| Checking the foreign entry requirements is one of the | | | | the purpose of your trip. The different types include |
| first steps to traveling abroad. An understanding what | | | | tourist visas, business visas, study visas, work visas, |
| the countries you plan to visit requires of those who | | | | transit visas, crew visas and resident visas. |
| wish to enter is essential to preventing unnecessary | | | | The easiest to get is a visa for tourism. The usual |
| problems. You will find a list of the most common and | | | | requirements include a valid passport (many countries |
| some not some common foreign entry requirements in | | | | require at least six months validity), passport-style |
| this article. | | | | photos, completed application form and payment. The |
| Valid United States Passport | | | | other types of visas have additional requirements. |
| The most common foreign entry requirement is a | | | | Other Entry Requirements |
| current, valid passport. The United States Department | | | | While additional foreign entry requirements are not |
| of State defines a passport as "a document issued by | | | | very common, they are mentioned here so that you |
| a country to a citizen of that country, allowing that | | | | may be aware of them. These entry requirements are |
| person to travel abroad and re-enter the home | | | | usually demanded of countries where conflict or other |
| country." Not only is it a passport required for entry into | | | | serious problems exist. If you believe your destination is |
| the country you plan to visit. It is also required for | | | | such a place, you should verify the exact foreign entry |
| re-entry into the United States. No other document | | | | requirements. |
| carries as much weight as a passport. It undeniably | | | | Additional requirements might include an immunization |
| proves both your identity and your citizenship. | | | | record. This is often requested of foreign consular |
| Due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a | | | | services when you claim on your visa application that |
| passport or other valid WHTI-compliant document is | | | | you have recently traveled to areas infected with |
| now required of American citizens who plan to travel | | | | yellow fever, cholera or other such diseases. The |
| by land, sea or air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the | | | | United States does not require immunizations for you |
| Caribbean region. The new passport card can only be | | | | to return. |
| used for land and sea travel to these locations. | | | | Some countries require AIDS/HIV testing. This |
| Travel Visa | | | | requirement was much more common just ten years |
| The second most common foreign entry requirement | | | | ago. Less and less countries are demanding AIDS/HIV |
| is a travel visa. Most travelers believe that a visa gives | | | | testing as an entry requirement. It is usually only |
| them the right to enter the country for which they | | | | required of applicants who plan to remain for an |
| obtained a visa. The truth is that a visa only gives you | | | | extended period of time. For example, Cuba requires |
| permission to arrive at the port-of-entry. There, an | | | | AIDS/HIV testing from students on scholarship and |
| authorized official will analyze your entry documents to | | | | India requires it from resident visa applicants. |
| make sure they are correct. It is the official who will | | | | All countries have entry and exit requirements. Some |
| grant you permission to enter or not. | | | | are stricter than other. No matter your destination, you |
| Not all countries require U.S. citizens to obtain a visa in | | | | will do yourself a favor by knowing and obtaining the |
| order to visit. Some countries grant visas upon arrival | | | | foreign entry requirements for the country or countries |
| at the port-of-entry. Visas are granted according to | | | | you plan to visit. |