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FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
June 2001
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 generally means that you
will need to submit passport-size (2"x2") photographs.
IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED
FROM FOREIGN EMBASSIES PRIOR TO APRIL 2001. 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 U.S. 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 unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.
Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a
visa, sign it in ink, and write in pencil your current address
and daytime telephone number in the space provided. This will
help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become
separated from the envelope during processing.
Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at
least six months or longer 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 that you plan to visit for their
requirements.
Some Middle Eastern or African countries will not issue visas
or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel. Consult
the National Passport Information Center (1-900-225-5674 or TDD:
1-900-225-7778 (fee of $0.35 per minute), or 1-888-362-8668 or
TDD: 1-888-498-3648 (flat fee of $4.95 for people using a major
credit card)) for guidance if this applies to you.
VISAS: If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate
foreign consular representative 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. 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. As soon as you receive your visa, check it to
make sure no mistakes were made. Processing and visa
fees vary, and most fees may not be refundable, consult the
embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for specific
details.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations
adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require
International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever,
especially if you are traveling from an area of the world that
is infected with yellow fever. 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 $20 or may
be obtained from your local health department or physician or
by contacting the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747), toll-free autofax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299),
or Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
AIDS/HIV TESTING: 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 that you plan to visit
to verify if this is a requirement for entry.
ADDITIONAL FEES: 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
or upon exiting the foreign country.
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