The vast majority of countries around the world will let Americans visit without travel visas purchased in advance, but these 4 countries are much more protective of their borders.
We Americans are pretty lucky that we get to travel most of the world with very few restrictions. A US passport is a powerful thing, but it’s not always the only thing you’ll need to see the world. Fox News recently shared a list of eight countries that aren’t exactly welcoming to tourists, including Americans. These countries require visas that can be complicated to obtain and cost a pretty penny. The vast majority of countries around the world will let Americans visit without a visa purchased in advance, but these eight countries are much more protective of their borders. Here at Swift Passport Services, we’ve found these four countries to be the most difficult to obtain travel visas for:
4. India
India is a vast and beautiful country with fascinating cities, beautiful architecture, and amazing cultural sites. In India you can see the glamour of Hollywood, the majesty of the Taj Mahal, and taste the delights of authentic Indian cuisine throughout the nation. Any trip to India is well worth the effort.
The Consulate fee for an India travel visa currently starts at $67 depending on how long you would like your visa to be valid, your purpose of travel, and your nationality. Your visa should be applied for at least a month in advance of your trip. India contracts out its tourist visas to a company called BLS. The company has offices throughout the United States where you can go to obtain an India visa in person, but if you don’t
live particularly close to one of these offices, the trip can be quite a hassle. If you’re going to obtain your visa yourself, make sure to give yourself lots of time before your trip to get your visa in hand, and contact BLS ahead of time to make sure you’ll have all of the paperwork you’ll need once you arrive. If that all sounds like too much of a hassle, call us the SPS team at (877) 917-9438 and we’ll handle your India visa matters for you.
3. China
From Shanghai to Beijing, China is full of wonders that are well worth seeing. Nothing compares with the experience of walking along the top of the Great Wall or immersing yourself in the Forbidden City. From rolling countryside’s to massive metropolises, China has something for everyone — just be sure you apply for your visa early enough.
A China travel visa should also be applied for at least 2 weeks before your trip, and ideally earlier. China expanded its visa application from two pages to four in 2011 and raised its fee to $140. Details that are required on your application include your complete travel itinerary, your occupation, and a list of countries you’ve visited in the past year.
2. Brazil
With the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Olympics, and Carnival every year, Brazil is rising up on the list of must-see destinations around the world. Unfortunately, Brazil’s visa process isn’t keeping pace with its popularity. As Fox News reports, each Brazilian consulate office in the US has its own process for issuing visas around the United States, and you can only go to the office within your own jurisdiction. Plus, a Brazil travel visa costs $160 (for Americans applying in person) and should be applied for at least a month in advance of your trip. If you don’t know where to begin with your Brazil visa, contact us and we’ll help take some of the confusion out of the process.
1. Russia
There are a lot of excellent reasons to visit Russia, but doing so will likely only get harder over the coming months and years. The fee for a Russian travel visa is currently $173, and you should apply at about 2 months in advance of your trip. Particularly given the current situation in Crimea, you’d be wise to take extra care in obtaining your travel visa and planning a trip that will be safe and secure.
