How to File for a Travel Visa

Many foreign countries require a visa in addition to your passport. You can apply for a visa at the nearest consulate of each country you plan to visit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Telephones
• Passport Services
• Postage Stamps
• Visa Services
• Envelopes
• Writing Pens

1. Call the consulate of the first country you intend to visit and ask for immigration services. Most consulates are located in Washington, D.C., within area code 202; many major U.S. cities also have consular offices.
2. Ask if you need a tourist visa to visit this country.
3. Request an application by mail if a visa is required.
4. Fill out the application as soon as you receive it. Describe the estimated length and nature of your visit where indicated.
5. Make a copy of your application to keep for your records.
6. Attach any required fee and photos, and return the original application to the consulate by mail or fax, as appropriate. Be sure to submit it early, since processing can take several weeks.
7. Keep your visa with your passport, when it arrives.
8. Repeat the application process for other countries as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to send passport photos with your application. For long, multicountry trips, you may want to have 10 or more photos taken at once for convenience.
• Leave plenty of time for your application to be processed, as complications are common.