get travel visa

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Visit the U.S.

Generally, if you want to visit ( and not live in ) the United States you must first obtain a visitor visa . Travelers from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website .

If you want to travel to the United States for reasons other than business or pleasure, you must apply for a visa in the appropriate category. This includes if you want to study, work as a crew member or journalist, etc. You can get help determining which visa you need by using the Explore My Options page.

Extending Your Visit

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure . If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with USCIS.

If You Lose Form I-94

You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record .

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For Travelers

Visit the United States

The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State work together to create and maintain an effective, efficient visa process that secures America’s borders from external threats and ensures that our country remains open to legitimate travel.

DHS provides a full range of online resources to help you plan your trip, manage your arrival and if needed extend your stay.

Plan Your Trip

• Obtain a Visitor VISA - (U.S. State Department) Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S.
• Determine the correct VISA category - (USCIS) There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States.  The type of visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel.  Get help determining the right VISA category at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services homepage.
• Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)  - Provides biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States. OBIM currently applies to all international visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, but not to U.S. citizens.
• Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements Timeline - As of October 26, 2006, any passport issued on or after this date by a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country must be an e-Passport  for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the United States without a visa. If your passport is older, see requirements here
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - A fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Voluntary ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and Visa Waiver Program travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S.

Your Arrival

• Locate a Port Of Entry - Air, Land, or Sea (CBP) - At a port of entry, CBP enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the U.S. federal government and conducts immigration policy and programs. Ports also perform agriculture inspections to protect the USA from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets, and the environment.
• Global Entry Program (CBP) - Expedited screening and processing for pre-screened international travelers entering the United States.
• CBP Traveler Entry Forms (CBP) - Whether you are a visitor to the United States or U.S. citizen, each individual arriving into the United States must complete one or more of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) entry forms.
• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) - If you have difficulties experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, use this system to make inquiries or seek resolution.

Extend Your Stay

• Apply to Extend Your Stay - (USCIS) If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States.
• Change Your Non-Immigrant Status - (USCIS) If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. 

Tips During Your Trip to the United States

Beware of Scams - (Federal Trade Commission) The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants.

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• How Do I - For Travelers
• International Travel

Travel Visa Information: Types, Requirements, and How to Apply

A travel visa, also called an entry visa, allows you to enter into a foreign country for a specified amount of time. A travel visa is not the same as a passport. While you will need a valid passport to travel internationally, it is only one of the travel documents required to enter a foreign country. If a valid visa is a requirement, trying to enter a country without one will result in denied entry.

Table of Contents

What is a visa, different visa types and requirements.

• Multiple Entry Visas

How to Get a Travel Visa

What if i need a travel visa fast.

• Do I Need a Travel Visa?
• Popular Destinations That Require a Travel Visa

More Travel Visa Destinations

A visa is a travel document that can serve multiple purposes such as:

• Defining the purpose of your travel as a foreign national
• Certifying how long you are legally allowed to remain in the host country
• Attesting that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your visit
• Identifying the business associates and/or permanent residents who may be hosting or supporting you during your stay

There are many foreign countries where no visa is required to visit. Some countries that do require an entry visa issue it upon the visitor's arrival. Most countries require you to apply for a travel visa in advance.

Each travel visa process has its own application, required documents, and wait times. So, if a visa is required, you will want to start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid delays to your travel plans.

Your visa requirements will vary depending on your destination country and the visa type you need. The most common types of nonimmigrant visas are:

• Tourism - This visa is for individuals who want to visit a country for vacations, sightseeing, social events, visiting family, or visiting friends. It does not allow the holder to work or engage in any business activities in the host country.

Most tourist visas are valid for 90 days from the date of arrival.

• Business - This visa allows foreign nationals to engage in business-related activities in the host country. This could include attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. However, it does not permit the holder to accept formal employment.

The length of the business visa will usually vary depending on the type of business activity it is granted for.

• Work - This visa is issued to foreign nationals who have been granted permission to work in the host country. The individual must usually have a job offer from a company in the host country. As such, the visa is often tied to that specific employer.

Work visas can be issued for short stays or multiple years depending on the host country's laws and the nature of the applicant's employment.

• Study - A student visa allows foreign nationals to study at an educational institution in the host country. The individual must usually have an offer of a place at the institution and may need to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.

Study visas are usually issued only for the specific duration of the student's educational program.

• Transit - A transit visa allows a foreign national to pass through the host country on their way to another destination.

Transit visas are special cases and, as such, are typically only valid for a short period and do not permit the holder to leave the transit area of the airport or other transportation hub.

Getting the right visa for your intended travel is very important. Failing to comply with the terms of your visa can and will result in deportation back to your home country.

Multiple Entry Visa

In some cases, a visa applicant may need to enter, leave, and reenter a foreign country. Since most visas are only valid for a single entry, this means foreign nationals would need to reapply for a new visa before each visit. When you consider the wait times associated with getting travel documents, this can be very inconvenient.

Depending on the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa that will allow you to reenter the country more than once. In most cases, you will need to provide evidence that you need a multi-entry visa. Some countries require you to complete a separate application and provide additional documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Once issued, multiple entry visas can typically be used without any limit on how many times you leave and re-enter the country. That said, most countries limit the duration of each stay. Typically, this can be anywhere from 30 days to up to three months (90 days).

The reason for these limits is to prevent visa holders from overstaying their welcome on a nonimmigrant visa. A multiple-entry visa is not intended to be a way of circumventing the rules set by a nation's immigration services for permanent residence.

If a travel visa is one of the foreign entry requirements for the places you plan to visit, you need to obtain it from the appropriate embassy or consulate office. Most foreign consular representatives are located in major cities in the United States such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. There are also a large number of embassies in Washington, DC. Some countries allow you to submit a visa application by mail, others require a personal appearance, and some even require a visa interview.

If you choose to apply by mail, be sure to account for processing time. Just like applying for a new passport, there can be a lengthy wait time before you receive approval for your visa application. Once processed, your travel document and supporting documents will be mailed to you.

Many countries now offer an online visa application. The amount of processing time involved with getting a visa online will depend on the destination country's visa requirements and the efficiency of their systems and bureaucracies. At best, you may receive an evisa instantly. At a minimum, you will eliminate the wait time associated with mailing your application and materials or delivering them in person to an embassy or consulate.

As soon as you receive your travel visa, check for mistakes. Errors can cause problems at ports of entry and should be corrected before you travel. Attempting to use a visa that contains errors could result in being turned away at your port of entry.

U.S. passport and foreign travel visa expediting services are helpful if you need to get your visa fast or if you do not have time or the means to submit the application yourself. You can request expedited service online and let the expeditor deliver the application to the embassy or consulate for a reasonable fee.

One reputable visa expediting service that we highly recommend is iVisa . They are experienced visa expeditors with tens of thousands of strong, positive ratings on TrustPilot . If you need a visa quickly, or you just need some extra support through the visa application process, iVisa can help ensure you get the proper visa for your trip and get it as soon as possible.

If you are in a rush, the tool below can help you determine your specific visa needs as well as get you started on the application process

So, Do I Need a Travel Visa?

Again, not everyone will need a visa for every destination country. A passport valid for the duration of your trip may be sufficient for visa-free travel to many countries. Some countries require a passport valid for up to six months but still do not require passport holders to obtain any type of visitor visa.

Below is a directory of some of the most popular travel destinations and their visa requirements. For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, so it is best practice to reach out to the consulate or embassy of your destination country to be sure you comply with their most up-to-date travel document requirements.

For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

Travel Visas

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The Best Travel Visa Services

The 9 best travel visa services.

• Passport Visas Express
• Travel Visa Pro
• Rush My Travel Visa
• Handy Visas

What's the Easiest Way to Get a Travel Visa?

Online travel visa providers have revolutionized the way individuals apply for visas when planning their international trips. These services offer a wide range of benefits that simplify and expedite the travel visa application process, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

One of the most significant advantages of using online travel visa providers is the convenience they offer. Traditionally, getting a travel visa required multiple visits to embassies or consulates, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient. With online travel visa providers, you can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your own homes or office. This eliminates the need for in-person visits and long waiting times, saving you valuable time and effort.

Saturday, April 13th

2024 Travel Visa Service Reviews

• Can apply for multiple visa types (tourist, business, student)
• Works directly with embassies of 150+ countries
• Three tiers of service (Regular, Preparation, Concierge)
• Thousands of five-star reviews
• Customer service is easy to reach

Passport Visas Express has been providing expedited passports and express visa services for nearly two decades. They have received recognition from reputable sources like CNN, BudgetTravel, and The Washington Post as a reliable and affordable solution for obtaining travel visas online.

Works with embassies of most nations

Get started by selecting your travel destination: when you click on the button, it'll show you some of the most popular countries (China, Thailand, India) or you can select "view all countries" if where you're going isn't on that short list. Passport Visas Express works directly with the embassies of more than 150 countries, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding your location here.

You'll know if you need a visa

We were glad to see that this service makes it abundantly clear when travelers don't need a visa for travel to a particular destination. For example, at the time of this evaluation, Brazil had paused its requirements for tourist entry visas, and PVE stated that upfront at the top of the country-specific page. Helpfully, they also listed out other expedited visa types that were on offer, such as work, diplomatic, and non-US citizens.

You won't pay for something you don't need

Similarly, we were really impressed when we went to look up the Australian tourist visa , which is known as being both lengthy and expensive. What seemed like a downside - seeing that Passport Visas Express had it as "service currently unavailable" - turned out to be a huge mark in this company's favor. Why? When we reached out to their live chat agent (who responded promptly, by the way), they explained that at the moment, Australia was requiring all tourist visas to go through their embassy directly, with no third-party assistance allowed. Other companies were not so clear about that - and were perfectly willing to take our money for something we might not have needed (a different type of visa for those who didn't qualify for what the Australian government was offering to direct applicants).

Very transparent visa process

So, let's take a look at a country with a long list of visa requirements: China . How does Passport Visas Express do? In a word, excellent. From the very first moment you land on the China visa page, you'll be able to see exactly what to expect: pricing, process, and more. For example, on a basic tourist visa, you'll pay service fees starting at $449 (on top of the required consular fees, of course). You'll also need to enter your zip code to get the application requirements for the consulate nearest you. We love how PVE spells out each step needed, from the tourist visa application review to the flight confirmation and beyond.

DIY or concierge, you choose

Generally speaking, there are three levels of service available from Passport Visas Express. Regular lets you complete your travel visa application at your own pace, with their team on standby to answer any questions you might have, and then you send your application to them for processing. You can also opt for the Preparation service as an upgrade during checkout; this tier connects you with one of their experts over the phone, who will complete the application for you during the call and then send it to you to print, sign, and return for processing. Finally, if you prefer to skip online checkout completely, you can call for Personal Concierge service: the agent will create your order, ensure all needed services are included, fill out your application, and send it to you for your signature.

Thousands of 5-star ratings

PVE holds up really well when you consider its reputation too. Across nearly 6,000 reviews on Trustpilot, more than 95% of clients gave this travel visa service a 4- or 5-star rating, averaging an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. People describe their experience as being quick and easy, and many mention how pleased they were with the availability of the customer support team. While we wish that Passport Visas Express would put something on their site about how they handle rejected visa applications - is there a refund? Does it only apply in certain circumstances? - the overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients, especially those who have used this travel visa service on multiple occasions, leaves us feeling like that's a pretty minor concern overall.

#1 pick for travel visas

When it comes to applying for a travel visa, it doesn't get much better than Passport Visas Express. They deliver on their promises, returning your passport with a completed visa right on time and giving you all the help and reassurance you might need along the way. You should feel very comfortable entrusting this service with your documents. We're pleased to name Passport Visas Express as our new #1 pick for getting help with travel visas.

• Mostly offers tourist and business visas
• VIP and Executive Choice concierge service available
• Help available via phone, text, live chat, online form, or in person at one of 50+ USA office locations
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

If you want all of the features of a large agency with the one-on-one service of a boutique travel visa company, Travel Visa Pro is the right place for you. In business for over a decade, this service specializes in making travelers' lives easier with full-service in-person locations and simple online applications, support even on weekends and at night, and the kind of attention you'd expect from a world-class travel visa provider. You can also get passport services here, whether you need one for the first time or you're replacing a passport that's expired or stolen

Won't make you apply for something you don't need

Let's take a look at how Travel Visa Pro did with three countries we used for comparison across providers.

• With respect to Australia , who was requiring applicants to get tourist visas directly through a government website at the time of this evaluation, Travel Visa Pro didn't spell that out. But, in contrast with some rival visa platforms who let us go ahead and apply for... something... TVP said that we would need to reach out to them so that they could research our request, because the requirements weren't updated in their system. We would have liked to see a clear explanation of what was going on with Australian tourist visas, but this approach was good enough for us.
• Brazil was also a special case at the time of this evaluation: it wasn't requiring tourist visas for US passport holders, but those fees were scheduled to be reinstated in a few months. While Travel Visa Pro didn't have anything about the reinstatement date, it correctly indicated that we wouldn't need a visa for tourism of 90 days or less.

Excellent choice for Chinese travel visas

China was the third destination in our comparison, and we were pleased to see that TVP offered several travel visa types (employment, family visit, business, crew, tourist) - because the visa types for other countries here were more limited than some rival services. The information provided for travel to China was the most comprehensive we saw on any visa site, explaining everything from different visa types to document and photo requirements. Travel Visa Pro also gave us lots of options for processing time on our China visa: 16-30 days for a service fee of $499, 11-15 days for $999, and 5-10 days for $1,499. That's a big advantage over many rival services who were only offering 15-30 day processing at the time of this evaluation. We could also opt for concierge service for $199 (VIP) or $499 (Executive Choice): extras with those packages include overnight inbound and outbound delivery, photo printing, and so on. Those services are available as a la carte purchases if you prefer not to pay for a package, but the bundled services will always be a better deal.

Round-the-clock support

We appreciate that Travel Visa Pro makes it easy to get help, too. You can reach out via phone, email, text, or online form 24/7 - or you can even visit one of their in-person locations nationwide. That makes this an excellent choice for anyone who might want a little face-to-face reassurance that their travel visa application will be in good hands.

Travelers love this company

And yes, Travel Visa Pro really does live up to its promises. Everywhere you look, you'll find almost nothing but five-star reviews for this travel visa and passport service. Some of the phrases that jumped out at us include "TVP saved my trip and my sanity" , "reliable and extremely responsive" , and "I wish more companies were this good" . The Better Business Bureau agrees, giving Travel Visa Pro its accreditation and an "A+" rating.

Best for travelers who need extra support or quick processing

Travel Visa Pro comes in as a very close second to our #1 pick in the industry. TVP wasn't quite as clear on why certain countries weren't available for visa applications, and travelers who need visa types beyond tourism or business might not be able to apply here, depending on the destination. But, this company goes above and beyond most rival services with respect to customer service, especially with the ability to reach out to a rep 24/7. If you think you might need a little extra reassurance during your travel visa application process, or if you're in a tight situation time-wise, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with Travel Visa Pro.

• Many different travel visa types available (artist, athlete, courtesy, missionary, research, tourist)
• Website is very easy to use and informative
• Pricing is typically competitive
• Help available via phone and email

Since its establishment in 2003, VisaHQ has been a leading provider of online visa services and U.S. passport solutions. They offer a convenient and efficient way for travelers to apply for visas to nearly any country worldwide. With their advanced online platform, customers can easily complete a single electronic form for some destinations, eliminating the need for paper documentation. VisaHQ also assists US citizens with passport services, including obtaining, renewing, and replacing passports.

Could be a little clearer when requirements change

How did VisaHQ do when we looked at three countries for comparison (namely Australia, Brazil, and China)? At the date of this evaluation, Australia was requiring tourists needing their most basic tourist visa (subclass 601) to apply directly through their government website, and VisaHQ disappointed us by not explaining that. Instead, their site defaulted to the tourist e-visa (class 600) "if you cannot get subclass 601" . Confused? We would have been too, if we didn't already have the heads-up about what was going on at the time.

Lots of visa types available

On the other hand, we were very pleased with VisaHQ's results for a Brazilian tourist visa : they correctly identified it as not necessary (which was true at the time of our visit), as well as informing travelers of the exact date when that visa requirement for US citizens was scheduled to be required again. We also appreciated that many different visa types were available for this destination country, all visible with a handy scroll bar on VisaHQ's main Brazil visa page: artist/athlete, courtesy, missionary, official, scientific, and so on.

Visa requirements clearly explained

And China? VisaHQ did well there too, offering help with visa types ranging from tourist to journalist and many others. As you may know, the Chinese visa process is not simple, and this site does a great job of explaining absolutely everything a traveler will need to do and provide. You complete the application form online and print it off, then send it in along with your other documents (passport, proof of residency, the Where You Stay form).

Transparent pricing

For any country where you need a travel visa, VisaHQ clearly spells out what your total cost will be right on that country's page. For example, a Chinese tourist visa would incur a fee of $784: $185 for the embassy fee and $599 for VisaHQ's service fees. Is that a reasonable cost? That depends: on the China main page, it said those fees would cover a turnaround time of 7-9 business days, which is a steal compared with rival travel visa services. However, when we got into the application, the processing time was shown as 15-20 business days: honestly, that's the timeframe we were expecting in current conditions, and that puts VisaHQ as a little more costly than other services charging in the neighborhood of $499 for that processing speed.

Good reputation

Overall traveler feedback for VisaHQ is definitely positive. Out of 3300+ reviews, the company earned an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. One of the most frequent compliments is on the processing speed for travel visas: many customers say that their applications were approved and passports returned well in advance of the promised timeframe. Other clients praise the customer service team, with one person saying that VisaHQ gave them "the most rapid response [they] have ever had in dealing with customer service by email" .

Not a favorite of the BBB

But, should you go out looking for VisaHQ reviews yourself, be prepared to find an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau ( we were surprised too ). That's for failing to respond to two complaints out of the five filed with the BBB over the last three years: not what we would call an egregious pattern of misbehavior, anyway. And, most of the complaints we spotted as we sifted through reviews elsewhere were responded to appropriately and quickly by VisaHQ representatives.

Excellent option for travel visas

VisaHQ is one of our preferred providers of travel visas. The site is one of the easiest to use that we've ever seen, making it fast and simple to choose the right visa for your trip and to understand what the requirements for approval will be. Less experienced travelers will benefit from having access to customer support reps via email and phone, and everyone can appreciate getting their visa paperwork processed and completed faster than promised. Give VisaHQ a look the next time you're planning on traveling internationally.

• Good for tourist visas
• In business for 10+ years
• Almost 35,000 five-star reviews

Decent refund policy

The company iVisa, founded in 2012 by two friends pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School, was born out of their own frustrations with the cumbersome visa application process. As avid travelers, they understood the hassle of dealing with government offices and extensive paperwork while trying to balance their growing families. They aimed to create a streamlined solution that would enable hassle-free travel without the need for time-consuming forms or visits to foreign embassies. Since its inception, iVisa has served over one million satisfied customers who appreciate the simplicity of their processes.

Helpful FAQ for newbies

If you're a first-time applicant for a travel visa, you may have questions regarding the necessity of a visa, the application process, and the expected timeframe for obtaining one. iVisa offers a helpful FAQ page to address such concerns and provide clarity. This page covers topics like eVisas, visa validity duration, application status tracking, typical visa processing times, and other essential information.

Isn't always clear with countries' requirements

Using the iVisa site is pretty straightforward. Select the country you're from and your intended destination, and you'll see what's required for that location, including details on government fees. But, here's what we didn't love. We checked out a country that, at the time of this review, wasn't requiring tourist visas for US citizens ( Brazil ). iVisa told us that - but at the same time, we were pushed to use the service to take care of our health declaration. When we tried to start that process, we were then told no, it wouldn't be necessary until a date in the future when the country was reinstating required tourist visas. It felt very confusing, and if we hadn't already been familiar with the travel visa requirements for that destination, iVisa certainly wouldn't have set our mind at ease.

Visa types limited to tourism

Another drawback we found when using iVisa was not being able to choose among different travel visa types. Not everyone needs a simple tourist visa: some travelers need options for business, missionary work, scientific research, and so on, and we didn't find that kind of help here (despite easily getting it through some of iVisa's rivals in the industry).

What will you pay for iVisa's help in getting your travel visa application processed? That depends on the location and the speed you prefer. For example, if you're traveling to Brazil, you'd pay $35 for standard processing, $65 for rush processing, and $100 for super rush processing - on top of any governmental fees the country requires at the time of your application.

iVisa's refund policy is good but a little convoluted. If you decide to cancel your visa application, you can get all of your money back if your status is "received" or "in progress" . Once it switches to "information needed" , your refund amount drops to "up to 90%" , and then down to zero if your visa application reaches "waiting on government" or "complete" status. What if your travel visa application is rejected? Your ability to get a refund from iVisa will depend on what type of service you purchased. Guided visa services - US B1/B2, Australia Visitor, UK Visitor, Canada Visitor, China, and Schengen visas - are all non-refundable if your application is denied, unfortunately. But, other travel visas here are covered by a full refund policy.

Mixed but generally positive client feedback

How about reputation? iVisa has nearly 35,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, and most clients wind up happy with the service they receive. People usually describe it as fast and affordable, and they feel that the process of getting their travel visa was made much easier to understand with iVisa's help. But, if you scroll through some of the most recent reviews, not everyone is thrilled with the experience here. Although only 10% of iVisa clients would rate the service as three stars or lower, those less-than-glowing reviews often relate to some of the downsides we mentioned: taking travelers' money for services they might not really need, not offering refunds when clients expected them, or taking weeks (or months) to process visa applications that could be accomplished by applying directly with the destination government's embassy in a matter of days.

Good but not our favorite anymore

iVisa is still a reputable place to get your travel visa - at least, as long as you're traveling as a tourist and not needing a more specialized kind of permission to enter the country. We're encouraged by the fact that 90% of iVisa's clients still give the service a 4- or 5-star rating too. But, with respect to overall clarity on countries' requirements, iVisa has fallen behind some of its competitors and is no longer our highest-ranked option for travel visas. You may want to see what rival services have to offer before deciding on iVisa for your trip.

• Multiple visa types available (tourist, student, and more)
• Service mostly consists of filing your completed application: you do the work to get it filled out, and they take it to the embassy or consulate
• In business for over 30 years

For over 30 years, Travel Document Systems (TDS) has worked with corporate and individual international travelers, cruise lines, NGOs, travel agents, and tour operators to provide expedited visa and passport processing. With locations in DC, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, and LA, this company is just a short walk from most embassies, consulates, and the US Passport Agency itself.

Might give you a visa you don't actually need

How did TDS perform when we looked at three popular visa destinations (Australia, Brazil, China)? We had mixed feelings with the Australia results: at the time of this evaluation, Australia was requiring tourists staying less than 90 days (which, honestly, is most people) to apply for an ETA visa through their channels only and not with third-party help. TDS correctly identified that - but their Australia page defaulted to the Long Stay (90+ days) visa, something that many inexperienced travelers might not realize isn't the documentation they need.

Some countries have available visas beyond tourism

Brazil came up roughly the same way: TDS showed the tourist visa as not required for US passport holders (which was correct at the time of this review) but defaulted to a 10-year validity visa that might not be what the average tourist wants. Other visa types were also available for Brazil, such as student, technical, and work.

Okay for multiple visa types in China

Finally, China. It was noteworthy that there was a disclaimer about Chinese visas on every country page we saw, not just China's itself - explaining that processing times were much longer than what was posted on the site because of the volume of applications being processed at the Chinese embassies and consulates, even for clients paying for Express (2-3 business day) processing. But, TDS also encouraged prospective clients to email them if they have a tight departure, to verify whether or not they can help within the needed timeframe. We appreciate that! TDS offers help with many different types of visas in China, including business, tourist, student, and visiting family/friends. You'll pay $269 for Regular travel visa assistance here and $319 for Express, but again, TDS explained very clearly that the 5-7 business days or 2-3 business days given as timeframes weren't applicable at that time.

Be aware of what services are included in your initial fee

We would recommend going through the Document Requirements listed for each country's visa process. You'll find helpful information, both in general and specific to TDS' processes. For example, as we browsed the list for a Nepali tourist visa, that's where we spotted the fact that we'd have to pay an extra $50 for someone at TDS to review our documents for completeness and correctness ( we would have thought that was part of the service fee, but apparently not ). We also saw that travelers can pay an extra $12 to have TDS format a selfie and return it digitally for printing. In other words, when you pay the generic fee for a travel visa here, you're still doing most of the work yourself. That's fine if you know that all you're getting is someone to file your visa paperwork for you, unless you choose to pay more for additional services.

Watch that grade

And reputation? Interestingly, the TDS website proudly displays a badge from the Better Business Bureau to prove their accreditation there - but when you click on the link, the BBB listing for this company not only showed no accreditation but also a "D-" grade. Oops . Fortunately, though, that rating was for failing to respond to two complaints out of a total of three filed over the last three years - and there were no complaints filed with the BBB in the most recent 12-month period (so not exactly an avalanche of poor customer experiences).

Where's the recent feedback?

Feedback elsewhere was a little... mystifying. There were nearly 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot, averaging about 4.4 out of 5 stars... but none of them were newer than 2018. Similarly, on Shopper Approved, TDS stopped participating in their rating collection back in 2021 - and even the TDS website copyright ended in 2022. And, when we called the local number for the Washington DC headquarters during normal business hours, we got a recorded message saying all agents were busy and inviting us to send an inquiry via email. Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice in Wonderland would say...

Below average for travel visa services

TDS might be a solid place to get a travel visa - but it's hard to feel overly confident about that, with customer feedback dropping off to almost nil over the last few years. We appreciate the accurate information on each country's visa requirements pages, but at the same time we were discouraged by not being able to reach someone during regular business hours. Our recommendation is to keep TDS in mind as an option, but only after you've checked out our higher-ranking providers of travel visa services first.

• Mostly tourist visas, though other types (work, student) available for some destinations
• Expedited service available for some destinations
• Refunds available within first 72 hours

Rush My Travel Visa tells you what you need to know right in the company name: they specialize in getting your visa application done quickly. This is a service of Expedited Travel, who also offers passport services, and the company is registered with many foreign consulates.

Might charge you for something you don't need

As a way to gauge the accuracy of various travel visa services, we usually looked at three countries: Australia, Brazil, and China. At the time of this evaluation, Australia was not allowing third-party help for travel visas, requiring visitors to go directly through the government website/app. And yet, Rush My Travel Visa was still offering its service at a price of $45 for their service plus $20 in embassy fees. That didn't leave us feeling super confident.

Not always clear on whether or not you'll need a visa

The travel visa page for Brazil wasn't any better. While it stated very clearly that " Brazilian travel visas are required for all US Citizens" , Rush My Travel Visa only offered work and student visas - probably because, at the time of our visit to the site, Brazil had temporarily suspended the tourist visa requirement. But, there was no mention of that on the country page here.

Cheaper - but slower - than most for Chinese travel visas

China travel visas were a little more robust, though. We were able to choose visas for tourists, business, work, students, or crew, and the pricing was spelled out clearly. For a standard multiple-entry tourist visa to China, Rush My Travel Visa charges a service fee of $334, in addition to an embassy fee of $140 and an extra $10 service fee for having RMTV pay those fees on your behalf. However, the only processing speed was 25-40 business days, with no options for expediting paperwork. That's ironic for a service that literally has the word "rush" in its name.

Very limited refund policy

How about refunds? If you cancel your travel visa order within 72 hours, you can get a full refund. Beyond that, though, Rush My Travel Visa will not return your money - even if your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or your visa application is rejected. We wish they would take responsibility for errors on their part - or at least spell it out if they already do that, instead of leaving it unstated.

You'll either love it...

Looking at reviews in places like Trustpilot, they were almost all positive. Customer gave praise for specific customer reps and their hands-on help during the application process, quick turnaround times, and being able to get visas done right when clients had made a mess of it on their own.

...or hate it

However, the company (under parent brand Expedited Travel) has only earned a "B" rating from the Better Business Bureau, with nearly 150 complaints filed there over the last three years. People complained about a lack of customer service, unclear requirements for submitting visa and passport applications, and documents that were so delayed that trips had to be canceled. Not exactly encouraging, despite the increase from a "C+" rating the last time we looked.

Do you feel lucky?

Obviously, Rush My Travel Visa is getting mixed client feedback. It's hard to reconcile such different experiences. We're left wondering if it's the luck of the draw when choosing Rush My Travel Visa.

Try a different service for travel visas

Despite the positive feedback, we can't give Rush My Travel Visa a high rating. With constantly-changing visa requirements, a service like this one needs to be 100%^ up to date at all times, and there's no excuse for taking money from nervous travelers who should go directly to the destination government to complete their paperwork instead. Beyond that, this service doesn't offer as much as its rivals do - for visa types or processing speed. We strongly recommend that you look at a higher-ranked travel visa provider instead of RMTV.

• Offers primarily tourist visas to about 100 countries
• Can add another traveler to initial application
• In business since 2019
• 100% refund if your visa application is denied

Handy Visas started in Spain in 2019, aiming to turn the travel visa application process into a more carefree, streamlined process for travelers on all five continents. Since inception, the company has sold more than a million services with a 99% approval rate on travel visas.

Not necessarily clear

To make a fair comparison across travel visa providers, we often went by the A-B-Cs of Australia, Brazil, and China: all countries that had at some point required US citizens to have a visa for entry. During this evaluation process, Australia was requiring applications to be made directly through their own website or app and not using a service like Handy Visas. On the Australia page, Handy Visas correctly identified that we would need a visa as a US passport-holder, but it wasn't until we went further into the "apply now" process that we were told that Handy Visas would be unable to process our request. Also, the site didn't explain that it was because of the Australian government's policy change: because we were directed to contact our nearest embassy or consulate, we would have been left thinking there was a problem on our side if we didn't already know about the direct-apply requirement.

Could be more specific

Handy Visas got it mostly right when it came to Brazil , telling prospective US travelers that a tourist visa wasn't required at the time and not even directing people to any kind of application. Well done! But, unlike some rival sites, Handy Visa failed to mention that the requirement was scheduled to be reinstated in the near future, which would have been helpful to know.

No help for US citizens needing a Chinese travel visa

And China ? Total fail for US passport holders trying to use Handy Visas. All we got was this: "Citizens of United States need to apply for a Visa for China. We recommend contacting the nearest embassy or consulate of China for more information." Or how about we go to a competitor travel visa service who will gladly help us apply for a Chinese travel visa?

More "no" than "yes" here

So, if you're keeping score, at this point Handy Visas had yet to come up with a destination country they could help us with. Let's try a few more. Nepal? Yes, we would need a visa - and Handy Visa's link took us to the Nepali government website to apply directly ( guess you don't want to help us with that one? ) Russian Federation? We were redirected to a .ru website that gave us a 502 Bad Gateway error.

Higher fees than rivals

Finally, we found one: India. We had to go deep into the application to find out that there were multiple travel visa types available here (like tourism, business, medical treatment). It was also a nice perk that we could add another traveler to our application once we finished entering our own details. However, it was only when we got to the payment page that we finally got to see how much we'd be paying for the service: $89 for standard 1-business-day processing time. That's quite a bit more than many competitor services, and much more than if you apply for it directly with the Indian Embassy online.

Support only offered via email/DM

One very important aspect of using Handy Visas is this: they offer 24/7 customer support... but only via email/online message, and they tell clients to expect a 72-hour turnaround time. That's okay if you're not on a tight deadline, but not ideal if you've got an extremely time-sensitive situation or if you're a less-experienced international traveler who wants an answer now and not three days from now.

Unexpectedly good acceptance guarantee

On the other hand, this company offers a guarantee that beats almost every other travel visa service out there: if your application is denied by your destination country, you'll get a full refund of the fees you've paid. That alone is reason to see if Handy Visas can help you with your needed travel documents.

Mostly positive ratings from travelers

Plus, client ratings of Handy Visas are surprisingly good, though most of them are coming from travelers outside of the US. On Trustpilot, 90% of users across 900+ ratings give this travel visa service a 4- or 5-star score, citing ease of use and prompt emails when issues need to be corrected in the paperwork. But, as you'd expect, for people in a pinch who need a rapid response, Handy Visa's 72-hour-via-email situation can be a source of complaints.

Not awful, but not the best for US travelers

We're so conflicted when it comes to ranking Handy Visas. On the one hand, we love the refund policy and we're encouraged to see hundreds of recent reviews from customers who had no problems getting their travel visas here. However, on the other hand, Handy Visas couldn't take care of our Chinese tourist visa at all, and we have huge reservations about working with a Spain-based company that only takes questions and concerns via email with a three-day turnaround. All of that combined puts Handy Visas as just below average in our rankings, particularly for anyone traveling on a US passport.

• Multiple visa types available (tourism, missionary/religious, artist/athlete, and more)
• In business for 30+ years
• Worked with more than 5 million travelers

Travisa has been providing immigration and visa services for over 30 years, catering to both corporations and individuals. With a team of over 1,600 skilled professionals, including immigration experts, lawyers, and migration consultants, spread across 60 offices in 27 countries, Travisa is the primary visa service provider for 75% of Fortune 500 companies. They offer a comprehensive range of services through their two primary brands: Newland Chase, a subsidiary specializing in global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations, and Travisa, offering business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients.

Performs well with up-to-date visa requirement info

To see how Travisa measures up, we looked at visas for three different countries: Australia (who, at the time of this review, was requiring visa applications to go directly through the government and not through any third-party service), Brazil (who had paused requiring tourist visas), and China (who's known for having a lengthy, somewhat difficult travel visa process). We were glad to see that Travisa got it all right. Unlike some of its competitors, this service didn't start us down a path of some unrelated paperwork or anything we didn't absolutely need. We also appreciate that Travisa offers many different types of travel visas, including professional artists, missionaries, and business travelers, not just your standard tourist paperwork.

Detailed information if you dig for it

When you select your destination country and visa type, you'll get a long list of things to know before you go, including entry restrictions, processing times, and service fees. Looking at China as an example, Travisa says to expect to pay $140 in consular fees and $185 for their standard processing of 8 business days "or longer" . But, when you click on "see more details" , you'll also learn that there's also a 6.9% processing fee when Travisa pays your government agency fees.

BBB rating drop

That should clue you in to the fact that Travisa still ranks low here because of ongoing less-than-positive client feedback. For example, the Better Business Bureau gives this travel visa service a not-impressive "B-" rating for failing to respond to a couple of customer complaints there, a drop from its previous "A-" rating the last time we evaluated the service. That in itself wouldn't be a huge issue, but the complaints continue elsewhere.

Travelers complain about surprise fees

The most frequently mentioned problem? Lack of transparency in pricing. Time and again, clients say they paid one amount when they submitted their application, only to get further charges down the road - ones that they say were never spelled out in an invoice, during checkout, or anywhere easily discovered during the Travisa paperwork process. You'll see roughly the same results when you look up the reputation of Travisa's parent company, CIBT. While CIBT does better with the BBB ("A+" rating and accreditation), client feedback is equally bad: you'll see words like "scam" , "rip off" , and "never again" in many different reviews.

Not a good choice for individual consumers

It's no wonder that Travisa remains low in our rankings of travel visa companies. Although we were glad to see that their country-specific pages were up to date - after all, some of their rivals' sites weren't - that's not nearly enough to compensate for Travisa's lack of transparency in pricing and overall poor track record. You'll save yourself a lot of stress and money by going with a higher-ranked travel visa provider and avoiding Travisa.

• Based in Spain
• Limited refund policy
• Limited destination countries

Headquartered in Madrid, Visagov is on a mission to make it as easy as possible to travel abroad. However, because Visagov is based in Spain, it might not be the visa service of choice for US travelers. The only way to contact the company is via email: not the most reassuring situation if you have an urgent issue or your application is particularly time-sensitive. We're not sure how that lines up with the "24/7 visa and travel assistance" they so proudly advertise.

Very limited list of destinations

We also had a hard time finding all of our target destinations in Visagov's list of countries: neither Brazil nor China were included. Australia was there, but at the time of this review the country was requiring travelers to apply for a visa directly with their government and not through a third-party service like this one - but Visagov was still accepting applications. We had similar issues looking at other countries in Visagov's list. Mexico or Montserrat? "Application temporarily unavailable." ETIAS (to enter the Schengen area in Europe)? Nowhere to click to apply.

Website is difficult to use

When we finally found a country whose travel visa we were eligible to apply for - New Zealand - the process was mostly uncomplicated, winding up with a total charge of $64 USD. The only irritating part was trying to find "United States" in the various country dropdown lists (country of passport issuance, residency): it's not alphabetical, so you have to scroll through until you happen to spot it.

You may or may not qualify for a refund

Visagov has a refund policy, but it's not the most straightforward. If your visa application is denied by the destination government, you'll get a refund of those fees. But, the policy also says "you will never receive a payment corresponding to [their] handling and processing fees, any other refund request will be excluded" .

Some travelers actually like this service

With all of that, it was surprising to find quite a few 4- and 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Some clients actually had a good experience using Visagov . On the other hand, complaints were as you'd expect: hard to reach customer service when they needed help, incorrect info on documents that couldn't be fixed in time to process the visa paperwork, and so on.

Worst travel visa service in our evaluation

That still doesn't change our mind: Visagov is our lowest-rated travel visa provider, particularly for US citizens. You might not find the country you're visiting in their list, and even if you do, the application might not be available. And who wants to work with a provider that can't even be reached on the phone or at least via live chat? We don't. Avoid wasting time (and money) by going directly to one of Visagov's higher-ranked competitors instead.

Continued from above...

Expert guidance is another valuable benefit provided by online travel visa providers. These services often employ professionals who are well-versed in travel visa regulations and requirements. They can review documents, provide advice, and ensure that applications are accurate and complete. By having experts oversee the process, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your application is being handled by knowledgeable individuals that also help reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to visa rejection.

Another hidden benefit of online visa providers is that they can increase the chances of visa approval. Due to their extensive knowledge and experience with visa regulations, these services understand the specific requirements of destination countries. They can provide valuable insights and advice on gathering the correct supporting documents and preparing applications that comply with the embassy's guidelines. This attention to detail significantly enhances the likelihood of obtaining a travel visa successfully.

Of course, you need to understand what a visa is and why you might need it for an upcoming trip. A travel visa is an official paper that a country's government gives you to let you enter and stay in their country. Common visa types include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas. Countries have different visa rules, depending on factors like the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, and where you're from.

There are additional services that some online travel visa providers offer, that can enhance your overall travel experience. For instance, some platforms provide visa tracking services, which allow you to monitor the progress of your application. Additionally, some providers offer visa expediting services for urgent travel needs, ensuring that you receive your travel visa within a shorter timeframe.

So, which service should you choose to make it fast and easy to get your next travel visa? There are lots to choose from, and many of them seem pretty similar at first glance. But, if you're trying to narrow down the possibilities a little, here are some factors that might tip the scale towards one or the other:

• Ease of navigation. Getting a travel visa (especially on short notice) can be nerve-wracking. The best services are simple to use from the get-go, showing you exactly which countries require visas and what you can expect from the application process.
• Timeframe. How long does the visa service say it will take to get your application approved and your passport back into your hands? Can you get it expedited if you're supposed to travel in the near future?
• Fees. Governmental fees will be the same no matter where you apply for your visa, but check out how much the service charges to take care of the application for you. Pay close attention to shipping/delivery fees.
• Reputation. What do other travelers say about the travel visa service? Did they get their paperwork done on time? Would these clients use this service again?

If you're traveling to a country that requires a travel visa for entry, you can simplify your life by using one of the top-rated services in our rankings here at Top Consumer Reviews. We've done the work to show you the best of the best - and the worst of the worst - so that you can rest assured that your travel visa paperwork is in good hands. Enjoy your trip!

Travel Visa Service FAQ

What is a travel visa, which countries require me to have a visa, how much do travel visas cost, what do i need to apply for a travel visa, do i have to go in person to apply for a travel visa, why should i use a travel visa service, how much do travel visa services cost, how long will it take to get my travel visa approved and my passport back in hand, compare travel visa services.

Select any 2 Travel Visa Services to compare them head to head

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Visit the U.S. as a tourist

Learn about travel documents to enter the U.S., including visa waivers and non-immigrant visas.

Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

How to check the status of your visa application

Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

What happens if your visa application is rejected

Find out what to do if your visa is denied, and learn if you are eligible for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.

Entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda

See what travel documents you need to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda.

Form I-94 arrival-departure record for U.S. visitors

Visa Waiver Program forms I-94 and I-94W record the arrival and departure dates of U.S. visitors.

How to extend your stay in the U.S.

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Foreign visitors: what to do if your visa or passport is lost or stolen

If you are in the U.S. and your visa or passport was lost or stolen, learn how to report it and apply for a new one.

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

Page details

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• Visas and immigration
• What you need to do

How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

Choose a visa.

You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family.

There are different visas depending on:

• where you come from
• why you want to come to the UK
• how long you want to stay for
• your personal circumstances and skills

Before you apply, you must check if you need a visa and what type you need. Depending on your nationality, you might not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK.

Your application must be approved before you travel.

You do not need to apply for a visa if you’re an Irish citizen.

If you want to visit the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to do a short course of study

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.

If you’re travelling through the UK

You might need a visa if you’re travelling through the UK on your way to another country, for example if you have a layover between flights.

Apply for a visa to travel through the UK .

If you want to study in the UK

Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.

A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.

A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course that is over 6 months and up to 11 months.

A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. On this visa, you may be able to do some work.

A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, this visa lets you do some work.

If you want to work in the UK

You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visa .

The visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
• if you have a job offer and sponsorship
• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you’ll be doing - for example sporting, charitable or religious work

You can set up a business with an Innovator Founder visa .

If you want to join family in the UK

If you’re a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa to join them. They may need to show that they can support you financially.

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain ( ILR ) after a set amount of time living in the UK.

If your family member is in the UK on a visa

You may be able to apply for a visa to join a family member who’s in the UK on a visa. They must be either:

• your spouse or partner
• your parent if you’re 18 or under

Check what visa you’ll need to join them.

Family reunion visas for refugees

If you were separated from your partner or child when you were forced to leave your country, they can apply to join you in the UK.

Your family members can apply if you have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.

If your family member is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for a free EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if you have a close family member who:

• was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• has pre-settled or settled status
• you had a relationship with by 31 December 2020 (unless you’re applying for a child who was born or adopted after this date)

Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent.

A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK after your family permit expires. You usually need to apply within 3 months of arriving in the UK.

Other ways to get permission to live in the UK

If you’re from the eu, switzerland, norway, iceland or liechtenstein.

If you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme instead of applying for a visa. The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021, but you can still apply if you can show reasonable grounds for the delay in applying.

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You can only apply from outside the UK if you have a valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

Commonwealth citizens

You can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK if you have a British grandparent and meet other eligibility criteria.

You may have right of abode to live in the UK.

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen and cannot prove your right to be in the UK, read about the Windrush scheme .

Returning residents

You’ll need to apply for a returning resident visa to come back to the UK if one of the following is true:

you had indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme (‘settled status’) and left the UK for more than 5 continuous years (or 4 continuous years if you’re a Swiss citizen or their family member)

you had permanent permission to stay in the UK (‘indefinite leave to remain’) but it was not under the EU Settlement Scheme and you left the UK for more than 2 years

Other visas

There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visa and what other visas you’re eligible for.

Related content

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Brazil Delays Visa Requirement for American Tourists Until 2025

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 9:20 AM EDT

Brazil keeps pushing back its visa requirement for tourists from Australia, U.S. and Canada. Given the value of these markets to Brazil, maybe it should scrap the requirement altogether.

Dawit Habtemariam

Brazil postponed reinstating its visa requirements for tourists from Australia, Canada, and the U.S. until 2025, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signing a decree that included that action on Tuesday.

“The decree… postpones the start of [visa] collection to April 10, 2025,” said the tourism board, Embratur .

In 2019, Brazil changed its rules, allowing citizens from the U.S., Canada, and Australia to travel to Brazil without visas — after years of requiring them.

The Brazilian government planned to reinstate the visa requirement last October. But it postponed the change until January and then until this month. It has now postponed the change until April 2025.

Brazil Embraces Tourism

Embratur has been implementing an international dissemination strategy to inform the press, airlines, operator associations, and tourism agencies of the postponement. 

The U.S. is Brazil’s second-largest international tourist market. Nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, according to Embratur.  In the first two months of 2024, North American arrivals in Brazil were 11% higher than in the same period of the previous year.

New Visa Rules in 2025

Starting April 10, 2025, Americans, Canadians, and Australians will have to apply for the visa. Its cost stands at $80.90. The visa’s validity length is as follows:

• Americans: 10-year period. 
• Canadians: 5-year period.
• Australians: 5-year period.

Tour operators have warned that the new rules would make Brazil less competitive.

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: brazil , latin america , tourism , visa

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review 2024: Money-saving perks for fans of the startup carrier

Stella Shon

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

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Published 6:07 a.m. UTC April 10, 2024

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Breeze Airways remains relatively unknown, but this startup airline is a breath of fresh air for travelers in underserved areas. The airline offers nonstop routes from smaller airports to popular U.S. destinations, allowing flyers to skip connecting through busy airports.

Now, the low-cost airline is launching its first credit card, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Cardholders can earn BreezePoints on Breeze flights and everyday expenses and redeem them for flights, bags, seat assignments, and more.

Here’s our full Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review and our take on whether frequent Breeze flyers should take a closer look. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card basics

• Annual fee: $89.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
• Does the card offer preapproval? No.
• Other benefits: Points never expire with the card, Group 1 Priority boarding, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on Breeze Airbus fleet, 7,500-anniversary points after spending $10,000 in a year and no foreign transaction fees.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review

A loyalty program is key to repeat business, and Breeze is offering its frequent flyers even more with the debut of a new travel rewards credit card. While the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card isn’t for everyone, it provides plenty of value for the right cardholder.

You can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

In other words, you can get up to a 10% return on eligible Breeze purchases.

Your BreezePoints never expire as long as you have the card, and you can redeem them at a flat 1-cent-per-point rate for flights and other traveler extras such as checked bags and seat assignments.

But with an $89 annual fee, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the card will provide enough value to justify the cost.

The card offers benefits you’d expect from any airline credit card , such as access to priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. And cardholders get free inflight Wi-Fi, saving $8 each way. (By the end of the year, Breeze plans to become a fleet of all Airbus A220s, one of the most comfortable regional jets to fly.)

In sum, Breeze offers an economical way to fly to dozens of U.S. destinations, and its new credit card is a natural fit for frequent Breeze travelers.

• Elevated points spent on Breeze flights and trip add-ons: That’s one of the best rewards rates on any airline credit card, giving flyers a generous haul of points for booking Breeze flights. 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for all travelers on the same reservation: You won’t have to pay for internet connectivity, saving you $8 on every one-way flight.
• BreezePoints won’t expire : BreezePoints normally expire after 24 months, but the card will extend their shelf life for as long as your account remains open.
• Anniversary bonus: You’ll get a 7,500-point bonus every account anniversary, worth $75 for Breeze flights and more, if you spend at least $10,000 on the card each year. 
• No free bags: Airline credit cards typically come with a free checked bag, but this card does not waive the cost of checked bags. 
• BreezePoints are worth 1 cent apiece: While Breezy Rewards is a straightforward program, there’s no opportunity for outsized value, as with other frequent flyer program currencies.
• Full rewards only after your flight : With the card’s earning rate, you’ll earn half of the BreezePoints when purchasing the flight and the other half after the flight is complete. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card rewards

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of Breeze’s first-ever credit card is the ability to earn huge rewards on eligible Breeze Airways purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how the rewards break down:

Cardholders can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

New applicants can also earn 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has around $25,087 in annual expenses that can be charged to a credit card. 

We assumed the example cardholder purchased flights at the base-level ticket (Nice fare class). Here’s how our sample household’s rewards could break down:

Cardholders will earn BreezePoints through the Breezy Rewards program. In this example, the cardholder earned 37,119 points from card purchases, worth $371.19 for Breeze flights, baggage fees, seat assignments, and more. 

Breeze Airways is not part of an airline alliance, nor does it have any partnerships, except with new partner Priceline. You can only redeem your points for Breeze-related purchases, meaning there’s no opportunity to maximize rewards on other airlines. This is a key consideration if you want to apply for the Breeze card. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card perks

An airline credit card is best suited to those who fly almost exclusively with the carrier, and the Breeze Easy Visa is no exception. Cardholders get the major advantage of free inflight Wi-Fi, saving them and companions on the same reservation $8 each way.

Furthermore, cardholders and their travel companions on the same reservation get Group 1 priority boarding. That means you’ll have first dibs on precious overhead bin space. The more you fly, the more value you’ll get from these benefits. 

In addition, cardholders get the chance to earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after spending $10,000 in purchases. Those BreezePoints are worth $75 — nearly the cost of the annual fee — adding even more ongoing value. 

Although the airline has no international flights, the Breeze Easy card is a keeper for traveling abroad because there are no foreign transaction fees. It’s a Visa Signature card, which comes with complimentary travel insurance perks such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and more.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card drawbacks

One crucial feature the card is missing: a free bag benefit. Most airline credit cards will waive the cost of the first checked bag as a cardholder-exclusive perk. This could be a dealbreaker for some travelers.

At the lowest fare classes, Breeze only allows for one free personal item that must fit under the seat. The airline also operates on a dynamic bag pricing model, so the cost of a carry-on and checked bag will vary slightly depending on your flight route. 

While this may disappoint, remember that BreezePoints can be redeemed for extra charges, including bag fees. For instance, you can use 3,500 BreezePoints to wipe out a $35 carry-on bag charge. And, if you’ve booked a higher fare class (Nicer or Nicest), the cost of bags is included in the ticket bundle.

How the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card compares to other travel cards 

Breeze easy visa credit card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which has a $95 annual fee, is ideal for travelers looking to earn bonus points on travel and everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® has an enticing list of transfer partners, including United and Southwest. Cardholders can redeem miles at an elevated 1.25-cent rate for travel purchases via the Chase travel portal. Unfortunately, you can’t book Breeze Airways flights on Chase Travel, so this isn’t a fit if you want to redeem points for Breeze flights. 

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and offers the benefit of simplicity with 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. You can redeem Capital One miles as a statement credit for any travel purchases made within the past 90 days at a rate of 1 cent apiece. This rewards flexibility is a big plus.

It’s also possible to outsize those rewards with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partner roster, especially for international flights. You’ll also benefit from a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), a nice added travel perk. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We’d be remiss not to offer a comparison to the JetBlue Plus card to see how the Breeze Easy card stacks up. The JetBlue Plus Card has a slightly higher $99 annual fee. It’s also issued by Barclays and offers similar earnings: 6 points per $1 on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

You’ll earn TrueBlue points, which can be redeemed for flights on the airline or partner carriers such as Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines. The JetBlue Plus card offers a free first checked bag. This benefit provides at least $35 in savings each way, which helps offset the annual fee. 

Is the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card worth it?

Between the card’s welcome bonus and ongoing rewards rates, there’s a lot of potential to stockpile BreezePoints. But unless you exclusively fly with the airline, it’s worth shopping around to see if another travel credit card will serve you better in the long term, especially if your goal is to save money on flights with a range of carriers, rather than just Breeze Airways.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card is right for you if:

• You frequently fly out of the airline’s main hubs .
• You want to earn rewards to save money on Breeze flights and travel purchases.
• You want to save money onboard Breeze flights with the card’s complimentary Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Airline credit cards, such as the new Breeze Easy card, offer ways for the most loyal flyers to save money on travel. This card is no exception, with plenty of ways to earn BreezePoints, free Wi-Fi and more for ultra-loyal Breeze passengers.

The Breeze Easy card costs $89 per year. This fee is in line with competing travel cards, which you might also want to consider for more flexible rewards earning, redemption and perks.

While the issuing bank, Barclays, does not disclose a specific credit score requirement, you’ll want to have good to excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying for most travel credit cards. 

Breeze Airways does not offer a true business-class product, but the airline has a spacious recliner seat called “Ascent class” on its Airbus A220 fleet, and extra legroom seats. 

*The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Stella Shon is a freelance writer that connects the dots between personal finance and travel. Her work has appeared in The Points Guy, ValuePenguin and MoneyUnder30, and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, CNBC and more.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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How to Travel to Kuwait and Get a Kuwait Visa

I f you are a traveler who curious about exploring the Persian Gulf or the Middle East but struggling to find an accessible blend of the known and unknown, Kuwait – and particularly Kuwait City – may be the perfect place to begin your journey.

Nowadays, a Kuwait travel visa is incredibly easy to acquire for a large number of nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU countries. The Kuwait visa is valid for one week. Before that expires, if you’d like to continue to explore Kuwait, you can apply for a Kuwait eVisa from the official government website.

Kuwait Visa

Kuwait is an oasis of the Persian Gulf, and should be considered as a destination for any bold adventurer

For these same countries eligible for a transit visa, this process only takes a few minutes; generally, if you’ve been accepted for a transit visa you will also be accepted through the eVisa application.

Be careful though; the process can take several days to complete, and you would not want to be caught in between visas because then, regardless of your pre-arranged plans, you’d likely be forced to leave until the new visa comes through. It is also possible to acquire a temporary driver’s permit in Kuwait if you meet the requirements, which can also be found on their government website.

Kuwait Road Trip

Then, you can do a road trip through Kuwait on the seven-day transit visa and enter a number of other countries along the Persian Gulf, depending on which direction you go: most popularly, the beautiful mountainous city of Tehran lies to the East, and the gargantuan skyscrapers of Dubai lie to the South.

This journey is not for the faint-hearted, as the cultural barriers are found to be debilitating, exhausting, and unnerving to many Westerners, especially if one decides to drive through the country into other parts of the region.

However, like many especially bold travel adventures, overcoming such limitations can make their reward doubly redeeming.

If one decides not to explore other countries and stay within the confines of Kuwait, a week on a transit can also be found to be a suitable amount of time to absorb the riches of the area: soak in the beaches, explore the metropolitan, Dubai-like Kuwait City, or explore the historical sites in the country that lie inland, outside of the big city and away from the Gulf.

Traveling to Kuwait: Getting There and Staying There

In addition to the seven-day transit visa, there is also a visa on arrival that travelers can seek upon entering Kuwait. It is only valid for 24 hours, but this can give a traveler a feel for the city, and ultimately lead them to the decision of whether traveling in the country, as well as the region as a whole, would be a good fit.

If indeed, they wish to explore the region, the transit visa is a convenient visa to obtain for many legal passport holders. If instead, the traveler would like to stay in Kuwait longer, they may also apply for a more long-term eVisa which grants them a ninety-day stay in the country.

The longer visa also grants them permission to leave and re-enter without having to re-apply for a visa. This can be great if one is looking to explore the rest of the region, or simply go somewhere else and return within ninety days.

Kuwait City Nightlife

When talking about Kuwait City nightlife, it is important to note that Kuwait is a dry country, meaning alcohol is not served legally anywhere in the country.

This, however, does not prevent people from having fun in the nighttime; if anything, it forces people to pursue different avenues of entertainment outside of alcohol. If you’re bored of going to a brand new place just to find yourself cooped up in some bar drinking a mediocre beer or an above-average cocktail, you may not be bothered by the lack of alcohol here.

There are still dozens of dance clubs to choose from, as well as metropolitan park areas and restaurants open late. Some of the nightclubs are so vast, extravagant, and opulent that on the inside, they appear to have a size more comparable to an amusement park.

They are known to have a layout similar to a mansion, with dozens of different areas to lounge and socialize, each with different atmospheres. Since Kuwait can have a particularly warm climate in the summertime, these party palaces usually come equipped with pools and even waterslides.

Things to do in Kuwait

In a similar vein of extravagance, there are alternatives, yet no less extravagant, sources of entertainment in Kuwait City in the form of outdoor theme parks, combining theatre, natural beauty, and general leisure all into one.

Kuwait’s Magical Fountain Park attracts a lot of tourists due to its wide walkways and well-constructed park atmosphere. This, of course, interestingly parallels the music blaring from the fountains within the park and the attendees enjoying its tunes.

The music will be an unfamiliar experience to Western ears unless they are familiar with the musical styles of this area. In short, the style usually consists of an upbeat rhythm, with connecting and underlying string instruments such as sitars and drum sounds uncommon in popular Western music.

The accompanying vocals are usually sung in a deep male voice in Arabic. But since many of the same music popular in the West is also popular in Kuwait, there is commonly a hybrid element of Western music in terms of tempo and melody.

Sometimes a lush cultural experience entirely different from your own can be most easily expressed in music, and this music fountain park thusly became a gravitating attraction to reflect on the uniqueness of Kuwait City.

If after a long night of this one grows tired of socializing, there is always the stunning Persian Gulf to walk along, with networks of gulf side walking paths to make the trek more serene.

Many places along the shores of Kuwait City, such as the highly recommend Al Kout, turns into a beach that is accessible at any hour of the day.

This beach has a unique atmosphere because on top of the beach sits these columns of bridges, making it look like you are sitting inside of a palace while at the same time relaxing on a beach.

Further, if one is still not tired of waterside attractions, there is also the Kobar Island nearby, a popular tourist attraction for those who want to feel surrounded by the azure gulf in the comforts of a total oasis.

Recommended Travel Resources

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads .
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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What types of visas are available for people to come to the United States?

There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States. The type of Visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel. For an overview of visa types, please see  Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors  or  Visa Types for Immigrants .

After Visa Issuance

How do i read and understand my visa.

Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your new nonimmigrant visa (for travel to the U.S. as a temporary visitor). In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.

What is a Visa? Nonimmigrant Visa Types (Classifications) Immigrant Visa Types (Classifications)

My visa expires in 5 years, what does this mean?

A visa must be valid at the time a traveler seeks admission to the United States, but the expiration date of the visa (validity period/length of time the visa can be used) has no relation to the length of time a temporary visitor may be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to remain in the United States. Persons holding visas valid for multiple entries may make repeated trips to the United States, for travel for the same purpose, as long as the visa has not expired, and the traveler has done nothing to become ineligible to enter the United States, at port-of-entry.

Visa Validity

My old passport has already expired. my visa to travel to the united states is still valid but in my expired passport. do i need to apply for a new visa with my new passport.

No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel. (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism). Both passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country. When you arrive at the U.S. port-of-entry (POE, generally an airport or land border) the Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer will check your visa in the old passport and if s/he decides to admit you into the United States they will stamp your new passport with an admission stamp along with the annotation "VIOPP" (visa in other passport). Do not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.

My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

No. If the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer at the port-of-entry admitted you into the United States for a specific period of time, s/he will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, called an Arrival/Departure Record. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States. Since your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 documents your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the United States, it is very important to keep inside your passport.

What are indefinite validity visas (Burroughs visas) and are they still valid?

Indefinite validity visas (Burroughs Visas) are tourist/business visas manually stamped into a traveler’s passport which were valid for ten years. Effective April 1, 2004, all indefinite validity Burroughs visas became void. Therefore, if you have an indefinite validity visa you must apply for a new visa for travel to the U.S.

I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport.  Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.

Administrative Processing

What is administrative processing.

Some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.  Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Learn more .

Visa Refusals

My visa application has been refused. why can't i get my money back.

The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not, since your application was processed to conclusion. As one example, if your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether applying at the same embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the visa application processing fee. See the  Fees for Visa Services  page for a list of fees.

I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need go through the whole visa application process again?

Yes, you will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid. There are some situations where a visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her visa. See the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for more information.

Entering and Departing the United States

After i have my visa, i will be able to enter the u.s., correct.

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States. See  Admissions  on the CBP website.

How can I find out how long I am authorized to stay in the United States?

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry (generally an airport or land border) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. immigration inspector, provides you an admission stamp or paper  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record  in your passport. On this admission stamp or paper form, the U.S. immigration inspector records either a date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. Your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is very important to keep in your passport, since it shows your permission to be in the United States. Review information about  Admission  on the CBP Website. Also, see  Duration of Stay .

I did not turn in my paper Form I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?

If you failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Departure Record, see  Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection  website for more information.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Visas

My passport with my visa was stolen, what should i do.

If your passport with your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are lost or stolen, you must get them replaced immediately. There are a number of steps you need to take, learn more, see  Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Form I-94s .

My visa was damaged. What should I do?

If your visa has been damaged in any way, you will need to reapply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. 

U.S. Citizens

I may have a claim to u.s. citizenship. can i apply for a u.s. visa.

With few exceptions, a person born in the United States acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. A state-issued birth certificate serves as evidence of citizenship. Review the  Apply for a Passport  webpage to learn more.

Persons born in countries other than the United States may have a claim to U.S. citizenship if either parent is a U.S. citizen under U.S. law. Learn more on the  Birth of U.S. Citizens Abroad  webpage.

If a person is a U.S. citizen, he or she is not eligible for a visa.  Any prospective applicant believing he or she may have a claim to U.S. citizenship should have his or her citizenship claim adjudicated (officially determined) by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before applying for a U.S. visa.  

I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.

Further Questions

Can i get a visitor visa for birth tourism.

Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child) is not a permissible basis for issuance of a visitor visa.  For more information, please click here

How do I know whether to contact the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security about my issue?

Contact the Department of State,  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  abroad with questions about U.S. visas, including application, the status of visa processing, and for inquiries relating to visa denial. Once in the United States, the traveler falls under the authority (jurisdiction) of Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security,  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  is responsible for the approval of all petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the United States, the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of an applicant's status while the applicant is in the United States.

I would like to know if my friend has applied for a visa and what the status is. Who should I contact?

Your friend, the visa applicant. Under U.S. law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 222(f), visa records are confidential. Therefore, the visa applicant should inquire at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where he/she applied regarding necessary information about visa application status. Because of confidentiality of visa records, you’ll need to ask your friend, the visa applicant your questions about whether a visa application was made, or a visa was issued or denied.

Visa Applicants from State Sponsors of Terrorism Countries

To find information regarding FAQ's from visa applicants from state sponsors of terrorism countries please  click here .

Social Media Identifiers

On May 31, 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions .

More Information

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Global Visa Wait Times

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Walt Disney World ® Resort Dining Offer for Cardmembers

A delicious dining offer awaits at walt disney world ® resort.

Get a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney® Visa® Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package on select dates that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper ® Option. 1

With this offer, you can discover the convenience and flexibility of dining plans—which include a certain number of meals and snacks during your stay. And with more than 200 participating dining locations, there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

For the Disney Quick-Service dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 2 Quick-Service Meals and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. For the Disney dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives 1 Quick-Service Meal, 1 Table-Service Meal and 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay), plus 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug. 1 Learn more about the dining plans.

Book now for arrivals most nights:

July 1 – 31, 2024

September 1 – 7, 2024

December 9 – 21, 2024

Get details & book

Or call 1-407-W-Disney or contact your travel professional

OTHER OFFERS YOU MAY LIKE

Count down and get excited with printables for preparing your next Disney vacation.

Plan your runDisney getaway to enjoy an enchanting race.

When you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package on select dates that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper® Option.

NEW CARDMEMBERS CAN EARN A

after spending $1000 on purchases in the first 3 mos. from account opening. 2

Member FDIC