How to Get a US Tourist Visa

Published on: 22nd August, 2009

How to Get a US Tourist Visa  | read this item

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Before you travel overseas you need to make sure you have your US tourist visa. Visas are required by many countries to ensure that visitors to their country have a safe and exciting visit.

Who Needs a Visa: If you have a passport you most likely will need a visa. Countries that may not require visas may require that you have an enhanced passport. A visa tells the country you are visiting how long you plan to stay, where you plan to visit and that you intend to return home.

Border Cards: Mexico offers border cards to Americans who wish to travel beyond the “tourist zone.” This zone is roughly 70 miles past the border between America and Mexico. America offers a more permanent card for Mexican citizens who travel into America often. This border crossing card is good for 10 years and is available through the visa application office.

Where to Apply: Applications for visas are most often conducted during a face to face application interview at the consulate or embassy of the country you want to visit. Some countries now have online applications available. If you have booked your vacation through a travel agency many you may find visa assistance is available through their office.

When to Apply: It can take from 30 days to three months to have a visa request approved. Plan ahead and apply as soon as you have decided to travel to a foreign country. The sooner you start the quicker you will be able to finalize your travel details.

What is Involved: The application process for a visa includes making copies of your identification, a background check, occasionally a financial disclosure and your signature. Having your passport before you begin a visa application is helpful.

Visa Costs: Most American visas cost $131.00 dollars. Countries that require a visa will charge you the same to enter. Mexican Border Cards cost $20.00 dollars while a Mexican tourist card costs $20.00.

Visitor Waiver Program: A little over 20 years ago many countries started a program that used the enhanced passport to allow tourists to travel among them freely. The VWP now has over 35 participants and no longer requires a visa to enter. The general length of stay is 30 days. Anyone wishing to remain longer will have to apply for a visa from the embassy of their home country.

Planning your next vacation abroad includes applying for your US tourist visa early.

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