Traveling internationally this year? In case you are, we thought we should review some of the facts around passports and VISA requirements. Often there are new regulations and changes, that each of us is responsible for knowing; we need to be up on the requirements for the countries we plan to visit. VISA and Passport requirements are varied; here are some helpful reminders as you plan that next trip:
Ø Travel documents all need to match in Name and Date-of-Birth
Ø The passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date
Ø VISAS are required for many countries and the process varies by country
Ø VISA regulations and fees mirror those set by the US Government; how the US regulates other countries’ citizens coming to the US, the other countries reciprocate in regulations & fees
Ø A passport must have two blank adjoining pages for any VISA and they can not be the last two pages
Ø Apply for the correct type of VISA – Business vs. Visitor; if you have the incorrect type it can be very costly
Also, we recently learned that anyone visiting China beginning in September may find additional restrictions and VISA requirements. October represents the 60th anniversary of the current Chinese form of government. They may impose additional restrictions and require a new VISA for some who wish to visit this fall. If you currently hold a VISA to visit China and have plans to travel there later this year, as your travel date gets closer please check with the Chinese Consulate to determine the status of your VISA.