While traveling internationally always requires a current and valid passport, you may need a travel visa as well. Not all foreign countries require visitors to have visas, but there are some consulates and specific international travel situations that do.
It is important to remember that every country sets its own visa criteria. As such, visa rules can change at any time and without notice. Check out our guide to figure out if your trip abroad requires a visa.
Thankfully, you can cut down on the wait times for visas and, in some cases, request expedited processing to speed things up.
Countries that require visas usually have specific channels where you can submit your requests to rush your visa processing. Applicants' expedited requests are considered case-by-case and may require a visit to a consulate or embassy, added fees, and/or additional documentation.
If you need a visa fast, you have a few options which are outlined below. Ultimately, your best bet may be to get help from a professional visa expediting service. Not only do these businesses keep up to date on the latest requirements and regulations for visas around the world, but they also provide several time-saving benefits that can help reduce how long you have to wait for your visa.
Thankfully, fast visa expediting is available at most foreign consulates for U.S. citizens who plan to travel abroad within a few weeks or less.
Visa processing times can be rushed as quickly as a few days to as rapidly as the same day.
That said, the speed at which visa applications are processed depends on the consulate to which you are applying and the type of travel visa you are requesting.
It is important to note that not many consulates accept applications sent by mail. Most require you to submit the application in person or through a third party. So, no matter how fast you need your visa, you will need to plan for how you will physically get your passport and supporting documents to the appropriate officials for approval. The good news is that this can usually be handled on your behalf by a friend, relative, business associate, travel agent, or expedited visa service agent.
One difficulty in getting a visa processed quickly is that many consulates limit the number of visa applications they accept each day. Oftentimes, it is necessary to schedule an appointment before you arrive. In a rush, you may struggle to get an appointment as fast as you may need it. For this reason, travelers should apply early for their visa to avoid any problems. When this is not possible, you can expedite your visa directly at the consulate or apply through an expediter like iVisa.
These services cannot carry out the entire visa application process for their clients, but they can offer invaluable expertise and service in helping move the process along faster than most U.S. citizens could do on their own.
In a rush, hiring an expedited travel visa service is the ticket to saving time, frustration, and money.
Another common requirement is that your passport must contain at least 1 completely blank visa page. Some countries even require 2 pages that are adjacent to one another.
It is up to you to make sure your passport meets the requirements of the country you are seeking a visa to enter. If you don't have a valid passport, you must begin the process to expedite your passport as soon as possible to avoid travel delays.
Requests for a business visa usually require you to submit a letter from your employer or sponsoring company on official stationery stating the nature of your business.
While these are some of the most common documentation requirements, other documentation may be needed. Again, it is up to you to have all the relevant documentation and proof of travel for your destination country.
Some countries have a single application form for all types of visas, while others provide a separate application form for each. You must complete the correct application form accurately (especially if you need your visa quickly). Mistakes like choosing the wrong form or including incorrect information on your form can result in processing delays.
The tool below can help you find the proper forms and documentation requirements for the visa you need for your travel destination.
Rather than trying to navigate websites and embassy phone directories, a visa expediting service can help you find the exact visa(s) you need, what documentation you must provide, and how to get it all compiled for a successful expedited request.
To see for yourself, total up the estimated costs of transportation to the destination's nearest consulate; the amount of time you would need off from work; and any other necessities for your trip like food, beverages, and accommodations. In many cases, this will far exceed a visa expeditor's fee.
For most travelers, securing the help of a visa expediting service is the fastest and most efficient way of getting your travel visa. The combination of expertise, convenience, and peace of mind can help get your international trip off the ground smoothly.
The following visa expeditors each have a combination of years of experience and high customer satisfaction that can help you understand your travel visa needs, submit a complete application, and get your travel documents quickly and easily:
Looking to find out more about visas, their requirements, and the countries that require them? Click here to check out our complete guide to travel visas, which includes country-specific information for visa requirements of the most popular international destinations for U.S. travelers.
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