Whether you’re traveling to another country to work, go to school or just for a visit, you absolutely have to have the right travel documents. For some countries, you need a visa, a document giving you permission to enter the country and stay there for a specific length of time. The rest of your trip can be planned out like clockwork, but if you neglect this detail, you’ll more than likely end up stuck at home.
Applying for a visa is complicated. To show you just how crazy the process can be, here are 10 weird facts about getting a travel visa:
1. Some countries have what’s called a “jurisdictional” application process. That means that you have to apply to the correct consulate if you actually want them to process your application. For example, Brazil has 10 different jurisdictions, while India has 7.
2. Different jurisdictions may have different processing times for the exact same type of visa. For example, if you are applying for a Brazilian visa in Houston, it typically takes 15 days to process your application. However, if you are applying in New York, you can get the same visa in only 3 days.
3. Different jurisdictions also have different fees for the exact same visa. For example, if you apply for a Brazilian visa in Washington, DC, you’ll pay $140. In Houston, the same visa costs $150.00.
4. You may have to do more than just fill out paperwork. Countries may require physicals and immunizations depending on where you’ve been. Physicals are usually if required if you’re staying long-term or if you need a work visa. African nations like Ghana, Nigeria, Chad or Congo require yellow fever vaccinations. Other countries may also require you to be up-to-date on your shots if you’ve been Africa recently.
5. Say cheese! Different countries require different numbers of passport photos with your visa application. For example, Ghana requires 4, while other countries require only 2.
6. Some countries require financial statements, to make sure you don’t run out of cash and get stranded on their soil. For example, Nigeria requires that you have a certain minimum balance, or, failing that, someone willing to vouch for you. (more…)
