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Qatar Visa Requirements to See the Rock Carvings of Al Jassasiya

April 17th, 2011

Qatar is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries to visit, especially at the moment. While it’s not as famous of a destination as, say, Jordan, there are still plenty of interesting things to see and do. For example, if you travel into the desert northeast of the capital city of Doha, you’ll find some gorgeous and astonishingly well-preserved petroglyphs. The rock carvings of Al Jassasiya are a true mystery. Very little is known about the people who carved them or what the carvings themselves mean. Nonetheless, they are a spectacular sight. Here’s how Kirstin Amro described them for Vagabondish:

“After initially finding the rock carvings, it was thereafter impossible to miss them. Dozens of dhows (ancient Qatari boats) sailed across the limestone rock in their numbers, their thin oars stretching like elegant fingers in neat rows. Between the dhows sprang tidy carvings of daisies. Scattered amongst the rest of the carvings were orderly rows of cups, roughly seven to nine in number, etched deep into the rock.”

To enter Qatar, an American citizen needs a passport and a visa. Qatar visas are available on arrival, but you can also apply for one in advance before you leave the US, which will reduce the amount of time you have to spend at the airport doing paperwork. See Getting a Qatar Tourist Visa for details.

If you decide to get your visa in advance, RushMyTravelVisa can help. We’ll walk you through the paperwork and give you a handy checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your Qatar visa to be approved. Plus, we’ll review your itinerary to make sure you know exactly what documents are required for each stage of journey, including any required transit visas.

Apply for your Qatar visa today!

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Things You Can Do With A Nepal Visa: Hike Everest in Solitude

April 16th, 2011

Nepal is a backpacker’s paradise, but while it’s known for its absolutely stunning scenery, it’s not known for providing solitude. Most backpackers look at the heavily-trafficked main trails as an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. But some of us are a little more misanthropic. We prefer to walk alone.

Now, my fellow misanthropes can have their cake and eat it, too, so to speak: A relatively new loop trail, the Three Passes Trek, takes you around the Himalayas and through Everest Base Camp, while avoiding the crowds for most of the route. New York Times travel writer Alex Hutchinson recently hiked the route with his wife, and from his description it sounds just as spectacular as any trail in Nepal. Check it out:

“Behind us, looming above a turquoise glacial lake, was Mount Everest. In front of us, an immense stone staircase led down into a valley dotted with roofless stone shelters and the occasional yak — a ribbon of green hemmed in by the soaring gray and white of Himalayan rock and ice.”

Of course, there are downsides to scenery this striking: Mr. Hutchinson and his wife ended up taking a wrong turn and getting temporarily turned around. Make sure you have a map and a compass and that you know how to use them.

You’ll also need a Nepal visa, which you can either obtain at the airport when you enter Nepal or before you leave the United States. For details, see Nepal Visa Requirements for Tourists.

Also, to backpack in Nepal you need a trekking permit, which you can get from the Department of Immigration.

If you want to get your visa ahead of time, RushMyTravelVisa can help.  Your visa specialist will analyze and research your itinerary to make sure you have the appropriate visas in hand, including any transit visas that may be required. Then, we’ll walk you through the paperwork and expedite your application with the Nepal embassy for the fastest processing possible.

Apply for your Nepal visa today!

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Get a Brazil Visa to See the Church of our Lord of Bonfim

April 15th, 2011

Salvador de Bahia is the largest city on the northeastern coast of Brazil.  It is known as the “City of All Saints” and “Brazil’s capital of happiness.” It’s also home to the celebrated and unusual Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (that’s “Church of our Lord of the Good End” in Portuguese.) The church is believed to be especially sacred, and every year thousands of pilgrims come here to pray.

The Church is the site of an important annual festival that incorporates both Catholic and Candomble traditions. The Festa do Bonfim happens every year in early January.  People from all over Brazil gather at the Church of Conceição da Praia, then walk in a procession to the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Once there, a group of women in traditional white dresses and bonnets wash the steps of the church with fragrant, perfumed water. Although the church is Catholic, the white clothing is to honor the Candomble God Oxala, whom worshippers identify with Jesus.

The procession and ceremony is followed by ten days of feasting and celebration, culminating in a special Mass. It’s quite a spectacle, and definitely worth seeing if you aren’t particularly religious.

The church’s most unusual feature, though, is the Sala dos Milagres, or the “Room of Miracles.” Imagine a room with white wax body parts hanging from the ceiling: everything from hands and feet to internal organs, cast in ghostly white wax. It might sound like a scene from a horror movie or the perfect setting for a metal video, but as the name implies, it’s actually a place where people pray to be healed. The wax body parts represent the part of the person that requires healing. (h/t Bootsnall)

Before you can visit the church, you’ll need to get to Brazil, and that means getting a Brazil visa. The process can be somewhat complicated – see Brazilian Visa Requirements for Tourists for details.

However, RushMyTravelVisa can help. We’ll walk you through the visa application process, make sure you have all the documents you need, and submit your Brazil visa application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Brazil visa today!

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Sail Away to Bocas del Toro with a Panama Visa

April 9th, 2011

A 30-minute ferry ride away from the Panamanian mainland, the Bocas del Tora archipelago is laid back and beautiful, a perfect place to catch your breath and chill out. Bocas Town on Isla Colon is the largest community on the island chain, and while it still has a small-town feel, the growth of tourism in the region means that there are lots of places to stay, nightlife and fine dining options available.

The surrounding islands offer surfing, snorkeling and other outdoor activities. Track jaguars in the ancient rainforests of the Parque Internacional la Amistad, lounge on isolated tropical beaches or catch a wave on your surfboard – it’s up to you.

Unfortunately, this archipelago’s isolation and tranquility may soon be lost to development. Lonely Planet says: “It’s difficult to predict the future of the province, but one thing is certain – see Bocas now; its unspoiled beauty won’t last much longer.”

Depending on your travel plans, you may or may not need a Panama visa to do that. Most US citizens flying into Panama won’t need a visa. Tourist cards can be purchased at the airport upon arrival, and the cost may even be included in your ticket.

However, if you’re arriving by land, you’ll definitely need to apply for a Panama visa before you leave the states. Also, if your travel plans call for you to enter and exit the country more than once, you can apply ahead of time for a multiple-entry visa.

Here’s what you need to get a Panama visa if you’re traveling as a tourist:

  • Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after the date you enter Panama
  • 1 completed visa application
  • 1 passport photo
  • A copy of your itinerary.
  • A copy of your plane tickets (if you’re flying in)
  • A letter if invitation or a copy of your hotel reservation.
  • A copy of your bank statement.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get a visa for Panama, as well as any other countries on your itinerary. We’ll research the requirements for the countries you plan to visit, ensuring that you have all the paperwork you need to travel and no unpleasant last-minute surprises. Then, we’ll help you with the application process and expedite your paperwork with the Panama embassy for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Panama visa today!

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    Belarus Visa Requirements for Tourists

    April 8th, 2011

    Though the Soviet Union officially broke up in 1991, in many ways Belarus never left. The country’s economy is still primarily owned by the state, and while Belarus is technically a republic, the country has a reputation of being a place where political dissent is an activity that’s neither encouraged nor good for one’s health.

    For all that, Belarus’ attractions beckon both city people and nature lovers alike. The cities thrive with excellent nightlife, and the natural parks are wild and impressive. Plus, there’s the Belarusian people themselves. Lonely Planet says that “while travelers will always be subject to curiosity, they’ll invariably also be on the receiving end of extremely warm hospitality” while in Belarus.

    Before you can experience that hospitality for yourself, however, you’ll need a Belarus visa. Apply early, because you’ll need to have enough time to get your visa back before you travel. Belarus does not issue visas on arrival, so you’ll be out of luck if you don’t get yours ahead of time. Here are the documents you will need to apply:

    • 1 Belarus visa application form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • If you are going on an organized tour, submit a letter from the tour company verifying your reservation with them and your itinerary.
    • If you are traveling by yourself, you need a hotel reservation from an authorized Belarusian travel agency. The agency will give you an authorization number to write on the application form.
    • If you are a former Soviet/Belarusian, you will also need to prove how you lost your Soviet/Belarusian citizenship. Generally, you can use the documents you used to get your US citizenship.
    • Your US passport

    RushMyTravelVisa can guide you through the Belarusian visa process. We’ll help you with the paperwork, answer any questions you might have, and expedite your paperwork so you get your visa ASAP.

    Need a Belarus visa? Let us help!

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    Ghana Visa Requirements to Visit Mole National Park

    April 6th, 2011

    When most people think of visiting Africa, they think of going on a safari. The wildlife is definitely not the only reason to visit Ghana, but it’s not something you should miss while you’re there, either. After all, when are you going to get another chance to see elephants, hippos and baboons in person, outside of a zoo?

    With 93 species of animals, the best place to see wildlife in Ghana is Mole National Park . You’ll be able to check out elephants, hippos, warthogs, water buffalo and more, all in their natural habitat. Some of the elephants will even play games with you. According to TouringGhana.com, Onipa Nua is a bit of a ham: a wild elephant who poses for photos with tourists. Meanwhile, Action, another elephant, likes to play practical jokes on human visitors: charging cars and acting upset just to see them jump!

    To visit Mole National Park, you’ll need a passport and a visa. You must apply for your Ghana visa in advance, and allow enough time to receive it before you leave the country. Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 4 copies of the Ghana visa application form. To avoid getting writer’s cramp, you can photocopy the application, BUT each form must have your original signature on it. Be sure to sign each copy individually.
    • A copy of your international yellow fever vaccine certificate. Keep the original-you will need to carry it with you to enter Ghana.
    • A copy of your round-trip plane tickets or your travel itinerary.
    • Your US passport, which must be valid for at least 6 more months and have a blank page in the back where the visa can be attached.

    Single-Entry visas cost $50 and are valid for 3 months from the date they are issued, while multiple-entry visas cost $80.00. If you require expedited service, the Ghana Embassy charges an additional fee of $30.00.

    With RushMyTravelVisa, getting a Ghana visa is quick and easy. We’ll help you with the paperwork and expedite your visa with the Ghana embassy for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Ghana visa today!

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    Get an Indian Visa to Visit Manas National Park

    April 3rd, 2011

    This week’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places in the world to see a variety of endangered animals, including the elusive tiger.

    Manas National Park is located in the Himalayan foothills in Assam, next to the border with Bhutan. It’s not just a national park, it’s also a Project Tiger Reserve and an elephant reserve. The tiger population within the park is the second-highest in all of India.

    Tigers aren’t the only big cats here, either. Leopards and clouded leopards are also present, as well as a variety of smaller wild cats.

    The park encompasses both grassland and forest habitats, so the wildlife is quite diverse. In addition to the tigers, notable forest animals include the slow loris, several different types of langurs, sloth bears and an unusual armored anteater called the pangolin. Grassland animals include the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant and wild Asian buffalo.

    Tourist lodges and bungalows are available for visitors. Tours are available by Jeep, by rafting one of the rivers and by elephant.

    First, though, you’ll need a passport and an Indian visa. You must apply for your Indian visa in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Your US passport
    • 2 recent passport-sized photos. Eyeglasses are not permitted in the photos and they must have been taken within the past 6 months.
    • A completed Indian visa application form. To ensure that your application is accepted, write neatly and look over the application carefully to catch mistakes. Also, make sure that you enter in “tourism” in the section that asks you to state why you are traveling to India, as opposed to describing the attractions you intend to see while you are there.
    • A copy of your plane tickets or your itinerary.
    • A legible copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill showing your name and address.
    • A copy of your birth certificate.

    When you apply for your Indian visa with RushMyTravelVisa, our trained visa specialists will focus on making your experience as hassle-free as possible. We’ll help you with the paperwork and expedite your visa with the Indian embassy for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Indian visa today!

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    Thai Visa Requirements to Get Wet at Songkran

    April 3rd, 2011

    T.S. Eliot wrote that “April is the cruelest month,” and that’s not so far from the truth in Thailand.  It’s the hottest month, at least, with temperatures that often break 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Relief from the heat comes during Songkran, an annual festival that runs from April 13 to April 15th. It was originally the Thai New Year celebration, though nowadays Thailand celebrates New Year’s on January 1st.

    Traditionally, Songkran was a time to engage in “spring cleaning,” both physically and spiritually, as well as to honor one’s elders. Many people still observe some of these customs, cleaning their houses as well as bathing their Buddha statues in fragrant water and traveling home to spend time with parents, grandparents and other older relatives.

    However, the main attraction, especially if you’re a tourist, is the endless water fights in the streets.  Natives and tourists alike arm themselves with water balloons, buckets and water guns of all shapes and sizes, and hit the town. Anybody outside is fair game, though according to Nomadic Matt most people will refrain from soaking you if you’re holding a  camera or smoking a cigarette.

    If you’d like to attend the world’s biggest water fight, the biggest Songkran celebrations are in the northern city of Chiang Mai, though Bangkok is also a good place to go.  You’ll need a valid passport, naturally, and you’ll also need a Thai visa.

    If you’re only staying in Thailand for a short time, you can just get a visa on arrival.  If you fly in, you’ll be given a 30-day visa, and if you enter by land you’ll get 15 days. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, you can get a tourist visa in advance that’s good for 60 days.  See Thailand Visa Requirements for Tourists for details.

    If you’re applying for a visa ahead of time, RushMyTravelVisa can help. We’ll research your itinerary to make sure you have the documents you need for each stage of your trip, and we’ll help you with the paperwork and answer any questions you may have. Then, we’ll take your visa application directly to the Thai Embassy for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Thai visa today!

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    An Ethiopian Visa: Your Ticket to Adventure

    April 2nd, 2011

    Are you looking for an adventure travel destination that’s way off the beaten path? Gadling recommends taking a trip to Ethiopia’s Somali region.

    Though there aren’t many visitors and amenities are scarce, if you’re not averse to “roughing”it there are a lot of attractions. Alibilal Cave is covered with prehistoric cave paintings of African wildlife like giraffe and gazelle. Meanwhile, a nearby national park gives you the opportunity to see these animals in person, plus lions and elephants. Even better, the region is overflowing with hot springs to relax in.

    But the people are quite possibly the best part of the trip. Gadling’s Sean McLachlan writes:

    “The culture here preserves itself by oral traditions. Sitting with a clan elder and listening to his stories can be a one-of-a-kind experience. The Somali region is the easiest place to experience Somali culture, being cheaper than Somaliland and far safer than Somalia.“

    If you want to visit the region while it’s still relatively undiscovered, you’ll need a passport and an Ethiopian visa. Americans entering the country via Bole International Airport are eligible for to apply for an Ethiopian visa on arrival, but you shouldn’t expect the process to be easy or smooth. According to the Department of State, travelers sometimes experience difficulty during the visa-on-arrival process and end up “significantly delayed.” So, if you’re thinking of applying for a visa when you arrive, the question you need to ask yourself is this: Do you feel lucky, punk? If you’d rather not chance it, just apply for your visa in advance.

    If you’re entering through another airport or crossing into the country by land, you must apply for your visa in advance.

    To get an Ethiopian visa, you need the following documents:

    • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
    • Your US passport

    RushMyTravelVisa can make the process easy and quick. Our visa specialists will research your itinerary to make sure you know exactly what the visa requirements are for each stage of your journey. Then, we’ll walk you through the paperwork and expedite your application for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

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      Indonesian Visa Requirements To Walk With Orangutans in Sumatra

      March 30th, 2011

      The orangutan is a fascinating but increasingly rare creature. The only species of great ape native to Asia, its numbers have declined drastically over the past few decades, mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. There were only about 61,234 left in the wild as of 2007; a disturbing decline from the population of 76,300 that scientists estimated were left between 2000 and 2003 (via Wikipedia). However, if you’re tough enough to handle the Indonesian jungle, you can still see these “men of the forest” up close in their natural habitat… for now.

      Mark Wiens of GoBackpacking recently went on an orangutan trek in Sumatra. He writes:

      “It was a truly magnificent site. The bulkiness of the Orangutans miraculously swung through the branches of the trees with effortless ease. The weight of their heavy bodies were supported by rubbery limbs that seemed to just bounce from tree to tree and then spring back as the ape released grip.”

      Heat, sweat and insects aside, it sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To experience it yourself, you’ll need a passport and an Indonesian visa. When it comes to getting the visa, you have two options: apply before you leave the US or apply when you arrive in Indonesia. If you’d prefer to beat a hasty retreat from the airport to your hotel after the long flight, applying in advance will give you an edge. Either way, here’s a handy list of the required documents:

      • Your passport, which must be valid for 6 months and have a complete, pristinely blank page in the back for the visa.
      • 2 completed Indonesian visa application forms
      • 2 passport photos
      • A copy of your most recent bank statement
      • A letter from your boss verifying that you are employed or on a leave of absence. If you don’t have a job, you’ll need to include a detailed letter explaining that fact.
      • An itinerary letter that explains why you are going to Indonesia.

      RushMyTravelVisa can help you with the paperwork and expedite your visa for the fastest possible processing. Our service makes applying for a visa easy, quick and painless.

      Apply for your Indonesian visa today!

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