Having a valid passport and the necessary visas is the foundation for any international trip. Don’t let unexpected passport or visa issues ruin your travel plans. Plan ahead and ensure all your documents are in order before you embark on your adventure.
Your Passport to the World
Most important thing you need to travel is ofcourse your passport. To make sure you can enter a country, make sure you double check these things:
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Validity: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. So make sure to check your expiry date before booking flights or applying for visas.
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Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps. You can always put two post-it notes on 2 blank pages to make sure you will always keep 2 pages next to eachother empty.
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Renewal: Check the expiration date well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Visas: Your Entry Permit to a country
Not Always Necessary: While some countries allow visa-free entry for specific periods, others require a visa for any length of stay. Make sure you are aware of the visa requirements. Just a simple google search will help you figure out what you need for your destination country. We cover some more visa options under our destinations tap for some countries.
Types of Visas: Tourist, work or student visas are common. Each has its own requirements and restrictions. If you just want to travel a country, a tourist visa will be your best option. Do you want to work, volunteer or study? You might need a different visa.
Application Process: Research the visa application process for your destination well in advance. It can be time-consuming to apply for one, so start early. We learned that the official websites of the government are the most trust worthy. Most countries have an english site with explanations about all visa’s they grant.
Visa Fees: Factor in visa fees into your travel budget. Some countries will give you a free visa on arrival, for some you will need to apply beforehand. Be aware that some visa’s will require you to get your biometrics taken, do a health check or an english test. The costs of these additional requirements are not included in the visa price.