With recent media coverage of healthcare cost nightmares in the US, foreigners traveling there have understandably started becoming concerned about the average cost of a doctor visit or a trip to the ER.

Having Travel Health insurance while visiting the USA is optional, but highly recommended and necessary since health services are very costly, more than in any other country anywhere across the globe.

But, just how much does a doctor visit cost in the US? Will visitors have to leave half of their life savings at the hospital because of a simple sprain? What if a more serious medical emergency pops up? What if you get into an accident?

How Much is a Doctor’s Visit Without Insurance in the USA?

The average cost of a doctor’s visit in the US is not too high – provided it is just a consultation and you do not need actual medical treatment. In these cases, the price can range from $200-$300.

On the other hand, if you actually are sick or have sustained an injury and need to visit the Emergency Room, then the prices can quickly add up.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health, the average cost of an ER visit in the US is $2168. The average prices for some of the most common reasons for ER visits are as follows:

• For sprains and strains: $1498
• For open wounds or extremities: $1650
• For a normal pregnancy or delivery: $2008
• For a headache: $1727
• For back problems: $1476
• For a kidney stone: $4247
• For a urinary tract infection (UTI): $2598
• For an upper respiratory infection: $1101
• For an intestinal infection: $2398
• For other injuries: $2103

However, the cost of an ER visit depends on several other factors such as the coverage of your health insurance plan (or whether you have an insurance plan at all) and even which hospital you go to. Additionally, your treatment and even your doctor may affect the cost of your hospital visit.

And keep in mind that the earlier figures are an average, which means some people pay much more than that.

Medical Treatment Costs in USA

The US has some of the highest prices in the world regarding medical treatment, and if you don’t have health insurance, a sprained ankle or another unexpected injury during your trip could end up costing you thousands of dollars. One of the reasons why an ER visit in the US can reach such high prices is due to the cost of medical tests and procedures.

Ambulances

In the US, an ambulance ride is not paid from taxpayer money. Much like the rest of the healthcare services in the US, ambulances are also a private business and can reach hefty fees.

• The cost for an ambulance ranges from $400 to over $1200, depending on the mileage.
• The cost for an air ambulance ranges from $2,000 to upwards of $200,000

Medical tests/screenings

Doctors in the US tend to order more medical tests as compared to other countries. This has been referred to as “defensive medicine” – as a way of protecting themselves from a possible lawsuit. What’s more, these tests are also more expensive.

• Blood tests can range from $100 to upwards of $3,000 in price
• An X-Ray can range from $150 to over $3,000
• An MRI can cost from $1,000 to more than $5,000

Medications

Another reason why medical costs are so high in the US is because the government does not negotiate the prices of prescription drugs with pharmaceutical companies before they release them. As such, these prices are often very high. Diabetes medication, for example, can cost upwards of $500.

On the other hand, you can find over-the-counter medication (cold medicine, pain reliever etc) for very reasonable prices.

Surgery

Prices for surgical procedures in the US depend on the type of procedure you need. For example, tonsillectomy can set you back from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Gallbladder removal is at least $10,000 whereas brain and heart surgery can reach hundreds of thousands.

In addition, you may also be required to pay additional fees for hospital stay, per-hour costs of the operating room as well as the anesthesia.

Hospitalization

The price of a hospital stay in the US can change from one hospital to the other, but on average, it is about $3,000 per day. This means that a ten-day recovery period may set you back $30,000.

If your condition requires you to recover in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the price is even higher than that.

Dental treatment

A trip to the dentist can also be pricey, although it’s not going to put you at risk of bankruptcy. A dental examination costs about $50, whereas a tooth extraction is set at about $280. Average prices for some other common dental problems are:

• Tooth filling: $115 – $190
• Root canal: $695
• Sedated tooth removal: $217
• Wisdom tooth removal: $175

Health Insurance for Tourists in the US

Unlike for Schengen Visas, tourists to the US do not necessarily have to purchase travel health insurance before they enter the country. However, when faced with the hefty fees, obtaining short-term travel health insurance is the superior option to paying from your own pocket. If nothing, it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if something happens, you won’t be at risk of going bankrupt from a visit to the ER.

The price of the insurance plan changes. It can be as little as $2 per day to over $10 per day, depending on the coverage you select, the number of days you are staying in the US, as well as your age.

Health Insurance for Expatriates in the US

If you intend to live in the US long-term, you have to get private health insurance. Again, health insurance in the US is not compulsory. You have the option of forgoing it but it will be at your own risk.

If you are a US Work Visa holder, in many cases, your employer will provide health insurance for you. If they do not, you must purchase it yourself through an international health insurance company.

If you are an international student, you can get F1 Visa Health Insurance, which is often offered by the school as a compulsory insurance plan with predetermined coverage. Even so, you usually have to pay for the insurance plan yourself.

Health insurance plans in the US cost an average of $400 per month, depending on the state as well as the coverage and the health insurance company you choose.

Note: Please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and that the costs displayed are an average and may differ from state to state and even from one hospital or one doctor to the other.

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What Are the US Visitor Visas?

The US visitor visas allow its holder to go to the US short-term visits for a maximum of six months.Because there are two main purposes that visitors can go to the US, there are also two types of visitor visas into the B category:

• B1 visa is the visa which allows you to enter the US with the purpose of doing business with a company within the US.
• B2 visa is the visa which allows you to enter the US with the purpose of tourism, pleasure, or visit to friends and family.

B1 vs B2 Visa

The main difference between a B1 and a B2 visa is that a B1 visa is issued for business reasons and the B2 permit is for tourism purposes to the US. Both of these visas are issued for a period of six months with the possibility of an extension to a year. 

Here is a side by side comparison of the activities allowed under a B1 and a B2 visa:

US Visitor Visa Checker

What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?*TourismVisit Family MembersMedical TreatmentTransitAttend an Event or ConferenceAttend Business MeetingsNegotiate Business DealsGO BACKCONTINUE

Besides each individual visa, there is also a combination of both B1 and B2 visas; however, that is more rarely sought out.

The benefit of the US visitor visas is that there is no cap on the number issued in a year, and those who abide by the rules can get it as many times as they want as long as they fulfill the criteria.

What are the Limitations of the B1/B2 Visas for USA?

With a B1/B2 visa, you are allowed to visit and travel the US, but you are strictly forbidden from doing these activities:

• Become a full or part-time student.
• Perform and get paid for it.
• Work in press or journalism.
• Engage in any form of employment.
• Enter as a crewmember on an aircraft or ship.
• Seek permanent residence in the US.

How to Apply for the Visitor Visas?

The application for visitor visas is quite straightforward and goes through much of the similar process as other US nonimmigrant visas. This means that you apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

For those who need a visa to visit the US, the following steps need to be followed:

Fill in Form DS-160

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is a standard form required for a US visitor visa. It has various sections depending on the type of US visa that you are applying for. You must find the section for the visitor visas (either B1 visa or B2 visa) and fill the necessary spaces. It will ask about your personal information, background, and purpose of visit to the US. At the end, you will get a confirmation page and code which you need to retain for later.

You can fill the DS-160 form online through:

• the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
• by using the services of a third party company such as VisaExpress.

Why do we advise to apply through VisaExpress?

• VisaExpress’s staff will fill in the form DS-160 to book your B1/B2 visa appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate.
• They will provide you with a complete list of required documents for your B1/B2 Visa application and will check your prepared application file to make sure your application has the highest possible prospect of success.
• The staff of VisaExpress will offer 24/7 online support regarding your B1/B2 visa application.
• If your US visa application is successful VisaExpress will get you your B1/B2 visa quickly.
• In the event of denied entry to the US they offer Travel Protection that will cover your financial expenses.
• VisaExpress is a specialized company in processing US visa applications and has helped over 65,000 people enter the United States. They provide end-to-end visa assistance to help you successfully enter the United States.

Click here to start your B1/B2 visa application through VisaExpress now!

Pay the US visitor visa application fee

The application fee for the US visitor visas is $160. Besides this fee, you might have to pay visa issuance fees which are determined based on the relationship of your country with the US.

Schedule your visitor visa interview

All visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to attend a US visitor visa interview with an official from the US Embassy they are applying in. To learn more about how to schedule a US visa interview, visit the following article.

Compile your document file for the B1/B2 visas

When you go to the US Embassy, you need to support your case as to why the US Embassy has to give you a visa. To apply for a US visitor visa, you need to compile a document file which contains the

• Standard required documents for every US visa and
• the specific document requirements for the B1 visa
• or the required documents for the B2 visa.

Attend your interview

With your document file and depending on the type of visitor visa you are seeking, attend your interview. During the interview, the official will mostly concentrate on your intent to return to your home country. Many people try to go into the US with visitor visas and find employment illegally, so you must prove that you will return.

To increase your chances of having a successful US. Visitor Visa application you can use the services of VisaExpress.

Specializing in processing visa applications with accuracy, VisaExpress has helped over 65,000 people enter the United States.

The experienced VisaExpress agents will carefully handle your application and offer the help you need during your US. Visitor Visa Application.

Click here to start your US. Visitor visa application now!

How Long do the USA Visitor Visas take to Process?

The processing time for the B1/B2 visa can vary from a few weeks to a few months. If you have a specific date that you need to be in the US in, it is best to apply as early as possible so that you can allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Do I Need to Obtain Health Insurance as a Visitor in the United States?

No. Purchasing health insurance is not a requirement of the US authorities to issue a visa. However, considering the high costs of the American healthcare system you are strongly advised to get health insurance before traveling to the United States.

For instance, the treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital for one night may cost over $10,000, on average.

Here you can find more information about travel insurance plans for visitors in the United States:

• Travel Insurance for visitors to the USA
• Travel Insurance for visiting parents in the USA
• Pregnant Women Travel Insurance

How Long Are the US Visitor Visas Valid?

US Visitor visas are given for a period 1 month up to 10 years. The maximum stay on a visitor visa is six months, but bear in mind that you are not allowed to work during that time, so you must prove you can afford to stay for that period of time.

B1/B2 Visa Extension

If you want a B1/B2 visa extension, you must provide a valid reason as to why you need to stay and submit documents supporting your case. Additionally, during the time that you are in the US with a visitor visa, you can try to change your status to a longer-term visa. However, if your purpose is this, then you need to inform the officials at the Embassy during your interview. If you do not inform them, then you need to prove that you did not intend to change your status at the beginning of your trip and the opportunity came later on.

Can I Get a Green Card With the Visitor Visas?

Since the visitor visas are temporary and require you to prove that you will return to your home country, it is difficult to get permanent residence. You can do so only if you are able to change your status to a longer-term visa which allows dual intent (applying for a Green Card), marrying in the US, or applying to join your family.

Can I Bring my Dependents With a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visas do not have dependents visas, so if you want to travel with your family, they must also get the appropriate visitor visas.

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In addition to the Tourist Visa, all foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, must also get a Mexico Tourist Card before they enter Mexico.

Though the two sound similar and in many cases go together, they are not the exact same thing.

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Visa?

You need a Tourist Visa for Mexico unless you are from one of the countries on the table below. Nationals of the following countries are free to travel to Mexico without obtaining a Tourist Visa, provided that their stay is for less than 180 days:

However, even citizens of other countries can be exempt from a Mexico Tourist Visa if they have a Schengen or US visa.

What is a Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico tourist card, (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, FMM) is a permit that every foreign national must get before they can enter Mexico. It states the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country, and you must depart before those days are up. The Forma Migratoria Múltiple is a permit that shows that the holder residing in Mexico is simply a tourist and is not allowed to work. You must always keep the card with you.

Everyone who enters Mexico as a tourist must get a Tourist Card. This also includes nationals of the countries that are exempt from Mexico Tourist Visas.

You can get the Tourist Card at a Mexican point of entry upon arrival and some airlines even offer the Tourist Card along with their ticket price. However, you can also obtain a Mexico Tourist Card online up to 7 days before you intend to travel.

The difference between the two is that visa-required nationals have to apply for a tourist visa at an embassy. If they get the visa, then they must also get a Tourist Card. Visa-exempt foreigners, on the other hand, only have to get the Tourist Card before they enter or travel to Mexico – there’s no need for a Tourist Visa.

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Tourist Visa?

The documents you submit when applying for a Mexico Tourist Visa include:

• A Mexico Tourist Visa Application Form printed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians have to sign the application form.
• A passport or other travel document, which is valid for at least another six months from the time you will enter Mexico. I must also have blank pages so the visa can be affixed.
  • Also, include a photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
• Passport-size pictures, with the following Mexico specifications:
  • Recent – no older than six months
  • Dimensions: 35 mm x 45 mm
  • Colored
  • Taken in front of a white background
  • Neutral facial expression
  • No glasses or headwear
• Booked return travel ticket, showing when you intend to depart Mexico.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay via bank statements from the last three months.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or the name and address of someone in Mexico (if you’ll be staying with friends/family)
• Employment status documents, such as:
  • If you are employed: A letter from your employer stating your position in the company, the time you will be absent, and that they do not object to your absence.
  • If you are a student: A letter from your educational institution, confirming your enrollment and providing details of your course.
  • If you are self-employed: Depending on your situation, you may submit investment certificates, property deeds, commercial registration, etc
• Cover letter addressed to the Mexico embassy. The letter must explain the reason you are travelling and give details of your trip, such as the dates of entry and departure and where you will stay, etc.
• Mexico visa fee
• If travelling for business or you have been invited by an organization:
  • An original invitation or sponsorship letter, which states your full name, the company’s name, and registration, what activity you will be doing in Mexico, and an estimated period of your stay
  • Photocopy of the ID of the person signing the letter
  • Bank statements from the last 12 months of the company sponsoring you (if applicable)
• If travelling to attend a short-term study course (less than 180 days):
  • Acceptance letter from the educational institution
  • Proof you can afford the tuition and living costs or proof of a scholarship

How to Apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa at a Mexican embassy. The application process is as follows:

1. Contact the Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies around the world here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can usually find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply. You can either complete the form by typing it on your computer (if possible) then printing it or by writing with legible typed letters after you have printed it. The first option may not always be available, so follow the instructions on the form or of the embassy.
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed.
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the Mexico visa will be affixed to your passport.

Keep in mind: The application process for a visa for Mexico can change slightly depending on the country from which you are applying. Different Mexico embassy offices have their own specific requirements, including the method for paying the Mexico visa fee, their opening hours and days, and appointment requirements. This is why the first step when you apply for a Mexico visa is to contact a Mexican embassy.

Applying for a Mexico Tourist Visa Online

Citizens of Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine are eligible to apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa online if they will travel by plane. This is called the Electronic Travel Authorization (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE), and is valid for one entry. For a more detailed explanation of the Mexico visa application process, see here.

Mexico Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Mexico visa depends on which embassy you apply in. Some embassies process Mexican Tourist Visas in as little as two days, while others may take weeks. It is advisable that you contact the Mexican embassy in order to set up an appointment at least four weeks before you intend to travel.

Mexico Tourist Visa Fee

The Mexico Tourist Visa fee is about US$36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application. The payment method also differs from country to country since some embassies may require you to pay upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

How to Get a Mexico Tourist Card?

You can get a Mexico Tourist Card through one of the following ways:

• If you are travelling by air, the plane crew will distribute them as you are about to land (the price of the Tourist Card is included on the price of your air ticket)
• At an immigration desk at the Mexico airport after you land
• At a Mexico embassy in your country, before you travel
• If you are travelling by sea, you can get the Mexico Tourist Card at the Mexico port of call
• If you are travelling by land, you can the Mexico Tourist Card at the point of entry
• Online. If you apply online, you must print the Tourist Card and bring it with you when you travel.

Mexico Tourist Card Fee

The fee for a Tourist Card can range from $25-$35, depending on your country. However, the Mexico Tourist Card Fees are prone to change without notice.

What is the Duration of a Mexico Tourist Card?

A Mexico Tourist Card can be issued for a maximum of 180 days but it is the immigration officers at the point of entry who decides the number of days you are given. They can give you an FMM for 30, 60, or 90 days as opposed to the full 180.

You must leave the country before the Mexico Tourist Card expires.

Can you Extend a Mexico Tourist Card?

If your Mexico Tourist Card was issued for 180 days, then no, you cannot extend it for longer than that. Anyone who wants to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days, has to get a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.

However, if the immigration officer at the Mexico point of entry gave you a Forma Migratoria Múltiple for less than the maximum duration of the Card (eg. for 60 days as opposed to 180), then you may be able to extend it to the full 180 days from inside Mexico.

You can apply for an extension of your Tourist Card at an immigration center in Mexico. However, the application is not always successful, since many immigration officers do not issue Mexico Tourist Card extensions.

What Happens if I Overstay my Mexico Tourist Card?

If you stay in Mexico longer than the time your Tourist Card was issued for, you must visit an immigration office in Mexico or the immigration center at the airport and pay a fine. The fine is calculated based on the number of days you have calculated. Then, you must get an exit visa.

What Happens if I Lose my Mexico Tourist Card?

If you lose your Mexico Tourist Card, you must visit an immigration office in Mexico so you can get a replacement. You also have to pay a replacement fee.

Mexico Business Visa

The Mexico Business Visa is one of the most common types of Tourist Visas. They are issued to visa-required foreigners who will enter Mexico with the purpose of conducting business.

The business visa for Mexico is not, however, permission to work and get pain in Mexico. You can only take up employment if you have a Mexico Work Permit.

The post Mexico Tourist Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

The tourist visa is often referred to as a Costa Rica travel visa, due to the nature of Costa Rica visas. They allow the holder to travel to Costa Rica, where they will be subject to immigration control at the point of entry, and the immigration officers decide whether to allow the traveler to enter the country or not.

However, not everyone has to apply for a tourist visa for Costa Rica before they travel.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Visit Costa Rica for Tourism?

You need a Costa Rica tourist visa if you’re travelling to the country for tourism-related purposes, or any purpose that does not exceed 30 days. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days.
2. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 30 days.
3. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a regular Costa Rica tourist visa (Consular Visa) at a Costa Rica Consulate in their country.
4. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This means that they must have someone in Costa Rica (a family member or appointed attorney) who can submit a visa request on their behalf to the Department of Restricted Visas.

Additionally, even if you are from a country whose nationals need a tourist visa for Costa Rica, you are exempt if you already hold a valid tourist visa for:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea

See a complete list of who needs a Costa Rica tourist visa and who is exempt here.

What if You Don’t Need a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

If you are from the first or second group, you can travel to Costa Rica with simply your passport and get an entry stamp from the immigration officer as you go through border control.

If you are from the first group, your passport must be valid for at least another day from the date of entry.

If you are from the second group, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica tourist visa application are:

• An application letter which should be directed to the Costa Rica consulate, and contain the following information:
  • Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth
  • The reason you are travelling
  • Your passport number
  • Your nationality
  • Your place of residence
  • The intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
  • Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
  • The date of writing
  • Your contact information
  • Your signature
• A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport has to be valid for at least another six months from the date you enter Costa Rica.
• Two pictures of yourself which follow these specifications:
  • Dimensions: 2 inches x 2 inches
  • Taken in front of a plain white background
  • You must have a neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • You may wear your glasses as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
  • You may not wear headgear unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct your face.
• Return flight ticket reservation. Costa Rica authorities advise travelers to avoid paying for the plane ticket until after they receive the visa.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay. You may submit bank statements from the last three months, a letter from employer, or proof of property.
• An official certificate of police clearance from your country.
• If you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of your visa or Residence Permit.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Costa Rica at a Costa Rican consulate in your country. If there is no Costa Rica consulate in your country, you must go to the nearest one. The Costa Rica tourist visa application process is as follows:

1. Contact the Costa Rican consulate to set up an appointment when you can submit the application.
2. Collect the required documents and submit them in person.
3. Fill in the Costa Rica application form, which you can find on the website of the Immigration Department of Costa Rica (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).
4. The consular officers will review your application and decide if you need any additional documents.
5. Once all the required documents are submitted, they will start to process your visa application.
6. You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Once your tourist visa is approved, they will affix it on your passport and you’ll have 60 days to travel to Costa Rica.

Keep in mind that different consulates may have different requirements and operational processes. As such, the first step in applying for a Costa Rica tourist visa should always be to contact the relevant Costa Rican consulate.

Additionally, some consulates have digitized the Costa Rica application process. If that is the case, the consulate is in charge of explaining the application procedure.

How Long Can You Stay in Costa Rica With a Tourist Visa?

A Costa Rica tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days but it may be issued for less.

If you need to stay in the country for longer, you can request a visa extension at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.

Can I Extend My Stay in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica tourist visa extensions are issued for a maximum of 60 additional days. You can apply for the visa extension at the General Directorate of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) in Costa Rica before your current visa expires.

Additionally, even if you don’t need a Costa Rica tourist visa, you have to request for a tourism extension if you want to stay longer than your permitted time (eg. if you are a national of the first group and want to stay longer than 90 days).

What Documents Do I Need to Collect for a Costa Rica Visa Extension?

To apply for a tourism extension, you must present the following documents:

• A letter explaining why you’re requesting the extension which contains the following information:
  • Your full name and nationality
  • Your passport number and type
  • Your address in Costa Rica
  • Your phone number
  • Your birth date and place
  • The names of your parents
• A completed form of affiliation, which you can get at a photocopier in the central offices of the General Directorate of Immigration or download it from their website.
• Three recent passport-size pictures of yourself.
• Your original passport and copies of all the pages in the passport.
• A copy of your departure flight ticket.
• Proof of financial solvency to cover the duration of your requested stay.
• If you were invited in the country from an institution (public or private): A letter of financial support from said institution.
• If you’re in Costa Rica for medical treatment: A medical certificate and request from the medical institution confirming the need for an extension due to medical reasons.
• Proof of paid Costa Rica tourist visa extension fee ($100 or the equivalent in colones). You must pay the fee to the government bank account in the Bank of Costa Rica (Banco de Costa Rica).

Can you work with a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

No, you cannot take up employment in Costa Rica if you have a tourist visa. To work in a Costa Rican company you need to get a Costa Rica work permit and a work visa. On the other hand, if you are already employed and want to work remotely while residing in Costa Rica, you can apply for the Costa Rican digital nomad visa.

The post Costa Rica Tourist Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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As the name suggests, the Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) is a document which is separate from your passport. It is not affixed in your passport – it actually comes in the form of a card, either in a light green or pink color. It allows the holder to enter the country for tourism purposes.

What is the Difference Between a Cuba Tourist Card and a Cuba Tourist Visa?

In most cases, the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuba Tourist Visa are interchangable. However, there’s a difference between the two in one specific case.

The Tourist Card for Cuba can be obtained in a manner of ways, as explained above, including online or through travel agencies.

Who Needs a Cuba Tourist Card?

Nationals of most countries have to obtain a Tourist Card before travelling to Cuba. However, Cuba has a visa-waiver agreement with certain countries which allows citizens of those countries to enter Cuba without a Tourist Card.

Additionally, some countries cannot enter Cuba on a Tourist Card – they need to obtain a Tourist Visa from a Cuban consulate instead (see below).

Click here for a more detailed explanation of who needs a Cuba visa.

Do You Need a Cuba Tourist Visa?

There are certain countries, however, that only allow applicants to get a Cuba Tourist Visa from the Cuban consulate in their country – not a Tourist Card. Those countries are:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Syria
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

Therefore, if you are from one of the above-mentioned countries, you must get a Tourist Visa from the nearest Cuban consulate.

In all other cases, other than this one, when someone says “Cuba tourist visa” they likely mean “Cuba Tourist Card” and vice-versa.

How can I get a Cuba Tourist Card?

You can get a Cuba Tourist Card in one of the following ways:

• By applying for one at the Cuban consulate in your country in person.
  • If there is no Cuban representation in your country, you can travel to the nearest one, for example in a neighboring country.
  • Check the consulate’s opening hours and working days beforehand on the consulate’s website. Also check whether you have to make an appointment.
• By sending the application and required documents at the Cuban consulate by post.
  • If you will send the application by post, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
  • Check with the consulate’s website to see whether you need to send copies of your documents or the originals, as different consulates have different requirements.
• By appointing a representative to apply on your behalf.
• Online, through an authorized visa application agency. Research the agency to make sure it is legitimate.
• Through a travel agency or tour group, who have organized a trip to Cuba.
• At the airport through which you’re travelling to Cuba. However, not all airports offer Cuba Tourist Visas to their passengers, so contact them to make sure.

What is the Cuba Tourist Card Fee?

The fee which you must pay for a Cuba tourist visa (card) depends on the method through which you’re getting it.

If you apply at a Cuban consulate, the Cuba visa fees tend to range from $20-$75. You must pay either in cash or through bank transfer. However, check the consulate’s website to be sure of their required payment method.

Private companies which offer Cuba visas will have additional fees for the service, as do airports. Additionally, if you need to have your Tourist Card available faster, it will cost you extra.

There is no standard set of Cuba tourist card fees – you must check with the Cuban consulate, travel agency, or visa application agency, accordingly.

What are the Requirements for a Cuba Tourist Card?

When you apply for a Cuba Tourist Card, you must have the following:

• A Cuba Visa application form.
• A recognized passport/travel document which is valid for at least two more months from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself.
• Flight ticket which includes the arrival and departure date.
• Travel health insurance. The Cuba travel insurance requirements state that the insurance plan must cover sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation for the duration of your stay.
• Proof of accommodation in Cuba, such as a hotel.
• If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
  • Find out whether you must send photocopies of the required documents or the originals.
• Payment of the Cuba Tourist Visa.

How long does it take to process a Cuba Tourist Visa (Tourist Card)?

The processing time for a Cuba Tourist Visa depends on the consulate through which you’re applying. Some may take between 7-14 working days, while others may take longer or up to a month.

If you apply online or through another method, you may be able to receive the Cuba Tourist Card quicker. At some airports, you may be able to get it on the very same day.

Do I need a Cuba Tourist Card if I am Travelling by Sea?

Yes, you do. If you normally need to have a Tourist Card to enter Cuba, you must apply for one regardless of the method through which you are entering.

How Long Can I Stay in Cuba With a Tourist Visa?

A Cuba Tourist Card is valid for a maximum of 30 days, except for Canadian nationals for whom it is valid for 90 days.

You can enter Cuba within 180 days starting from when the Cuban Tourist Card is issued. You can only enter once – it is a single-entry visa.

Can you Extend a Cuba Tourist Card?

Yes, you can. You can apply for a Cuba Tourist Card extension for an additional 30 days from the Cuba immigration authorities, meaning you can stay in Cuba for a maximum of 60 days.

If you are from Canada, you can extend your Cuban tourist visa for an additional 90 days, getting permission to stay in Cuba for up to six months (180 days).

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba?

Yes they can. However, since the US has a long-standing trade ban on Cuba, US citizens cannot travel to Cuba simply for tourism purposes. Technically, they can obtain a so-called “Tourist Card” but that’s only because it is an entry requirement for Cuba – it does not allow them to enter Cuba simply for recreational purposes or vacation.

Additionally, as of June 4, 2019 the US government has banned cruise ships from stopping in Cuba and removed the “People to People” category from the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba (see them below).

As a US national, in order to obtain a pink tourist card for Cuba, you must state and be able to prove that you are travelling for one of the following reasons:

1. Support for the Cuban people
2. Humanitarian activities/projects
3. Educational activities (teachers, students, etc)
4. Family visits
5. Journalism
6. Professional research and professional meetings
7. Certain authorized export transactions
8. Activities of private foundations/research/educational institutes
9. Public performances, workshops, clinics, athletic competitions, and exhibitions
10. Religious activities
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informative materials

If your reason for travel is mentioned above, then you will have a “general license” to travel to Cuba – which is nothing more than you declaring that your purpose of travel falls under one of those categories. There is no actual physical “license” that you receive.

What is the Difference Between a Pink Cuba Tourist Card and a Green Cuba Tourist Card?

The only difference between the green and pink Cuba Tourist Card is this:

• Pink: for US nationals or anyone travelling from the US. The price for a pink Cuba Tourist Card is also higher than for the green one.
• Green: for all other nationals who are not travelling from the US.

The color of the Cuba tourist card depends on the place you are travelling from, so many US citizens travel to another country and get a green Tourist Card there.

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What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

The Canada Visitor Visa is a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada which allows the holder to go to Canada for purposes such as:

• Tourism or holidays in Canada.
• Visiting family.

The Canada Tourist Visa allows you to go to a Canadian port of entry and ask for permission to enter the country. The Border Patrol Officers are the ones who are allowed to grant or deny you entry based on your documents and your situation.

If you have been issued a visa Visitor visa to Canada and the officers find that you do not have any criminal intentions, you will be allowed to pass the port of entry and begin your holiday or family visit in Canada.

Do I Need to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?

Most travelers will need a Visitor visa which grants them entry to Canada, although there are nationals of countries which will only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or they are completely exempt and can enter freely with their passports without needing a visa.

What are the Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility Criteria?

To be eligible for a Canada Tourist Visa, the applicant must fulfill some criteria. These requirements determine whether someone is allowed to apply for the visa and hold it.

If you cannot prove that you are eligible for the Canada Visitor visa, then they will reject you based on the fact that you are inadmissible in Canada. If you are proven to be inadmissible, then your only way of getting into the country is to get a Temporary Resident Permit.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Tourist Visa for Canada, you will also have to submit some documents, as follows:

• Standard requirements for Canada visa.
• Canada Tourist Visa Application Form.
• Your bank or other financial statements to prove you have enough funds for the trip to Canada.
• A travel itinerary if you have already booked your air tickets, or just a description of what you plan to do once in Canada.
• A Canada visa letter of invitation from your family or friends if you are visiting them.
• Proof of the relationship if you are visiting your family.
• The immigration statuses of your family or friends if you are visiting them.
• Bank statements or other financial statements of your friends or family if you are visiting them.
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a Tourist visa.
• Two photos that meet the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Your employment or education status through a resume or diplomas, as well as a letter from your employer stating that you have contractual obligations to fulfill and you must return to your home country.
• Proof that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your visit is over, such as a lease, property deed, and so on.
• Proof that you do not plan to work or study in Canada.
• Court documents that prove you have a clean criminal history.

All the documents that you have that are in another language other than English or French should be translated.

How to Apply for the Canadian Visitor Visa?

To start the application for the Canada Visitor Visa, there are several forms and steps that you as the applicant must go through. The steps for applying for a Canada visitor visa are explained below:

1. Confirm your eligibility for the Canada visitor visa.
2. Complete the documents required for a Canada tourist visa.
3. Submit the Canada Tourist Visa Application form.
4. Wait for processing and respond to additional requests for information.
5. Send your passport for stamping.

What are the Canada Visitor Visa fees?

The application fee per person for a Canada Visitor Visa is CAD$100. If you also have to submit the biometrics, that will cost you an additional CAD$85. So together, the whole cost of just applying for this visa is CAD$185.

In addition to this, you will also have to pay for the passport processing which will cost around CAD$45.

What is the Canada Visitor Visa Processing time?

The Canada visitor visa processing time ranges from 8 to 40 days. However, the processing time is different depending on the country you live in.  So, you will have to wait around 1 month for your Visitor Visa to be processed.

How long is the Canada Tourist Visa valid?

The Canadian Consulate decides for how long to give you the Tourist Visa for Canada on a case by case basis. There are cases when they only give the visa for that timeframe that you want to visit Canada, and then there are also cases when they give you the visa until your passport expires. This all depends on whether they believe you will return to your home country or not.

Despite how long your Canada Tourist Visa is valid, you are not allowed to stay there for more than 6 months at a time. So, after 6 months you must return to your home country, stay for some time and then you can return to Canada again for 6 months.

What Am I Allowed to do With a Canada Tourist Visa?

With the Canadian Tourist visa, you are allowed to travel around Canada for less than 6 months as long as you are in good financial standing. You are not allowed to get Canadian documents or stay in the country permanently. You are also not allowed to work or study, and you will not be allowed to file for health care or other governmental benefits.

Can I bring my dependents to Canada with a Tourist Visa?

Your dependents, such as your spouse and minor children can come to Canada with you with a Tourist Visa. However, they must have their own application, and everyone should pay separate fees. You must submit the applications together at the Visa Application Center or online so that you are processed as a family.

Canada Visitor Visa Extension

If you want to stay longer than 6 months in Canada with a tourist visa, you will need a visitor visa extension. This extension is called a Visitor Record.

You have to apply for a visa extension for Canada (visitor record) at least 30 days before your visitor visa expires.

What is a Visitor Record?

Unlike a visitor visa, the visitor record is not attached to your passport. It is an independent document which the IRCC gives you when they approve your application for visa extension.

The visitor record includes the date by which you have to leave Canada.

Keep in mind that a visitor record is only available while you are inside Canada. If you want to leave Canada and enter again, you will not be allowed entry with a visitor record.

If your visitor visa is about to expire, and you want to leave Canada and re-enter, you have to apply for a new Visitor visa.

You can also use a visitor record if you want to change your status from a:

• Study permit to visitor record
• Work permit to visitor record

How to apply for a Canada visa extension (visitor record)?

There are two ways you can apply to extend your visa for Canada: online and on paper.

Visitor record online application

To apply online, you must have an account on the IRCC website.

You will also need to visit IRCC’s website to read the instructions guide for extending a visa.  You have to scan your documents to create electronic copies, which you can submit on the online application tool.

You will also need a valid credit/debit card to pay your fees.

When applying and the question “What would you like to do in Canada?” appears, you should select “Visit.”

Then, on “What is your current country/territory of residence?” answer “Canada.”

Complete the rest of the application as instructed.

Visitor record paper application

First, you have to download the application package available on IRCC’s website. It includes document checklists, application forms, and application guidelines.

You have to read the application guidelines, provide all the necessary documents, and pay for the fees.

You have to print the application forms that are on the application package and sign and date them where required. You must attach all the required documents and fees to the completed application.

Then, you have to mail this application to the address stated on the application package.

Forms and documents you will need for a Visitor Record:

The forms

• Application to Change Conditions, Extend my stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) (If applicable)

The documents

• Payment receipts
• Photocopies of passport pages. They must include:
  • Name and birth date
  • The passport number
  • Date of expiry
  • The stamp of your most recent entry into Canada
  • All other marked pages
• If you did not enter with a passport: Photocopies of your other your travel or identity documents. This could be an alien registration card, birth certificate, citizen certificate etc.
• If applicable: Photocopy of your current immigration document.
• If applicable: Marriage certificate.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.

It is worth mentioning that the online application is much faster and more convenient. You can submit it directly, it is processed faster, and, in case you have to provide more documents, you can do it instantly online. You can also avoid carrier and mailing fees.

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What Is the eVisitor Visa?

The eVisitor is a travel authorization, similar to a visa, which allows the holder to visit Australia. You can apply for an eVisitor online and will receive the confirmation via email. Your confirmed eVisitor is then saved on an online database which can be accessed through your passport number, which is how Australian immigration knows that you have been granted a visa.

Because it is a facilitated type of visa, you can usually expect to get the eVisitor within a couple of days.

Who is Eligible for an eVisitor?

Citizens from the following European countries are eligible to get the eVisitor visa for Australia:

How to Apply for an eVisitor for Australia?

You can apply for an eVisitor online, through the official visa application portal of Australia:

1. Create an ImmiAccount.
2. Enter your personal details, passport information, and the purpose of travel.
3. Attach any required documents.
4. Submit the application.
5. Wait to hear back. You will receive an email confirming your visa application within one to two days. The letter includes your visa grant number, the date on which it starts, and how long it is valid.

eVisitor Requirements

When applying for the eVisitor visa, you need the following:

• Passport, valid for at least six more months.
• A valid email address.
• A credit or debit card to pay the fee.

Although the eVisitor is a type of Australian visa, it is a facilitated one, which means that the requirements are much more lenient than they are for a regular tourist visa. However, the visa officers assessing your application may decide you need to provide additional documents, in which case you may be asked to submit electronic copies of the following documents:

• Your passport’s bio page. The page which includes your picture and name. See Australia visa photo requirements.
• A copy of your ID Card (front and back).
• Proof of the reason you are visiting Australia.
• A travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Australia, such as a hotel booking or letter from a friend/relative who will host you.
• Your flight reservation.
• Proof that your trip is indeed temporary. This can be a letter from your employer or school, stating the date on which you are expected to return. It can also be proof that you have family obligations and dependent family members back home.
• Your bank statements from the last three months.
• A list of your travel companions.

Who Assesses the eVisitor Application?

The authority in charge of processing your eVisitor application is the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Regardless of the manner in which you apply – online or using the help of a visa or travel agency – your application is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs who has the final say on the outcome.

How Much Does the eVisitor Cost?

The eVisitor for Australia is issued free of charge. In some cases, you may be required to pay an AUD 20 processing fee.

After Getting the eVisitor

Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Make sure to save this email – you can even print it out – and keep it with you when you travel. This has all the necessary information about your eVisitor.

Once you arrive in Australia, the immigration officer at the entry point will ask for your passport and check your eVisitor on the online database where it is recorded before allowing you through.

How Long Can I Stay in Australia with an eVisitor?

Your eVisitor Visa is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. During this time, you can enter the country as many times as you want and stay up to three months per each visit. You cannot work during this period.

Can I Extend my Stay?

If you are in Australia with an eVisitor and it is about to expire, you can approach the nearest immigration or visa office and request a new eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa. Be sure to do so at least two weeks before your current eVisitor expires.

If you are about to approach the end of your 3-month-per-trip period of stay, you could also simply leave the country and re-enter in a few days’ time, which would give you another three months – provided that the eVisitor is still valid.

What If I Overstay My eVisitor Visa?

It is important to keep track of your visa’s validity and how long you have been in Australia. If you overstay without strong grounds, even by just a few days, it could impact your chances of getting another eVisitor in the future. If you stay past your eVisitor expiry by more than 4 weeks, then you may be stopped by immigration as you depart the country and be taken for an interview. In some cases, you could even receive a three-year travel ban.

Normally, if you have strong grounds for having overstayed, such as a sudden illness or accident, then you can notify the Department of Home Affairs and be advised on how to proceed.

How Can I Check My Visa Validity?

You can check your eVisitor’s validity through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). You can access VEVO by using one of the following:

• Transaction Reference Number (TRN) – which you will receive when you start the online visa application.
• Visa Grant Number – which you receive once your eVisitor visa application is successful.
• Your Immigration Card (ImmiCard).

When signing up for a VEVO account, you also have to provide your birthdate, passport number, and country of nationality.

Can I Work With an eVisitor Visa?

No, you are not allowed to take up any sort of paid employment while you are in Australia with an eVisitor permit. You may only engage in business activities such as attend meetings, sign contracts, hold or attend seminars and presentations, etc.

If you want to work in Australia, you will need the relevant type of Australian work visa.

Can I Study With an eVisitor?

With an eVisitor, you can take a short-term study course of up to three months. If you plan to take a course longer than three months, then you will need to apply for an Australian student visa instead.

Can I Volunteer With an eVisitor Visa?

You can do volunteer work while you are in Australia with an eVisitor as long as it is truly voluntary and you do not receive any salary or wages for it. You may be reimbursed for accommodation, food, and living expenses.

Do I Need an eVisitor If I Enter Australia on a Cruise?

Yes, if you are on a cruise that is scheduled to enter Australia at some point, you will have to get an eVisitor.

What If My eVisitor Visa is Denied?

If your eVisitor is denied, you will usually receive the reason on the email by the Department of Home Affairs. They will also notify you on whether you have the right to appeal or ask to review the decision and if you need to approach a visa office or Australian Embassy to submit a paper application. In some cases, they may simply request for you to submit additional documents before they grant you your visa.

What If I Gave the Wrong Information?

If you accidentally entered the wrong information during your application, you may be able to log back into your ImmiAccount and update them. You have to:

1. Select the ‘Update details’ option on the portal
2. Select ‘Notification of incorrect answer(s)’.
3. Add the correct information.
4. Confirm.

If the Department of Home Affairs is already assessing your application or have finished doing so, then your application could be rejected and you might have to submit a new application.

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Who Needs a Tourist Visa to go to Australia?

Everyone, except passport holders of the countries listed below, has to apply for an Australian tourist visa:

• New Zealand
• European Union countries
• Andorra
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• Norway
• San Marino
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City
• Brunei Darussalam
• Canada
• Hong Kong (SAR PRC)
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United States

If you have a passport from one of the countries listed above, you can apply for an eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). These two travel authorizations are obtained quicker than the Visitor Stream visa.

If you are from New Zealand, you can travel without a visa and obtain one on arrival.

Required Documents for an Australian Tourist Visa

The documents you must attach to your Australian tourist visa application include:

• Your passport.
• A copy of your passport’s identity page.
• The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Form.
• A recent picture of yourself. It must have a white background and you must be clearly and fully visible.
• Proof you can sustain yourself financially while you are in Australia. You must include your bank statements or a letter from your sponsor claiming they will help cover your finances during your visit.
• Proof you have travel health insurance.
• Letter from your employer (if applicable). It must state the requested time of leave and when you intend to return.
• Letter from your school (if applicable). The letter must prove your enrollment and when you are expected to return.
• Letter of Invitation (if applicable). If you have a family member or a friend in Australia who can sponsor you, they must write you a letter of invitation. The letter must include the relation between the two of you, the duration of your stay, whether you will stay with them, and what you intend to do during your visit.
• If you have a sponsor in Australia: your sponsor has to pay a security bond, which will be returned to them after you leave Australia.
• If travelling to get medical treatment: a letter from your doctor and hospital in Australia stating the details of your condition and the type of treatment you will receive.
• Completed Form 1257 and Form 1229, if the applicant is underage and will be in Australia with someone other than their parent/guardian or is travelling alone.
• Proof of accommodation in Australia, such as hotel reservations or rental contracts.
• Proof of booked flight tickets and a complete travel itinerary.
• Evidence that you will return to your home country before the visa expires.

All the documents for an Australian visa must be certified copies.

The documents must be in English. If they are not, you must have them translated by a professional translator.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa for Australia?

You can apply for an Australian tourist visa in one of two ways:

• Online. To apply online, you have to create an ImmiAccount, which is the official portal handling Australian visa applications.
• On paper. To apply on paper, you have to submit your documents to the nearest Australian Embassy.

Applying for the Australian Tourist Visa Online

To submit an online application for the Australian tourist visa, you have to:

1. Create an ImmiAccount. The ImmiAccount is the official portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It handles all visa applications. You will have to fill in your personal information and then confirm the account via your email.
2. Select the Tourist Stream Visa, Subclass 600. Once you create an account and log in, you have to select the type of visa you want to apply for, which in this case is the tourist visa.
3. Complete the online application form. Then, you will be redirected to the online application form for your visa. You have to answer questions such as the reason for your trip, the duration of the trip, your name and birthday, your marital status, and other personal details.
4. Attach all the required documents. You will have to attach electronic copies of the required documents, such as your passport, travel insurance, proof of finances, etc.
5. Pay the visa application fee. Once you upload the documents, you have to pay the visa fee either through a debit/credit card or via PayPal.
6. Wait for the visa to be processed. The Immigration authorities will notify you about the outcome of your visa application.
7. Get the visa. If your application is successful, you will receive your visa grant number along with information about the duration of your visa. You can print the visa notice and take with you when you travel.

Most people choose to submit their visa application online as it is the most convenient method.

Once you get to Australia, you have to complete an Incoming Passenger Card at the border.

Apply at an Embassy (On Paper)

If for any reason, you cannot apply for your tourist visa online, you can also submit a paper application to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. The process is as follows:

1. Find the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate.
2. Set up an appointment. The Embassy or Consulate may only see you with an appointment, so make sure you contact them beforehand.
3. Complete the Visitor Visa Application Form. You have to answer questions about your personal information, purpose and duration of the visit, employment status, health details, whether you have ever been convinced of a crime, etc.
4. Collect the required documents. The documents are listed on the application form.
5. Pay the visa application fee. The Embassy/Consulate will notify you of how to pay the fee.
6. Submit the application. On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application along with all the required documents.
7. Wait for the visa to be processed. The Embassy will notify you via email or phone about the outcome of your application.
8. Get the visa. You will get a visa grant number, which will allow you to travel to Australia. You do not need to get a stamp on your passport, but you can print out the visa grant notice to carry with you when you travel.

Will I Get a Tourist Visa Stamp?

No, you will most likely not get a stamp on your passport. Your visa information will be saved on an online database, which the immigration control can access using your passport or ImmiCard.

When you receive the visa and travel to Australia, you should print and keep a copy of the visa grant notice since it has all the information to access your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. You can access VEVO using your ImmiCard or the visa grant number which you receive on your confirmation email.

VEVO is the system that you can use to see the conditions and duration of your visa.

Applying for a Tourist Visa from Inside Australia

If you are in Australia on a substantive visa*, then you can apply for a tourist visa from inside the country as well. The application methods are similar to if you were applying from abroad:

1. Apply online. You have to submit your application using your ImmiAccount.
2. On paper. You have to print and complete the visa application form, collect the required documents, go submit them to an Australian Immigration Office.

*A substantive visa is any short-term visa that allows you to remain in Australia temporarily, except a bridging visa or a criminal justice or enforcement visa.

How Long Does the Application Process Take?

It usually takes a few weeks for the Australian immigration authorities to process your application for a Tourist Visa. However, provided that all your documents and requirements are in order, it could also only be a few days.

On the other hand, there have been cases where an application took months to process. It will depend on the circumstances of your application, your nationality, whether all your documents are in order, etc.

Australia Tourist Visa Application Fee

The fee for an Australian tourist visa is AUD 145 if you apply from abroad and AUD 370 if you apply from Australia.

How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa for Australia is issued on a case-to-case basis, for three, six, or twelve months. It can be with a single or multiple entries. The validity of your visa depends strictly on the Immigration authorities who are handling your application.

Can I Extend a Tourist Visa in Australia?

In most cases, you will not be able to extend your current visa, but you have to apply for another one. Make sure to apply at least two weeks before your current visa expires.

However, if your visa has a “No Further Stay” condition, then you cannot apply for any other temporary or permanent visas at all. Exclusions to the “No Further Stay” condition apply if you are in a situation that you have no control over or there has been a major change in your circumstances.

What Can I Do With a Tourist Visa in Australia?

If you receive a tourist visa, you can visit the country as a tourist for the duration that the visa has been granted. During this period, you can take a short study course of up to three months but you are not allowed to take up gainful employment, under any circumstances.

Australian Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens

Citizens of the People’s Republic of China are eligible to apply for two additional subtypes of the Australia tourist visa:

• Frequent Traveler Stream.
• Approved Destination Status Stream.

Australia Frequent Traveler Visa

This visa is issued to Chinese citizens who travel to Australia frequently, either for personal or business purposes. It costs AUD 1,065 and is valid for 10 years, during which time you can:

• Enter Australia as many times as you wish, but you cannot stay longer than three months per trip.
• Be in Australia as a tourist or for a cruise.
• Visit family or friends.
• Conduct business.

Remember that within each 24-month period, you cannot stay longer than 12 months in total.

Australia Approved Destination Status Visa

This type of visa is issued to Chinese citizens who are traveling to Australia as part of a tour. With an Approved Destination Visa, you must:

• Enter and leave Australia with your tour group.
• Only take part in activities that are part of your tour itinerary.

The visa costs AUD 145 and can either be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry.

The post Australia Tourist Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

However, obtaining a Vietnam Tourist Visa is fairly easy, as the Vietnamese government allows tourists to apply either online or on arrival, through a facilitated process. Additionally, citizens of several countries are exempt from holding a Vietnam Tourist Visa at all.

Vietnam Tourist Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the following countries can stay in Vietnam without a visa for the duration stated:

• Belarus* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Brunei (no visa needed for up to 14 days)
• Cambodia (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• Chile (no visa needed for up to 90 days)
• Denmark* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Finland* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• France* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Germany* (no visa needed for up to15 days)
• Indonesia (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• Italy* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Japan* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Kyrgyzstan (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• Laos (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• Malaysia (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• Myanmar (no visa needed for up to 14 days)
• Norway* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Philippines (no visa needed for up to 21 days)
• Russia* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Singapore (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• South Korea* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Spain* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Sweden* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)
• Thailand (no visa needed for up to 30 days)
• United Kingdom* (no visa needed for up to 15 days)

*You must wait at least 30 days between visits if you want to re-enter Vietnam after you leave.

What are the Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements?

The documents you have to submit when you apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa include:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures with the following specifications:
  • Size: 4 cm x 6 cm
  • Taken recently
  • White and plain background
  • You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
  • You must not be wearing any glasses
  • If you wear headgear for religious purposes or you have a wig, you may keep it in the picture. However, you must also wear a wig or headgear when you arrive in Vietnam.
• The Vietnam Visa Application Form. If you apply at an Embassy or Consulate, you may be able to find the application form ar their offices or their website.
• Proof you have paid the Vietnam Visa fee
• Any other additional documents that the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate may require, such as a Letter of Invitation or Sponsorship from someone in Vietnam.
• If you are applying for Vietnam Visa On Arrival:
  • The Letter of Approval
  • Entry and Exit Form, which you will receive on the airplane. You have to complete it before handing it in at the Immigration Officers at the port of entry
  • Cash to pay the Vietnam visa stamping fee

How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa?

If you are from a country whose citizens are subject to Vietnam Tourist Visas, then you can apply in one of the following ways:

• Online
• On Arrival
• At an Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam

Applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa online

Citizens of certain countries can submit an application for a Tourist Visa online  (Vietnam eVisa). To apply for a Tourist eVisa for Vietnam, you have to visit the Vietnam Immigration Portal and start a new application.

• Attach a scanned picture of your passport as well as a passport-size picture
• Pay the eVisa fee
• Wait for the visa to be processed (appx. three days)
• If the application is approved, you can print the eVisa and present it to the Immigration officers when you travel to Vietnam. You can check on the status of your application through this website.

Applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa On Arrival

You can also apply for a Vietnam Visa after you arrive in Vietnam. Visas on Arrival are only issued at the following ports of entry:

• Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City
• Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
• Danang Airport in Da Nang
• Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong
• Cam Ranh Airport in Nha Trang

In order to receive the VOA, you must submit an application for an Approval Letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department. There are travel agencies or visa application agencies that operate with the permission of the Vietnam Immigration Department and that can submit the application for an Approval Letter on your behalf.

You will receive the Vietnam Visa On Arrival Approval Letter by email, and you can print it and present it to the Immigration Officers at the visa-issuing counters at the airport.

Applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

If you are not eligible for an eVisa or want to have the visa already on your passport when you enter Vietnam, then you can opt for applying at an Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam near you.

In this case, you have to find the nearest Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate (find a list of the Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates here) and then either send the documents yourself or through the mail.

How Much Does the Vietnam Tourist Visa Cost?

• If you are applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa Online: USD 25
• If you are applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa On Arrival:
  • Single-entry: USD 25 stamping fee on arrival **
  • Multiple-entry: USD 50 stamping fee on arrival **
• If you are applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa at an Embassy/Consulate: It depends on the specific Embassy or Consulate.

**You also have to pay the service fee to the privately-operating agency that’s handling the request for the Letter of Approval.

What is the Duration of a Vietnam Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa for Vietnam is issued for a maximum of 30 days and can be issued for a single entry or for multiple entries.

Can You Extend a Vietnam Tourist Visa?

There are no clear-cut rules regarding extensions for Vietnam Tourist Visas. The decision depends on the officers of Immigration services of Vietnam, but visa extensions are not issued to citizens of every country.

If your Vietnam Tourist Visa is about to expire, and you want to stay for longer than its validity, then your best bet is to contact the nearest Immigration Office in Vietnam and request information. You may also apply through an authorized travel agency.

Additionally, sometimes it is not possible to apply for a visa extension at all, depending on the current rules. In this case, if you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you have to leave the country and re-apply for a visa.

Vietnam Tourist Visa for US Citizens

US citizens have to get a Tourist Visa for Vietnam before they travel or on arrival.

If you are from the USA, then you can apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa via any of the available methods:

• US citizens are eligible to get an eVisa for Vietnam.
• On Arrival, as long as you have a pre-obtained Letter of Approval
• At the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam responsible for your jurisdiction:
  • Vietnam Embassy in Washington DC
  • Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco
  • Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston, Texas

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