How to get a travel visa

Visiting other countries for an extended period gives you a chance to experience different cultures and explore new and exotic places in depth. 

Before you jet off on your next international adventure, take a few minutes to get familiar with travel visa requirements and the application process. Taking the time now to ensure your passport and travel visa documentation are in place could help you feel more prepared for your trip.

What you’ll learn:

• A passport is a government-issued document used for international travel that confirms the holder’s identity. 

• A visa is a document that shows the holder has permission to work, study or visit another country for a set amount of time, usually over 90 days.

• Tourist visa requirements are different from country to country, but the U.S. State Department website lists specific visa requirements for other countries.

A travel visa may be required for U.S. citizens to work, study or visit for an extended period. One thing to keep in mind about international travel is that every country has different visa requirements. So it’s important to understand the specifics of the country you plan on visiting. 

The State Department has a destination search tool that shows you visa requirements and other pertinent information for any country you plan to visit. 

When leaving the U.S., you’ll need a passport to enter another country. You may or may not need a visa, depending on the country you visit. What’s the difference between a visa and a passport? Think of a passport as an official identity document made for international travel. It contains personal identifying information including your name, birth date, passport number and photo. 

A visa permits you to enter a country for a specified period of time and for a specific purpose, such as a job. To obtain a visa, you have to provide certain information, including how long you intend to stay if your visa is approved.

Unlike passports, there are several types of visas. Here is a brief rundown of the different types of visas you may need when traveling abroad:

• Tourist visa: If you’re traveling abroad strictly for tourism purposes, a tourist visa might allow you to stay in the country for three months or longer.

• Business visa: If you’re entering another country for a specific work purpose, you may need a business visa. They tend to be issued for short-term visits that facilitate business-related activities, including meetings and conferences.

• Student visa: A student visa gives someone enrolled in school the right to stay in another country for academic or vocational studies or both. 

• Work visa: Unlike a business visa, a work visa gives the visitor the right to work and earn a paycheck in another country. Whereas a business visa allows you to visit for a current job, a work visa allows you to visit to find a potential job.

Electronic Travel Authorization: ETAs, for short, aren’t technically a type of visa, but they serve a similar purpose. And they might be required in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, that otherwise may not require a visa. 

Now you know what travel visas are, but you might be asking yourself, “Where can I get a travel visa?” There’s no one universal way to obtain one because every country has its own travel visa laws and regulations. But here are some quick steps you might take if you’re preparing for an extended stay abroad:

1. Research your destination. The State Department’s international travel tool has information on visa requirements for your destination country, along with any required vaccinations, currency restrictions, U.S. Embassy contact information and more. 

2. Join STEP. The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provides you with email security and health alerts, travel advisory updates and more about your destination country. This free service also helps the U.S. Embassy or consulate contact you in case of an emergency.

3. Check your passport. Make sure your passport is valid and not set to expire within six months. Many countries require your passport to be valid for three or even six months beyond your planned departure date.

4. Complete the travel visa application. Some countries allow you to apply for a visa online. Others require a hard copy application. You may also need to provide documents including the identification page of your passport, proof of U.S. residency and photo. Fees vary by country.

Unlike a passport, a travel visa may be required for anyone who intends to work, study or travel in another country for long periods of time. As you plan your journey, the State Department’s destination search tool is a helpful resource for understanding specific visa requirements. 

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