Each country has different requirements for foreign visitors, such as entry and exit fees, passport validity when a passport expires within a few months, and whether you need a visa to accompany your passport. There are a few key differences and functions you should be aware of before visiting your nearest passport agency.
All About Passports
U.S. passports are a powerful form of identification that can access 184 countries without needing to apply for a visa. You’ll always need a passport to re-enter the U.S., so it’s the most vital documentation to carry when traveling.
In addition to being necessary for travel overseas, passports are also helpful domestically as a form of reliable ID—significantly as security standards change, which has already made some driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs obsolete as identification for domestic flights.
Applying for passports is a standard process regardless of which state you live in, so you can always make your passport application straightforward by preparing this documentation ahead of time:
- Government-issued application (form DS-11 for new passports)
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of ID
- A color passport photo
- Payment for your passport
Renewing a passport is an even more straightforward process that requires only your old passport, a new passport photo, and form DS-82 in addition to processing fees.
All About Visas
Visas work within passports to perform a specific task within another country, whether business, pleasure, or medically related. While you can travel to many places with a passport alone, more extended visits require a visa approval.
The most crucial step in applying for a visa is researching the appropriate embassy to apply and follow instructions. The U.S. Department of State has a great resource to search for visa requirements and other important information.
Generally speaking, applying for a visa remotely in another country can take two weeks to two months. Every country has different processes. You’ll be expected to come with a visa, while you can visit in person to apply for a visa in other countries.
If a travel emergency occurs and you need to get a visa quickly, you can visit visa agencies that will significantly expedite the process for a fee. Sometimes, you can get a visa processed and ready to go within 24 hours.
Countries that Require Visas as of 2022
According to the Henly & Partners Passport Index, these destinations require a visa:
- Nauru
- Iran
- Syria
- Yemen
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Russian Federation
- Türkiye
- Cuba
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- China
- India
- Japan
- Myanmar
- North Korea
- Turkmenistan
- Vietnam
- Suriname
- Venezuela
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Congo (Dem. Rep.)
- Congo (Rep.)
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- South Sudan
- Sudan
Visa and Passport Expiration
Foreign countries have different rules surrounding expiration for both passports and visas. In the case of passports, you’ll have to pay special attention when the document is within one year of expiration.
Some countries will not allow you in if your passport is less than six months from expiration, some countries have the same rule that applies to less than three months, and others will accept your passport as long as it is valid upon entry.
If your passport expires but contains a visa that is still valid, you don’t need to apply for a new visa when you get a new passport. As long as you carry both your valid and old passport with the valid visa, you’ll be able to travel as standard.
If your visa is about to expire, you may still be able to travel and remain even after your visa expires. This is because a visa’s expiration date differs from the approved time a traveler may stay in a country. For this reason, when you arrive at the entry gate, the duration of your stay may be approved even if it goes beyond your visa’s expiration date.
Visa Interviews
When you apply for a visa, you will likely have to set an appointment for an interview to get your visa approved. The questions typically asked in these interviews clarify your intent to travel so that details will be requested accordingly. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, you should be prepared to answer questions about the following:
- University and the duration of your courses if you are a student
- Current job and related company details if you are traveling for business
- Spouse, regardless of whether or not you are traveling with them
- Children, primarily if they are employed in the country, you are visiting
- Your place of temporary residence for the duration of your stay
Before You Travel
Getting your visa and passport paperwork can be stressful and time-consuming. At The Passport Office, we can ensure that your application details for a passport are accurate and get your paperwork approved in the time frame you’ll need it in! Let us help you with your passport in Miami, Orlando, Hollywood, or Tampa!
