How to Obtain a Visa for Overseas Travel

Visas are required in addition to passports to work, travel and live in most foreign countries.

A visa is a legal certificate that, along with a passport, is required for a lot of international travel. It allows you to live, work and study in foreign countries for fixed periods of time, depending on the terms of your specific visa. Most nations have a different set of qualifications regarding visas, but applying for one involves the same basic process -- visiting a national visa office of your destination.

Things You'll Need

• Visa application form
• Passport
• Passport photos
• Identification
• Proof of accommodation and income (if applicable)
• Visa fees

Instructions

1. Locate a consulate office, visa application center or national embassy of the country you wish to visit. Refer to the government directory of a phone book or an online database like Embassies Abroad (see the resources section) to find the office in your jurisdiction.

2. Set an appointment at the visa facility of your choosing to complete an application form. Oftentimes, the website of your destination's embassy will have this form available for download, which you can complete beforehand to save time during the application process.

3. Submit a valid passport and two to five copies of identical passport photos. The standard requirements for passport photos in most countries is 2 by 2 inches in size, taken against a light background. The photos must show a frontal view of the face without any glasses, hats or headwear.

4. Provide an acceptable form of personal identification, which may include a birth certificate, student or employee ID, naturalization card and other legal documentation.

5. Present a proof of accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds if necessary. A flight itinerary, confirmed hotel reservation or written invitation from a friend or relative is evidence of the nature of your stay. Certain consulate services also will request a recent bank statement or credit card statement to verify that you have adequate means of financial support during your visit.

6. Pay the visa service fee, which will vary, depending on the type of visa you purchase and whether you request expedited service. Visas are processed anywhere from one business day to several weeks and can be delivered by mail at an extra cost. They are usually paid in your local currency regardless of the foreign consulate.

References

• Visa HQ

Resources

• Embassies Abroad