TRAVELLISTICS

Be Aware: Some Asian Countries Require Passports for Entry

Most countries throughout Asia require a passport for entry and exiting, but they also require you to apply for an entry visa which should be done around the same time you apply or renew your passport. In these countries you need entry visas issued for the length of time you’re staying in the country that you plan to stay in that country.

Japan, China, and various countries in Southeast Asia require entry visas for at least 30-60 days. Many people who work and go to school overseas usually need these documents. People who travel seldom stay more than a month unless they’re touring or visiting someone. The average stay is about ten to fourteen days.

You have to pay out the same amount of money for a visa like you would a passport so you’re looking at a high cost for these visas of just over a $100. This cost could be more, depending on when you read this article. You should apply for visas in advance, if possible, like your passport, to ensure you have them when you travel to that country.

You can apply for entry visas to enter a specific country from the consulate office since they handle the paperwork for visas. You can contact the State department and get a referral to the appropriate consulate office where you can find out about the correct forms to fill out for your visa. Most offices have their own time frame as to when you should apply for your visa and when to expect to receive your entry visa.

For an experienced traveler it’s ideal to apply at their earliest convenience because at certain times of the year or whenever there’s a rise in travel to specific countries it can get backlogged with other travelers requesting visas. That could make the turn around time longer. The sooner you get your visa (before your travel date) the better.

Too many people think they can get visas in a week or two. However, experienced travelers who go to countries that require a visa entry usually request their visas three or more months before their travel date. That ensures a faster turn around time. It also allows some leeway in case of a backlog or other delay.

Just about every Asian country has a US Consulate office. It’s best to contact that one or the consulate of that country to request any needed documentation or to get your questions answered. Most entry visas are not difficult to apply for. You just have to indicate how long you plan on staying in the country and what the protocol is if you plan to extend it if/when possible.

In traveling to a foreign country it’s usually best to have all documentation needed for entry to be requested, processed, and sent back to you well before your travel date if possible. You don’t want to get close to your travel date and not have the required documents with you. Without the proper documents you can’t get past customs and security checks.

To assure you have minimum or much less chance of problems with your visa for Asian countries try to get everything in order well before your trip is to begin. Give it at least 90 days or preferably longer, before your scheduled departure date to process all required documents, including your entry visa, you need to be able to enter the Asian country you intend to visit.