Did you know that there are over 100 countries that require a travel visa before entry? Here’s what you need to know
If you are planning a long-term trip of more than 90 days, many countries demand a visa for an extended stay, while others will ask for a reciprocity fee or travel card. Avoid hassles and unexpected issues by ensuring that you have all the facts and proper documentation before arrival at your foreign destination.
If you enjoy the process of planning, you can contact a foreign country’s embassy directly to start the application process. For those who would rather plan their wardrobe or sightseeing agenda, some services will manage your visa process for you. Organize visa requirements a minimum of three weeks prior to departure in off-peak season and up to six weeks before peak season travel. If you’ve previously obtained a visa with your passport, check the expiration dates of both documents, as they will most likely have different expiration dates. Ensure your passport contains empty visa pages – if it doesn’t, it’s time to apply for a new passport. Determine the type of visa you will need. Select tourist, student, official or business traveller. Research your destination requirements – keep in mind there are different fees and processes for each country.