Backpackers Guide 101: Passport & Visa
If you are a Untied States citizen and plan to leave the country, you will need a passport. Typically, If you are planning to stay in another country for an extended period of time (more than 3 months) to live, work, or study abroad, you will need a visa. Some countries may require a visa to enter…
Passport
A passport basically proves you are officially from somewhere and you are allowed to travel…Unless you are an illegal immigrant or a convicted felon, you will be allowed a passport no problemo.
How to obtain a passport:
- You’ll need a state issued I.D. or Driver’s License and your Birth Certificate. If you lost your Birth Certificate, get an official copy here.
- Two qualifying passport quality photos: You need to get this done professionally either at your local post office or any one of those places that post a sign saying “Passport photos done here”. It should cost you about $10-$20,
How long will it take to receive your Passport? Typically it takes 4-8 weeks, but if you need it sooner, you can get it expedited for an additional fee.
How Much? The total cost for obtaining your passport should typically cost about $60.
Get started now! Go to: The U.S. Department of State
Take care of your passport via local US post office
Did you know…The United States has the lowest number of passports for travel issued per capita than any other developed nation. By deciding to get your passport, you are already so much cooler than most people!
What if I lose my passport?
DO NOT LOSE YOUR PASSPORT! it’s worth a lot of money on the black market and you’ll have to visit the U.S. embassy abroad before leaving the country you’re in without it (which is not fun and expensive.) Be sure to make a few copies but also scan and email it to yourself.
- Click here: Visit & bookmark this webpage in case you lose your passport
Visa
What is a Visa?
A visa is an endorsement stamped on your passport by foreign customs officials that allows you to visit that country.
Do I need a Visa?
If you are going to school, getting a job or staying an extended period of time (more than 90 days) in one country then you will need a visa. Some countries do, however, require a visa simply to enter (Brazil for example). You can find out the visa requirements for any country by going to Country Specific Information via U.S. Department of State.
How to apply for a Visa
If you’re going to need a visa, you need to get in touch with the country’s embassy first. Find out the contact information for any embassy in the world at EmbassyWorld.com. Give yourself some time to go through the application process. Some countries take a week or up to 3 months to get all the paperwork done and processed. In some countries, you may have to obtain a visa for a small fee directly at the border.
Honestly, it’s all really just diplomatic retardation but you must deal with it so get your documents straight and be worry free!
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[...] require their own visas for both entry and staying for prolonged periods of time. Check out Backpackers Guide 101: Passports and Visas for complete, detailed information on this [...]