Visa: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What is a visa?

• A visa officially registers with the government that you are allowed to enter the country in question. Better known as the stamps or stickers in your passport.
• It is not a guarantee that you will be allowed to enter - customs can still say: nope, but without a visa you often won't even get to the customs counter.
• Arranging a visa should not be underestimated. Find out in time whether arranging a visa in advance is mandatory or whether you can also get the visa upon arrival at the border.
• A visa determines whether and for how long you are allowed to stay in a country and whether you are allowed to travel, work, study, do an internship or do volunteer work.
• It is used to distinguish tourists from expats, business travelers or adventurous strollers with a yoga mat.
• You often can't even board a flight if you don't have the required visa.
• If you remain without a visa or if your visa has expired, you could be blacklisted, expelled from the country, imprisoned or face large fines.

What can you use a visa for when traveling and backpacking?

• Tourist visits: often a visa on arrival or e-visa.
• Long-term trips: visa extensions or multiple entry visas.
• Work, study, internship, volunteer work → specific visa types required.
• Some countries also require a visa for transit (transfer without leaving the airport).
• You avoid problems at border crossings or visa checks within a country (for example checkpoints in India or Iran)

When do you take a visa with you on a trip or while backpacking?

• Always if the country you are visiting requires it (check this before departure)
• In many countries you can:
  • Apply for an e-visa online in advance (for example Australia, India, Vietnam).
  • Buy a visa on arrival (for example Nepal, Laos, Tanzania).
  • Only arrange a visa via an embassy in your home country (for example for some African or Middle Eastern countries).
• Please note that you sometimes need a visa when leaving your previous country and that you sometimes also need proof of return or onward flight in addition to your visa.

Where can you also buy a visa locally in the world?

• In many countries, upon arrival at the airport or overland.
• Through an online e-visa system, via the government of the country.
• Through an embassy or consulate, in your home country or en route.
• Sometimes through a visa service bureau, mainly for countries with difficult or lengthy procedures.