Visas

[CMC_Michele]

I guess I don't understand this part.  I thought Visas were only for working but now I've read about Traveling Visas.  Is this something I get and put in the passport? Keep it separate from our passports? Is it the same thing as the "stamps" that are in there?

Totally confused!  Michele  

[why?@so.ca]

Michele,

Visas are stamps that are made in your passport, it's a permit to enter the country.  Where they are required, you must have it before you enter the land in question.  

It isn't the same as the stamp you get that sez you entered or exited a country on a given date.  

I think the state department has a list, on a website, of places where americans must have a visa to visit.  To the best of my recolection, the counties on the itenerary you posted here before are not on that list.  But, please double check me, i'm not sure!  

In most cases, you can get the visa in the last capitol city you visit before you get to the country which requires a visa.  look into it right away, though.  you don't want additional unexpected delays in your trip.  that'd be a rude shock!  

Make a list of all countries you think you *might* visit, remember that you might change plans as you go, then contact each consular office - by phone or on the web - find out if you'd need a visa and how you should get one.  

Example: my folks went to Hungary in the 80's, American's needed visas then, but it was easier to get one in Vienna!  So, when they got to Vienna, they started the process of getting a visa.  that way, they could spend time looking about in Vienna while the visa application problems worked out.

Is all this clear to you?  

[Kim]

According to the European Travel Guide,

"Visas are not required for American tourists on short-term visits (usually less than 90 days) by any member countries of the European Travel Commission covered on this site, except Turkey. U.S. citizens must obtain visas ($45) before entering Turkey, either from a Turkish consulate abroad, or at airport and border entry points."

Countries covered on that site were:
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Wales.

Kim

[CMC_Michele]

Thanks David and Kim,

So why did we need to get passports if we don't need to get it stamped to go into the country?  I am TOTALLY missing the boat here, I know.  Sorry!

Michele

[Kim]

You will need them to enter Europe and to get back into the USA on your way home.

If you take any other flights over in Europe, you will need them there as well.

We visited 17 countries in Europe and rail wise, the only time we had to show them was entering Prague. This was before everything that happened Sept.11 though, so I wouldn't be surprised if they are checking on the accasional train now as well.

Basically without a passport, you wouldn't be able to enter Europe nor would you be allowed back into the USA.

Visas allowed residents of certain countries to enter other countries-being from the USA, you won't need one for any of the places you are going. Certain countries have restrictions for other countries-for example, Canadians now have to have a visa in their passport in order to enter Prague.

Kim

[nitsansh]

CMC_Michele said:

Thanks David and Kim,

So why did we need to get passports if we don't need to get it stamped to go into the country?  I am TOTALLY missing the boat here, I know.  Sorry!

Michele

Passport is your identity card in a foreign country. You must have it on you any time.
You may be asked for it whenever your identity need to be verifird, for example when you exchange money, when you check-in to a hotel, when you rent a car, etc...