My wife and I don't know what is actually required of us to enter a foreign country. Other than our passports, what else must we have or do to enter France, or Italy, or Turkey? Do we have to obtain a visa? If so, how do we do this as USA citizens? We're thinking we'd like to head over in advance of the Rick Steve's trip and spend a few days in the region before we meet up with the group for the scheduled trip.
Thanks So Much!!!
Matt
All your need is your passport. Have fun. For ideas go to http://gadtravel.blogspot.com/
Thanks Mark. Might I just confirm our understanding. To enter any country [whether it be in western europe, Turkey, Egypt, etc.], we just fly to their airport, and present our passport [maybe our driver's license if requested], say we're on holiday, and we get a stamp of some sort in our passport? And, for future consideration, is this the same for China, Japan, South America, Africa, etc.? Again, THANKS! This is a huge relief as we plan and prepare for our first travel overseas.
:Matt
It varies by country. For most of Western Europe, no visa is required for US citizens presenting valid passports. You just present your passport at immigration control at the airport and you're in (for no more than 90 days). Turkey requires you to buy a 90 day visa at immigration control for $20. To get information from the State Department, go to this site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Wonderful link. Great information.
Thank You!!!
Matt
Matt,
To add to the comments already provided, you'll be fine with just a Passport for Western European countries. I doubt very much if they'll ever ask for your Driver's license (however, be sure to take it along as it's good "collateral" if you want to rent Audioguides). Under the terms of the Schengen Agreement, non-EU residents are allowed a maximum of 90 days in the countries which are covered by this.
When you clear Passport control at your arrival airport, they'll stamp the Passport which will indicate date of arrival and airport. When you depart, it will be stamped again to indicate date of departure and airport.
Note that travel to Russia or some of the former Soviet-bloc countries is a bit more difficult and "cumbersome". If you're planning on travelling there, check the Embassy website for each country you want to visit, to determine their entry requirements. Someone else already provided the information for Turkey. I'm not sure of the rules for South America, China or other places. Again, check the Embassy websites.
Your plan to arrive a few days prior to the start of your tour is a good idea! I use the same method, and find that it's nice to have a look around and also get over jet lag before starting the tour. BTW, which tour are you considering?
Happy travels!
Matt, definately arrive a few days ahead,, the tours are fun, and move along, and one does not want to be all jet lagged .
Also planes can be late, or in the case of one family we met on a tour, their plane from Georgia was cancelled and they had to fly out a day later, so they actaully missed the first day of the tour.
I think 3 days in advance is good. You will be rested, and you can check out a few sites the tour will not take you to, there is never enough time to see all the sites in major centers.
Many Asian countries have Visa requirements. When traveling to Nepal it is recommended to get your Visa prior to leaving the USA. You can get it once you arrive - but it takes a long time standing in line. When I went I had my Visa, my brother did not. It took him nearly 3 hours to navigate the line to get his.
Also when traveling to other areas of the world check the State Department's advisories... Not all countries welcome US citizens with open arms. Also, check health department recomendations for immunizations when traveling - especially to third world countries/Asia/ and the tropics.
Happy, Safe, Travels!
Just check each country well in advance of travel.
Just remember for future travel that some countries require a visa before you go on your trip. For example, if you are travelling from the USA to India, you will need to go to the Indian consulate nearest to you to apply for your visa. If you are not close to one, you will have to request an application, fill it out and send your passports with a check for the full amount of the visa. Lots of countries require visas and you can always check with the state department or the consulate or embassy that you are travelling to and they will assist you. Happy travels.
