- There are two categories of visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. An immigrant visa would be required by someone going to another country with the intent of moving there. A nonimmigrant visa would be used when someone is planning to study, travel or work in another country. Specific countries set their own visa requirements. Some countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program and may not even demand visas for travelers meeting certain requirements. The State Department website is a good place to begin searching for information.
- If you are a U.S. citizen who will be traveling abroad, contact the consulate or embassy for that country. If you are a foreigner traveling to the United States, contact the U.S. consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements. You will likely need to make an appointment. You also will need to pay fees, which vary depending on location. Required documentation may vary, but at a minimum you will need a valid passport, visa applications and documents supporting your purpose for travel -- these would be related to your work, study or travel itinerary. Check with the consulate or embassy for specific details.
- Passports are required for any international travel. Not only will U.S. citizens need to display a passport at any foreign point of entry like an airport, they must also show one when re-entering the country. This is necessary regardless of age; children must have their own passport.
- U.S. citizens obtain a passport by filling out the appropriate form and submitting it, along with two photos of the specified size, required forms of identification and the fee. The form is available online or in hard copy from various processing locations around the country. See the State Department website for Passport Acceptance Facility locations.
- In a few well-defined situations, such as traveling by land directly to and from Canada, certain other identification may be used in place of a passport. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which covers Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and 17 Caribbean nations, defines compliant travel documents for the region. See the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website for details.
- Plan ahead. Obtaining passports or visas can be a lengthy process, so start as soon as you learn you will be traveling. Furthermore, possession of a visa and/or passport does not guarantee admission to a country. You will have to present your travel documents and be admitted at your point of entry.
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