that requires a visa, it could take you a few weeks to get everything arranged... you and your passport can only be in one place at a time.
Remember that some counties require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your visit.... so if it is getting near to the expiration date on your passport, you might just want to go ahead and renew.
Requirements may change from time to time, so even if you think you know what the requirement are because you checked years ago.... check again. You don't want to ruin a trip because you didn't get the visa!
Let's just say you want to go to Timbuktu... yes, there IS a Timbuktu. It's in Mali in West Africa. Check out the entry requirements for every adventurer's fantasy destination.
Now... Let me repeat myself. To find out what the procedure is for each country you want to visit, check with the Embassy of that country.
You can look up basic information on the US State Department site, but the ultimate requirements are defined by each country, and it's best to check with them.
This may not be a complete list, but these are some of the questions we have come across in our travels.
There are service companies that will get visas for you for a fee. You still need to allow plenty of time. If you are using a travel agent they may be able to advise and assist you.
Remember to protect your passport on the road.... Wear your money belt... put the passport in it when you won't be using it.
Another good tip is to wrap the passport and money in a water tight zip lock bag.
Keep a photo copy of your passport in a more accessible place you may be able to show when asked; that may be enough, but you can always dig out your passport if you have to.
So get going. Get your passport, collect those visas, pack and get on the road.
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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Thanks, Judy and Mark
The Holidays are Here!
Time to remind you we have tips on
Surviving Holiday Flights
Holiday flight may be more frustrating than usual. Try to stay calm.
Remember, if you DO travel and if you’re carrying gifts, it’s better not to wrap them… airport security might make you open them!
And if you're not traveling far, reminisce about past trips.
European Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Seiffen Germany Makes Christmas Decorations
Cold Weather Packing List
The holidays can be hectic, but treat yourself...
Take the holiday time to explore more pages here... Get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip next year.
Need Travel Ideas?
Things to See in Europe
Africa Calls!
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Foreign Is Fun - Not Scary!
Get Your Passports and Visas
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Our 2021 travels were only domestic. COVID kept us close home. Road trips and a cautious flights but still fun.
Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Love discovering less touristed regions? The three Guyanas are tucked up in the north east corner of South America that doesn’t get much attention.
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Document Information
Passports and Visas
Passports
What Is A Passport
Passports - How To Get One
What Do Passports Cost?
Acceptable Identification Document
Collecting Passport Stamps
Visas
What Is A Visa?
All About Visas
Getting A Visa
Visa Requirements
Other Documents
U. S. Passport Card
U. S. Travel Authorization
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