Passports and Visas

Passports

I believe everyone should have a valid passport and they should use it to the fullest extent possible. In order to cross any international border a passport is the one document you will need. Keep your passport valid and make sure you have at least a 6 month window from your departure date or some countries may deny you entry, so, when you are thinking about a future trip check your passport’s expiration date and take steps to renew it if necessary.

Visas  NEED TO EDIT

Most countries require a visa to cross their border or to arrive at an international air or sea port. How you obtain a visa will very much depend upon your nationality. Many countries will allow you to purchase a visa on arrival by simply filling out a form and presenting it with your passport to immigrations officials. It is necessary to check with the Embassy website of the country you plan to visit to determine how you obtain this visa. In all cases the visa is obtained from outside the country (arriving at an airport or seaport the area between debarkation and immigration is not officially considered a part of that country) and may involve a trip to an embassy or consulate office.

Obtaining visas, renewing visas and keeping visas current can be one of the most frustrating parts of traveling overseas – yet – it is the most important thing to do. Failure to keep your visa current can mean deportation, in some cases for life.

In some countries it is necessary to have a passport size photo of yourself which will be adhered to the visa. It is always a good idea to have a few (I carry 6) extra photos and put them in a safe, accessible place, for instance with your travel documents. Please do not trim the photos to any particular size – let the officials issuing the visa do this for you.

For those people who will be joining me for international storytelling workshops, you will receive information and guidelines on how to obtain a visa following registration.

ALWAYS MAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND NEVER KEEP THEM IN THE SAME BAG.

If you have found inspiration, answers to your questions, or just straight useful information maybe you would like to contribute something to bring our vision closer to reality.

Thank you and check out the blog from time to time because there will be lots more information coming soon.

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