Travel Questions & Answers

A visa is a stamp or endorsement affixed by officials from a foreign country on your passport, allowing you to visit that country. (This rule excepts Russia, where a visa is an entirely separate document.) You obtain your visa from the proper embassy or consulate of the country you desire to visit. Over 270 countries offer visas, with literally thousands of different visas available, based upon differing countries and types and lengths of visit.

A passport is an official government document certifying your identity and citizenship. It allows you to regain entry to the country of your citizenship and is required by many countries to gain entry. On the other hand, a visa is an official government document that provides temporary authorization to be in the country you’re visiting. Many countries require a visa, rather than a passport, to gain entry. A visa usually is a simple stamp in the passport itself and is obtained from the country you wish to visit.

Your tourist visa is valid for up to one month and will allow either a single or double entry and exit. Your business visa is valid from one to 12 months and allows multiple entries and exits.
Business visas are usually required for travelers with a business agenda in their country of destination. Each country has its own definition of what activities qualify in the business category. Visit our CapitolVisa database for specifics.
As a rule, business activities encompass:
∑ attending meetings, conferences, business seminars and discussions;
∑ making presentations at same;
∑ researching market information;
∑ providing non-technical sales support;
∑ visiting clients;
∑ negotiating and signing contracts; or
∑ meeting with government officials.
Tourists are not allowed to participate in any of these activities.

At the very minimum, you’ll need a valid passport to obtain a visa. Once issued, your passport will be stamped verifying the visa has been issued and to indicate its expiration date. To learn more about visa application requirements, please Contact Us directly.  You may also find our Visa Application Checklist helpful.

There are nearly as many different answers to this question as there are countries. The requirements also are subject to change almost daily. To learn about the exact details of when you would need a visa, please Contact Us directly.  You may also find our Visa Application Checklist helpful.

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