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Foreign Entry Requirements

Savvy Consumer: Foreign Entry Requirements

FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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BAHAMAS - BAHRAIN - BANGLADESH - BARBADOS - BELARUS - BELGIUM - BELIZE - BENIN - BERMUDA - BHUTAN - BOLIVIA - BOSNIA - BOTSWANA - BRAZIL - BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - BULGARIA - BURKINA FASO - BURMA

BAHAMAS - Proof of U.S. citizenship, i.e. a passport (if you are using an expired passport it cannot be expired more than 5 years) or original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a photo ID, and onward/return ticket required for stay up to 8 months. Passport and residence/work permit needed for residence and business. Permit required for firearms and to import pets. Departure tax of $15 must be paid at airport. For further information call Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/319-2660) or nearest Consulate: Miami (305/3736295) or New York (212/421-6420).

BAHRAIN - *Passport and visa required. Visa requires letter from applicant (for tourist visa) or company letter (for business visa) on company letterhead guaranteeing full responsibility for all expenses, and stating reason for visit and duration, 1 application form and $50 fee. Transit visa available upon arrival for stay up to 72 hours, must have return/onward ticket. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For departure tax and other information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the State of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/342-0741); or the Permanent Mission to the U.N., 866 Second Ave., 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/223-6200). Internet: www.bahrainembassy.org

BANGLADESH - *Passport, visa, and onward/return ticket required. Tourist/business visa requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, and $45 fee. Business visa also requires company letter. For longer stays and more information, consult the Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, 3510 International Drive., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/244-0183) or the Bangladesh Mission in New York at (212/867-3434). Internet: dhaka.usembassy.gov/

BARBADOS - *Passport required. Tourists traveling directly from the U.S. to Barbados may be allowed to enter for up to 3 months stay with proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy of birth certificate), photo ID and onward/return ticket. A passport is required for longer visits and other types of travel. Business visas $25, single-entry and $30 multiple-entry (may require work permit) must be obtained prior to entry. Departure tax of US $12.50 ($25 BDS) is paid at airport. Check information with Embassy of Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-9200), or Consulate General in New York (212/867-8435).

BELARUS - *Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 application form, 1 photo, original letter of invitation from a citizen of Belarus (for visitor's visa) or a Belarusian organization, company or agency (for business visa). Tourist visa (for stay up to 30 days) requires 1 application form, 1 photo, confirmation from receiving tourist organization in Belarus, and proof of emergency medical insurance that is valid in Belarus. The visa processing fee is $50 for 5 working days, and $100 for next day processing. Transit visa is required when traveling through Belarus ($50). All foreigners visiting Belarus for more than 2 days must register their passports with the local law enforcement authorities. AIDS test required for persons staying longer than 3 months; tests taken in the U.S. are acceptable. For information about student visas and other questions, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, 1619 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/986-1606), Consulate General, 708 3rd Ave., 21 st Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/682-5392).

BELGIUM - *Passport required. Visa not required for business/ tourist stay up to 90 days. Temporary residence permit required for longer stays, and for study or work. For residence authorization, consult Embassy of Belgium, 3330 Garfield St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/333-6900), or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (323/857-1244), Atlanta (404/ 659-2150), Chicago (312/263-6624), or New York (212/5865110).

BELIZE - *Passport, return/onward ticket and sufficient funds (at least $60 per night) required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. If visit exceeds 1 month, a stay permit must be obtained from the Immigration Authorities in Belize. AIDS test required for those staying more than 3 months; U.S. test accepted if within 3 months of visit. For longer stays and other information, contact the Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-9636) or the Belize Mission in New York at (212/599-0233).

BENIN - *Passport and visa required. Visa for stay up to 36 months, requires $40 fee (certified check or money orders only), 2 application forms, 2 photos, proof of yellow fever vaccination, proof of return/onward transportation (guarantee from employer, travel agency, or photocopy of round trip ticket) and letter of guarantee from bank. Send prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified or express mail. Apply at Embassy of the Republic of Benin, 2737 Cathedral Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-6656/7/8).

BERMUDA - Passport (or proof of U.S. citizenship with photo ID) and onward/return ticket required for tourist stay up to 3 months. Departure tax of $10 is paid at airport. For further information, consult British Embassy (202/588-7800).

BHUTAN - *Passport and visa required. Tourist visas arranged by travel agency (valid for 15 days) and issued at entry point of entry in Bhutan. Visa requires $20 fee, 1 application, 1 photo, prepaid land tour, and onward/return ticket (approval time takes about 2 months). For further information, contact the Bhutan Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/826-1919) or the Bhutan Travel Service, 120 E 56th Street, Suite 1130, New York, NY 10022 (1-800/ 950-9908 or 212/838-6382).

BOLIVIA - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 30 days. Tourist cards issued upon arrival in Bolivia. A "Defined Purpose Visa" for adoptions, business, or other travel requires 1 application form, 1 photo, $85 fee and for business travelers, a letter from company explaining purpose of trip. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For more information, contact the Embassy of Bolivia (Consular Section), 3014 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-4827 or 4828), or nearest Consulate General: Miami (305/358-3450), New York (212/687-0530), or San Francisco (415/495-5173).

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - *Passport required. A visa is not required for tourist stays up to three months. Unless the traveler is staying at a hotel, all foreigners must register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. Visa must be renewed every 3 months during stay. Travelers planning to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than three months must obtain a temporary residence permit from the local police having jurisdiction over their place of residence. For more information, contact the Consulate General, 866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 580, New York, NY 10017 (212/593-0264). Internet: www.bhembassy.org

BOTSWANA - *Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for U.S. citizens staying no more than 90 days. For further information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/244-4990) or nearest Honorary Consulate: Los Angeles (213/626-8484) or Houston (713/680-1155).

BRAZIL - *Passport and visa required. Tourist visas are issued within 24 hours if submitted in person by the applicant. Visas valid for multiple entries within 5 years from date of first entry for a stay up to 90 days (renewable for the same length of stay by the Federal Police in Brazil), requires 1 application form, 1 passport size photo, and proof of onward/return transportation. There is a processing fee of $45 for tourist visas (money order only). There is a $10 service fee for applications sent by mail, or by anyone other than applicant. Provide SASE for return of passport by mail. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent or with a third party, must present written authorization by the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization must be notarized, authenticated by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, and translated into Portuguese. For information about business visas, contact the Brazilian Embassy (Consular Section), 3009 Whitehaven St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/238-2828) or nearest Consulate: CA (323/651-2664 or 415/981-8170), FL (305/285-6200), IL (312/464-0244), MA (617/542-4000), NY (917/777-7777) or TX (713/961-3063). Internet: www.brasilemb.org

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - *Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 90 days. AIDS test required for work permits; tests taken in the U.S. are not acceptable. For more information, contact the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam, 3520 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/342-0159) or Brunei Darussalam Permanent Mission to the U.N., 711 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 (212/697-3465).

BULGARIA - *Passport required. Visa not required for a stay of up to 30 days. Border tax $20 (U.S.) must be paid when entering Bulgaria. For persons staying over 30 days, a visa is required and must be obtained in advance. AIDS test may be required for those staying more than 1 month. For more information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1621 22nd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/387-7969 or 387-0174) or the Bulgarian Consulate in New York at (212/935-4646). Internet: www.bulgaria-embassy.org

BURKINA FASO - *Passport and visa required. Single-entry or multiple-entry visa valid 3 months for visit up to 3 months, extendible once in Burkina Faso, requires $25 fee, 2 application forms, and 2 photos. Send passport by registered mail and include postage or prepaid envelope for return by mail. Payment accepted in certified check, company check, or money order only. For further information call Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-5577) or Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles, CA (310/575-5555) or New Orleans, LA (504/945-3152). Internet: http://burkinaembassy-usa.org

BURMA (Myanmar) - *Passport and visa required. Single-entry tourist visas (valid for 3 months), for stay up to 28 days, requires $20 fee, 2 application forms, 3 photos and itinerary. Tourists visas are issued for package or group tours as well as Foreign Independent Travelers (FITs). FITs over the age of 12 years holding tourist visas must exchange a minimum of $200 (U.S.) upon arrival. Overland travel into and out of Myanmar is only permitted at certain points (check with Embassy). Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by express mail. Allow 2 to 4 working days for processing. For business visas and further information, contact the Burmese Embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar), 2300 S St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-9044 or 9045) or the Myanmar Consulate General Office, 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021 (212/ 535-1310). BURUNDI - *Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival to avoid long airport delay. Multiple-entry visa valid for 2 months (must be used within 2 months of date of issue) requires $40 (single-entry) or $80 (multiple-entry) fee, 3 application forms, 3 photos, return/onward ticket, proof of yellow fever immunization, and detailed itinerary from airline or travel agent. Company letter needed for business travel. Send U.S. postal money order or cash and SASE for return of passport by mail. For further information, consult Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/342-2574) or Permanent Mission of Burundi to the U.N. (212/499-0001 thru 0006).

*Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.


Countries
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N
O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
Introduction - Notes

IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM FOREIGN EMBASSIES PRIOR TO MAY 2002. THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED WELL IN ADVANCE.

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