Each year more and more people decide to travel abroad. This shift towards travel was influenced not only by people’s incomes but also by the fact it is easy to do so. Citizens of the US do not require a visa to travel remotely, and can obtain an ETIAS authorization of travel for Schengen countries that last up to 90 days!
However, there are few exceptions that demand US citizens to have a visa to enter.
Visa to Turkey
Turkey has always been a top destination that people visit, due to its unique Mediterranean climate that allows summer to last six months! Despite the fact that it is easy to obtain a visa to Turkey, there are a few visa-requirements that need to be fulfilled before the trip. When applying for a Turkish visa (in person or by mail) the same requirements apply as the same as to any other visa: valid passport, filled in application form, proof of residence and other supporting documents.
When applying for eVisa you will also need a valid passport, an email address (where confirmation of visa will be sent), and an online payment made via PayPal, credit, or debit card.
Visa to Japan
As Olympics 2020 was meant to happen in Japan (which is now moved to 2021 summer-time), the country has granted a 90-day free Japan visa for those who travel from the U.S for tourist or business purposes. The only requirements for US nationals are to hold a passport valid for at least six months when entering Japan. However, the free-visa entry does not allow you to work or live in Japan.
Hence, for these types of visas, a person would have to go back to the U.S and apply for an appropriate visa. Luckily, people who travel to Japan do not require any exit or onward ticket purchase, just don’t stay longer than the visa allows.
Another new function that was featured for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is the new eVisa. All incoming travellers (form April 2020) were allowed to apply for their visa online. This feature was established to permit an easier application process and therefore, easier access to visa.
Visa to Vietnam
A unique country offering 3,000 kilometres of tropical coastline, exotic foods, exciting art and culture is another hot spot for travellers. Vietnam is also a commonly visited place, as people are encouraged to come there due to their easy access to visas. Applicants can get Vietnamese visas in multiple ways.
Similar to other visas, a valid passport with at least six-month validity remaining at the entry is required. Visas can be completed either on paper and sent by mail, at a Vietnamese travel agency (visa is given to travellers on arrival), or fully online.
Although Vietnamese travel agencies are convenient as you don’t have to do much yourself, they tend to overcharge for the visa application.
Visa to Russia
Although Russia is a European country, it does not belong to the Schengen area. Hence US travellers cannot enter Russia with ETIAS travel authorization. Moreover, between the two countries, there has always been political and historical tension – hence the process of obtaining a visa is not as easy as it seems.
To get a visa to Russia, three things need to be done: visa application must be printed and completed by the applicant with a passport-size photo. The passport must have six-month validity remaining when arriving in Russia, along with two blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps.
Photocopy of passport identification page may be asked by some visa centres. An invitation letter signed by the person who is inviting is vital, regardless of purpose of travel. This person may also get a letter of invitation form the hotel where they are staying, or a travel agency (based in Russia), through which trip booking was made.
Additionally, some immigration centres will ask for an itinerary and what travellers plan to do in Russia, applicants must make sure all their trip is planned out before they begin a visa process.
The only times a visa extension is given is for medical reasons or deaths in the family. These need to be reported as soon as a person finds out their stay will be extended.
Visa to India
India – one of the fastest-growing economies globally is also a place people visit quite often. It has been also proven that every American visits India at least once in their lifetime! Although many young adults leave the country to discover other cultures, or for educational purposes, many of them stay. And since the country has always been overpopulated there are few obstacles that U.S citizens need to overcome when traveling to India.
For all visitors, India demands to have an entry and exit Indian visa before their arrival in the country. Applicants must therefore contact their closest Indian embassy or a consulate depending on the purpose of the visit.
Moreover, since India issues their visa services to Cox and King Global Services, people are required to go through them to get a visa, even if an applicant is a U.S national. It is also essential for applicants to stay up-to-date with the latest information about Indian visa law, as it is frequently modified.
In regards to medical information – it is also advised to get the following vaccines before the travel: Hepatitis A&B vaccine, Typhoid vaccine, Tetanus vaccine, and Oral polio vaccine.
Visa to Australia
Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Australia experienced many travellers from the U.S. Although the inflow of tourists from America was high, Australia maintained their strict visa requirements, simply for safety, but also for revenue purposes – as visas are an effective way of improving economic condition.
In order to obtain an Australia visa, travellers must fill in a ‘1219 Application for a Visitor Visa’ form, which can be completed online when applying for a visa. When arriving in Australia, a physical copy of a visa is essential, even if it was sent by email. Having multiple copies is also useful in case of a sudden check by authorities.
Passport must be valid for at least 90 days at the arrival, and a blank page must be left for stamps. For long stays – proof of HIV negative may also be asked, and a positive result may have your visa rejected.
