Knowing whether a traveller needs a visa is only the beginning. Existing visas can sometimes unlock entry to other destinations, e-visas may come with restrictions on ports of entry, and lesser-known transit fees and authentication requirements can catch even experienced travellers and travel agents off guard.
Candice Magen, CEO of Abroadscope, shared some of the less obvious visa and entry requirements agents should have on their radar.
Existing visas can open doors
One area that is often overlooked is visa-free entry offered on the basis of an existing visa for another country, particularly visas issued by the US, Canada, the UK or Schengen countries.
While exemptions such as those offered by Mexico are relatively well known, Magen said travellers may also be able to enter Costa Rica, Panama, Montenegro and Serbia under certain conditions.
According to Magen, Costa Rica allows eligible travellers visa-free entry for up to 30 days if they hold a qualifying visa valid for at least six months. Panama similarly allows visa-free entry for up to 30 days, although the qualifying visa must have been used previously. She said Montenegro allows eligible travellers stays of up to 30 days, while Serbia permits stays of up to 90 days.
“In all of these cases, the qualifying visa must be valid for multiple entries and must have been activated by the country that issued it,” said Magen.
E-visas
E-visas have made the application process considerably more convenient, but Magen warned that travellers should check whether their particular visa restricts them to designated points of entry.
Popular e-visa destinations include Vietnam, India and Egypt, but requirements differ by country and visa type.
“Travellers and their travel agents should therefore confirm their intended port of entry before assuming that an e-visa can be used at any border crossing,” said Magen.
Don’t assume passport rules
Passport validity and blank-page requirements can also trip up travellers and travel agents because requirements differ between destinations.
“Embassies and consulates generally require travellers to have at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport, together with six months of passport validity from the return date of the trip,” said Magen. “Checking these requirements before submitting a visa application can prevent unnecessary delays or complications.”
Another common misconception concerns visas contained in expired passports. Having a valid visa in an expired passport does not automatically mean that a traveller will be denied boarding, Magen explained. In many cases, the traveller simply needs to carry both the expired passport containing the valid visa and their current passport.
It is also important to ensure that the information on the visa and flight ticket corresponds with the traveller’s current travel document.
“If a traveller has changed their name since the visa was issued, for example, they should carry original evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate,” said Magen. “Having the correct supporting documentation can help avoid unnecessary complications at check-in, immigration or border control.”
Additional authentication
Technology is introducing additional authentication requirements into visa and entry processes.
Magen pointed to Japan as an example. South African travellers using Japan’s eVisa system are required to display a Visa Issuance Notice on a device when requested rather than relying on a printed copy or screenshot.
Screenshots, downloaded PDFs or printed copies of the notice are not accepted by airline and immigration staff, so travellers must have an active internet connection to load the live page on demand, she added.
Application requirements are also becoming more sophisticated. Dubai, for example, has introduced stricter photo specifications for visa applications, while some visa processes require applicants to submit biometric information.
“This means applicants need to be more prepared for requirements that go beyond simply submitting documents online,” said Magen.
Professions under scrutiny
A traveller's occupation can also affect the visa application process, even when the purpose of travel is leisure.
This is particularly relevant for high-tech engineers, active-duty military personnel, defence contractors and intelligence personnel. Crew members, pilots and maritime workers may also face specific requirements, as can foreign government officials and diplomats travelling off duty.
Members of the media, journalists, photographers, performing artists, musicians and athletes, as well as religious workers and missionaries, can likewise encounter visa requirements that differ from those applicable to ordinary tourists.
Even if these professionals are travelling for leisure purposes, their applications can face additional scrutiny, warned Magen.
Watch for unexpected charges
The cost of entering or leaving a country is not always limited to the visa fee. Some destinations have additional taxes or levies that need to be paid separately.
Magen highlighted Egypt as one example where travellers obtaining visas on arrival should be prepared for the applicable payment requirements.
In Bali, Indonesia, travellers are also subject to the Bali Regional Tourism Levy, an entry-related tourism charge that can be paid through an online portal or at designated airport kiosks.
Some of the more surprising charges are found in Central America, Magen said.
One of the most significant is El Salvador’s Airport Improvement Fee. According to Magen, the US$1 130 (R18 655) fee applies to transit or connecting passengers holding passports from India and more than 50 specified African countries, even if they do not leave the airport.
In Mexico, foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo are subject to the state’s VISITAX, which is separate from any applicable visa requirements.
Magen also advised travellers crossing from Costa Rica into Nicaragua by land to be prepared for an exit tax. She said payment terminals at land borders can sometimes be unreliable, leaving travellers to purchase paper tax vouchers from local vendors, potentially at an additional cost.
