Saturday, October 6, 2007

FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


This listing is for U.S. citizens traveling on tourism/business and does not
apply to persons planning to emigrate to foreign countries. Persons traveling
on official business for the U.S. Government should obtain visa information
from the agency sponsoring their travel. For purposes of this publication, a
visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a
U.S. passport that allows the bearer to visit that foreign country. Note:
Wherever you see the words "photo(s) required" in this publication it means
that you will need to submit passport-size photographs.

IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM FOREIGN
EMBASSIES PRIOR TO MARCH 1995. THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED
WELL IN ADVANCE.

PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid passport is
not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and
identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired passport, a certified
(original) birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of
Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To
prove identity, a valid driver's license or government identification card are
acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph.
However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid
U.S. passport is the best documentation available and it unquestionably proves
your U.S. citizenship.

Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months
beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required
validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy
or nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.

Some Arab or African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your
passport indicates travel to Israel or South Africa. Consult the nearest U.S.
passport agency for guidance if this applies to you.

VISAS SHOULD BE OBTAINED BEFORE PROCEEDING ABROAD. Allow sufficient time for
processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail.
Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in
many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular
office in the area of his/her residence. The addresses of foreign consular
offices in the United States may be obtained by consulting the Congressional
Directory in the library. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELER TO OBTAIN
VISAS, WHERE REQUIRED, FROM THE APPROPRIATE EMBASSY OR NEAREST CONSULATE OF
THE COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the
World Health Organization, a country may require International Certificates of
Vaccination against yellow fever. A cholera immunization may be required if
you are traveling from an infected area. Check with health care providers or
your records to ensure other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are
up-to-date. Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive
measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations are
required to return to the United States. Detailed health information is
included in Health Information for International Travel, available from the
U.S. Government Printing Office (address on page 20) for $7 or may be obtained
from your local health department or physician or by calling the Centers for
Disease Control on 404/332-4559.

An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS
testing, particularly for long-term visitors. Although many are listed here,
check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to verify
if this is a requirement for entry.

All international flights are subject to U.S. Immigration and U.S. Customs
fees paid in advance as part of your ticket. In addition, many countries have
departure fees that are sometimes collected at the time of ticket purchase.

AFGHANISTAN - Passport and visa required. No tourist or business visas are
being issued at this time. For further information contact Embassy of the
Republic of Afghanistan, 2341 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008
(202/234-3770/1).

ALBANIA - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 3
months. Departure tax $10. For further information contact the Embassy of
the Republic of Albania at 1150 18th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
(202/223-4942).

ALGERIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival. Visa valid
up to 90 days, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, and $12 fee (money
order or certified check). Company letter (+ 1 copy) required for business
visa. Visa not granted to passports showing Israeli visas. Enclose prepaid
self-addressed envelope for return of passport by registered, certified or
express mail. For currency regulations and other information contact the
Consular Section of the Embassy of the Democratic and Popular Republic of
Algeria, 2137 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-2800).

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