Visas & Passports

Quick Worldwide List of Visa Requirements

Your suitcase is always half full. You never fully empty it. It may be commodity or you just do not know when you’re going to set off the next time. The fact is, you are always prepared, always on the go.

Preparation for your trip does not lie only in amazingly developed packing skills, being a natural when it comes to choosing the most superb destinations or finding the best deals. A wise traveller is always, and I mean always in the know-they are never taken by surprise by detours or any other mishaps. And a wise traveller must also be aware of one thing, and one thing only: needed paperwork to enter said country.

Does it even matter that you have gotten the best deal on your flight, you found the nicest small cabin to stay in, asked around for the best places to eat and have a long list of things to see when you cannot enter the country because you forgot to check or maybe just assumed your Passport was enough? Unfortunately, there are several visa requirements that you must meet.

So what is a visa?

A visa is what allows you, a non-citizen, to entry, transit or remain in a foreign country. Entering a country differs according to the state laws and regulations. Some countries accept visas, others- passports or only ID cards. However, it is up to the Immigration officials whether you can enter the country.

Some will not let you in, based on shallow things, such as overall appearance, while others require you show them your return ticket, thus proving you are not looking to illegally settle in that particular country. Should any of these happen to you, bear in mind that deportation is at your expense.

TYPES OF VISAS

Visas are divided in two big categories: by purpose and by method of issuance.

Purpose:

SHORT STAY

– Transit visas: for passing through a country which is not your final destination; this visa is usually limited, the maximum amount of tie you could spend in that particular country being 10 days. You can also get an airside transit visa, which is required by some continents when you’re flying above them

– Then, there are visitor visa, intented for short days. You can either apply for a private visa, meaning you are travelling to visit your friends or family,or a tourist visa, which is for a limited time, only for holidays, so no business activities.

– If you are travelling for work,a business visa will allow you to enter the country and engage in your activity, but only after you have proof for permanent employment.

– There are also athletic and artistic visa, issued to those performing in a foreign country

LONG STAY

– The Student visa, which will allow its owner to study in the issuing country

– The Temporary worker visa, which are a bit difficult to obtain, but not impossible. The difficulty comes from the uncertainty that the holder will not leave its temporary work in order to pursue other means of making a living, maybe even illegal, leading to living in illegality and increasing the crime rate.

– The Residence visa are only granted to those who have obtained residence in the country. This is a stepping stone towards being a permanent resident or even obtaining citizenship

– The Immigrant visa is for those who intend to immigrate to that particular country, with a prospect or obtaining permant residency

– The Spousal visa is granted to the civil partner, spouse, or de facto partner of an already citizen of the issuing country; also, there is a pensioner visa, issued by very few countries, to those people in retirement who can prove they have a foreign source of income and their travelling is only for leisure.

Method of issuance:

– On-arrival visa, granted at a port of entry. This does not imply that you can just show up at the airport and demand they issued you a visa. This visa is granted in special cases, when there is a diversion in your flight and the plane changes its course due to unforseen events. Some airports in Russia have the officials who are empowered to issue a vsa for you on he sport, but Thailand issues visas on arrival at very few check points.

– Electronic visas are stored in a computer, so no more worrynig about losing your paperwork. Australia was the first to allow electronic issuance and it was followed closely by New Zeeland. The U.S have a similar system and Turkey has started issuing such visas in 2013. Other countries that issue electronic visas are: Cambodia, Rwanda, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Singapore and Bahrain. Be sure to check, as this method is modern, convenient and stress-free.

– Asylum visas and refugee visas are for those who were forced to flee because their life was in danger. For more information on this kind of visa, you need to contact to embassy.

The fees vary on the type of visa you are applying to. Sure, they are bit pricey, but it is a small price to pay if you want to extend your travelling horizons. This concludes our list of visa requirements basic that you should know about.

Better safe than sorry.

Have a nice trip.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3

Everything you Need to Know About U.S. Passports

Before you pack your bags and set out on a new adventure there are a few things that you have to take care of. One of them is documents. There is no way that you are going through customs without a valid passaport. According to state regulations, all Unites States citizens (even newborns), require a valid passport in order to travel to other countries. Some children are also required to have a passport when traveling internationally by sea or land.

To ensure that your next vacation doesn’t take a turn to the worse you should learn more about the process of obtaining a passport in a short time, how it can be replaced during travels and what papers you require for it. In the following article we will cover everything you need to know about U.S. passports.

How to Obtain an U.S. Passport

First and foremost you need to prepare the appropriate documents. The most important ones are proof of Citizenship & proof of Identity. Let’s take a closer look at them:

Proof of Identity: this can be your driver’s license, your naturalization certificate, an older US passport or even a valid military ID. Each of these documents should have an image & personal signature.
Proof of Citizenship: if you were born inside the United States you will only need a birth certificate. If you are a foreigner you will require a Consular Report for your Birth Abroad, a Certificate of citizenship and a Naturalization document.
It is possible to obtain a passport even without one of the above mentioned documents. The process will become a bit more tedious, as you will also need a social security card, library ID or an identifying witness.
Prepare the DS-11 form: DS-11 is the typical form that you can complete in person or online. Keep in mind that you will have to print your form after you complete it. In it you will be asked personal information related to your current address, social security number, age, physical feature etc. All the information included in the form is mandatory.
Have money for the fee: in order to have your passport released you will have to pay a fee. The fee for a basic, first-time adult passport is around 135 dollars. Renewals are cheaper, especially for minors. You might be happy to know that if you are traveling to Canada or Mexico by car it is enough to purchase a passport card.
Prepare a passport photo: The photo for your passport must respect certain rules regarding size and clarity. We recommend you to take the photo in special booths that can be found near drug or grocery stores.

Once you have the required documents you can submit your papers in person at a local passport authority or other designated places: acceptance facilities (you can find locations here) or passport agency/centers.

How long do you have to wait to have your passport released?

Unfortunately, you will have to wait around 4 to 10 weeks (depending on demand) to receive a passport. In other words, you should apply for it well in advance to your future travels. There is also an expedite process for emergency situations.

If you pay a 60 dollar fee, plus shipping fees you will receive the passport in one or two days. You can also receive a passport faster if you are in a life or death situation. You should contact your local authority for more information.

How to Obtain Emergency Passports

If you need the passport quickly you can request an emergency one. This type of passport requires a few extra documents. For example, you need to prove that you’ve been traveling in the last two weeks. In addition to this you should also get in touch with a customer care representative in advance to ensure that you have all the required paperwork.

Renewing your Passport

For the first passport you are required to show up in person. However, if you are trying to renew it you can do it over the internet if you meet all of the following criteria:

Your last passport was issued when you were older than 16.
Your last passport is undamaged and can be sent in with your application.
Your last passport is not older than 15 years
You haven’t changed your legal name, or you have legal documents – a copy of your marriage certificate or government papers – to attest the legality of the name change.

How to Replace a Passport Overseas

If you happen to lose your passport, damage it or have it stolen you will need to make a new one as soon as possible. If any of the above mentioned things happens you must contact the closest United States Embassy or Consulate. Travel.state.gov has listed all the United States consulates and embassies in the world. Once you are on the phone with a representative you should tell them that your passport got stolen.

The next thing you need to do is to provide the agent with details of your travel (how long until you are departing, since when you are here etc). This will make it easier for him to obtain a passport replacement in a timely manner.

Papers Required for Replacing a Passport Overseas:

Proof of Identity (driver’s license, damaged passport, identity card etc.)
Travel itinerary – including train and airline tickets
A DS-11 Statement application for passport – can be found here
A DS-64 Statement for your lost/stolen/damaged passport – can be found here
Police report – if possible
Evidence of U.S. citizenship – photo of your lost passport, house documents, birth certificate etc.

The Global Entry U.S. Customs & Border Protection Program

If you haven’t heard about the Global Entry Program until now we will tell you that it is an United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program which provides pre-approved and low risk travelers to enter the country with expedited clearance. The program was initially designed for frequent flyers, but it does not impose a minimum number of trips for those who wish to qualify for it.

You can apply for the program at special kiosks or in airports at machines that can read fingertips and passports. Individuals who are approved for the CBP program have to undergo rigorous background checks, tests and interviews, but it is all worth it, because the program will significantly speed up the traveling process.

How to Add Extra Visa Pages

It is possible to add a maximum of 3 visa page sets to passports which are in perfect condition. Each set has 24 visa pages. It takes approximately one work-day to have visa pages inserted in your passport.

Schedule for passport pick-ups:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – 8.30 AM – 12.00 PM / 1.30 PM – 3.00 PM

You cannot pick up your passport on Thursdays.

Requirements for additional visa pages:

At least three or more years of validity on your passport
Unmarked biographical page
Must not have 3 sets of visa pages added already
Book spine must be intact

New U.S. Passports

News has also surfaced regarding the new format of passports for United States Citizens. It seems that, starting with 2016, US passports will be upgraded to catch up with the world’s protocol. Here are some of the new features that will be implemented in passports:

No more additional pages: United States is the only country to add extra pages to passports. However, starting with 2016, adding new pages for stamps and travel will cost more than renewing a passport.
Information page: New US passports will have a polycarbonate coated data chip embedded in them. This will make personal data regarding the traveler readable to a machine.
Numbered pages: The United States will start numbering its passport pages again. This will make it easier for users to keep track of their pages, especially since some countries will not accept travelers with four or less pages.

Six Months Until the Passport Expires

You should do proper research before embarking on a trip to a foreign country with a passport that only has 6 months of validity left. Each country has its own 3 or 6-month validity rule. For example, some might turn you away at immigration while others will send you back before departure at the airport. The countries which do this are Tunisia, Paraguay, Malaysia, Israel, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, UAE, Brazil, Ecuador, Romania, Belgium and Singapore.

Some other countries have a 3-month validity rule (countries like Denmark, Cambodia, Fiji, Switzerland, South Africa, Croatia, Estonia, New Zealand). The good news is that most countries only require a valid passport for travel. We advise you to renew your passport instead of risking unpleasant surprises.

This is all the information you need to know about U.S. Passports, their expiration date and required documents. For more information about passports we urge you to visit travel.gov, the official resource for all things related to U.S. travel and legislation.

Visa Requirements for ALL the Places You Want To Visit

Traveling may be fun, but there are several requirements you must meet before you can feel the soft sand between your toes or rugged wilderness of a pristine forest. Although the last one hundred years has seen more traveling freedom than ever before, there are still certain regulations and rules that one must follow in order to successfully enter another country. For example, members of the European Union have the most freedom to travel, says an index from Henley & Partners (a renowned citizenship planning consulting firm).

“Visas are a standard requirement for most countries as certain non-nationals wish to enter their territory. At the same time, visa requirements or lack thereof, are also an indication of the relationship between individual nations and the status of a country within the international community of nations. Visa restrictions are an important tool for governments to control the movement of foreign nationals across borders.” (Source: IBTimes)

To be fair, travelers don’t really care about government movements, but they do care whether or not they can enter a country that they wish to visit. The bottom line is that without proper paperwork you will remain stuck between borders. The only way to avoid this is by being informed. A couple of months ago I decided to travel to Norway, but I had no idea what the document requirements for entry in the country, and the information I found online was confusing, to say the least.

After hours of frantic searching and phone-calls to the Norwegian Embassy I found my answer. Believe me, there is nothing more distressing than not knowing if you have the right paperwork required for entry in another country. For this purpose I have decided to put together a list of credible resources for overseas travels, document requirements for entry in various countries, websites for obtaining visas and more.

As a general rule, we advise you to always check the country’s embassy website, as it should contain relevant information regarding paperwork. If you are still not convinced about the veracity of the information contained on embassy websites, here are a few useful sources that you should check out. They vary from general sites, to sites for individual countries and even boards.

GENERAL SITES

1. VisaHQ

Researching information for travel visa requirements is a vital part of planning an international trip. VisaHQ is an excellent independent website that provides information of visa requirements for most destinations around the world. All you have to do is use the tool available on the official page. Enter your citizenship and destination, and VisaHQ will automatically display requirements for paperwork & other details. On this website you can also request Visas of your own. In order to do this you must apply online (this will also help you skip the never-ending consulate lines) and wait for your visa or passport to be issued.

Here are a few services provided by VisaHQ:

New passports
Lost or stolen passports
Second passport
Passports for children
Passport renewal
Passport name change
Add passport pages

Naturally, you will have to pay for these services, but costs are displayed prior to placing an order. For more information on visas and documents, please check out the official website.

2. Travel.State.gov

Travel.state.gov is among the most comprehensive resources for overseas travel. All the information on the website is useful, but there is one feature in particular that might come in handy. On the “Learn About your Destination” page you can see a map of the world and a search query where you can enter a destination.

All you have to do is to zoom in to your desired destination, or type in the country or area, and Travel State will offer you all the information you need including passport validity, vaccinations, currency restrictions, entry & exit requirements, embassies & consulates, local laws & circumstances, travel & transportation and more. If you are simply searching for legal and health information about a country that you wish to visit, this is arguably the best place to go.

3. GOV.uk

Granted, this may not be a website dedicated to traveling, visas and entry requirements, but there is a section on it related to this subject. You could say that it is more of an information aggregator. On the “Foreign travel advice” page you will find a list of 225 countries or territories. At the top of the page you can type in your destination, or you can search for it manually. Upon clicking on a territory name you will be presented with the following information:

Safety & security
Terrorism
Local laws and customs
Health
Entry requirements
Natural disasters
Money

The information on this website is updated on a monthly basis, so you needn’t worry about its accuracy. Gov.uk is an authoritative website that only posts correct information. So if you are trying to find out more information about a country you wish to visit, you have come to the right place.

4. Project Visa

The home-page of Project Visa is somewhat similar to the “Learn about your destination” page on travel.state.gov in that you will be presented with a map of the world. You can search for your destination manually, or you can simply fill out the “Continent” and “Country” tabs.

The great thing about Project Visa is the fact that it displays passports that do not require Visa to visit for over 90 days, entry information, embassies and consulates. Once you decide on a destination you will be redirected to the country’s official embassy page for visa requirements & travel documents. In other words, this general website connects to individual country sites that provide accurate information for document requirements.

5. A Briggs

A Briggs consists of a team of visa specialists that ensure expedited handling of important documents. It is not only a valuable source for country-specific entry requirements, but a good service for obtaining valuable paperwork needed for traveling.

The prices for their services are displayed on the right column of the About Us page. If you aren’t interested in making your passport or Visa with them, you are still free to navigate their website for country-specific information.

Individual Countries & Specific Areas Sites

Many countries in Europe are part of the European Union, which means that members are free to travel only with their passport and identity card, but what about Americans traveling to Canada, or non-Schengen members traveling to Schengen territories? The following websites offer specific information for different countries, continents and territories.

1. SchengenVisaInfo

The 26 countries which compromise the Schengen Area have agreed to free movement of citizens between borders. Other countries such as Bulgaria, Romanian, Cyprus, Croatia and Ireland will also become members of the agreement in the future. This means that the vast majority of European countries will offer free access between borders in no-time.

However, countries and citizens that are not members of Schengen countries are requested a mandatory Schengen Visa to receive entrance permission. There are also several major types of Schengen Visas such as USV, LTV and National Visas. Find out more about requirements on the official page.

2. Australian Government Page

Are you planning a trip to Australia? That sounds really fun, but do you have all the required paperwork to be allowed to enter the country? The go-to source for Australia travelers is www.immi.gov.au. On this website you will find valuable information including travel documents required for Australian citizens, for New Zealand citizens and for other travelers.

You can also read more about the ADV (Australian Declaratory Visa), and options for permanent residents with ATR, RE or RRV documents. You probably have no idea what I’m talking about here. That’s not a problem. Simply head over to the Australian Government Page and read all the information that is relevant for your trip.

3. Government of Canada

This is the official website for Canadians traveling and living abroad. It specializes in offering information to Canadian globe trotters. On the official page you can scroll to the “Where do you want to go” section and insert a country. Click “Go” and the website will automatically display travel requirements, security, laws & culture, assistance, natural disasters & climate information.

There are countless examples of websites such as this, and the Australian Government page. If you do a bit of research you will find that each individual country has an official website on its own that contains extensive information about issues concerning travel. We will not list all of them here.

4. Your Europe

Europe.eu also contains a seemingly infinite amount of travel information for EU nationals, Non-EU family members and Non-EU nationals. Besides the documents you need to travel to Europe, you will also gain access to passenger rights, money & fees, safety information and package travel data.

5. Homeland Security

Yes, this is the official website of Homeland Security. This organization has one vital mission: to secure the nation from its external and internal threats. What you will care about is the regulations displayed regarding the crossing of U.S. borders.

On this website you will not only find information about entry requirements, but also data about air travel, land/sea travel, trusted traveler programs and more. You should definitely check this website out.

These are the best websites that we could think about. Of course, there are also useful boards, forums and bulletins that you could use. We will list some of them below; it is up for you to decide whether or not they contain the information you need. Let’s just say that the data available on the websites listed above is provided by specialists and government officials.

Overseas Travel Checklist: What You Need Before Embarking on your Adventure

Embarking on a journey across the world can be the adventure of a life-time, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared to deal with unexpected situations. As much as we enjoy traveling, getting organized can be a pretty daunting task. While it may be possible to survive without your favorite T-Shirt or underwear, there is nothing more frustrating than forgetting your passport, or papers at home. This is exactly why it is vital to prepare a list of necessary items well in advance.

The Overseas Travel Checklists should also include a comprehensive itinerary, proof of vaccinations and travel medications, and of course, a visa, when needed. There are a number of countries that cannot be accessed without it: Canadian travel visas are not that hard to obtain, but the Brazil Tourist visa is an entirely different story. Also, before you can experience the lush wildlife of one of the most exotic continents, you will have to register an Australian travel visa application.

overseas travel checklist suitcase

As you can see, every country has a specific set of rules which will make overseas traveling a bit difficult. Here is a quick check-list of items and documents that you should never forget, as well as a few tricks that will ensure safe travel abroad.

Overseas Travel Checklist #1: A couple of Months Before the Trip

Every trip begins with careful planning. When you think about what to take when traveling abroad, you should not only focus on clothes, jewelry and other trivial stuff. There are many other items and problems to consider. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to travel abroad alone, or commit to traveling for a year, because the following items on the check-list are vital for every situation:

Check, and Re-Check Your Itinerary: As dreadful as it can be to create the perfect itinerary, it is important, especially if you are traveling on a budget. Make sure that all the dates, baggage allowance, seat allocations, and destinations are correct. You will have to deal with them sooner or later (preferably sooner).
Make Sure Your Passport is Valid for 6 More Months: You simply cannot leave the country without a valid passport. What countries do you need a passport for? When do you need passport? These questions require answers. Also make sure that you have up-to-date photos for it.
Take care of Travel Insurance: It is irresponsible to not have insurance when traveling overseas. It is the only way to protect yourself from unexpected events. Keep in mind that home and medical insurance might be enough to protect your baggage and health.
Book accommodations well in advance: Booking accommodations in a timely manner can help you save money, and avoid the unpleasant situation of having nowhere to spend the night. You can compare multiple hotels on the map, and pin-point the best deal for your needs.
Talk to Your Doctor About Vaccinations & Travel Medication: If you read traveling South America traveling tips, or Australia traveling tips you will see that certain regions require vaccinations for additional protections. Other regions require medication to combat diseases like Malaria. Consult with your doctor in advance.
Arrange Car Hire: Taxi’s are extremely costly overseas. Buses and other public means of transportation may also add-up to the cost of your trip. The most affordable way to travel in a foreign country is by far the cheapest way to move around. Shop around for car rental services in the area.

Overseas Travel Checklist #2: One Week Before the Trip

With less than a week until the great adventure you must be excited. However, don’t get too excited because there are still some things that you should take care of. Before you go through the checklist, head on to the best international travel site for more information about your destination. Here’s what you should take care of until the time comes:

Check out the Immigration rules and Customs of the Countries you will be entering: As we already mentioned, every country has different rules, and to each their own. It is important to read about the policies and entry requirements for each.
Think About Carry-on and Checked Luggage: Carry-on luggage has a lot of restrictions and conditions. Make sure it only includes essential items like ticket, wallet etc. Checked luggage also has certain restrictions: if it is overweight you will be charged an extra fee. Secure your items with a lock, and have the luggage labeled with your contact details. There is also a list of prohibited items in carry-on luggage. To see it, head to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
Obtain Local Currency: Even the worth of a taxi drive is enough for when you land. Once you are there, there are plenty of ATM’s and foreign exchange location.
Note the Location of US Embassies: You never know what may happen, so it is a good idea to learn where the US embassies are. They will help you immensely if you run into problems abroad.
Re-Check Your Important Documents and Itineraries: A few things you should not be caught dead without are your passport, credit card, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, insurance documents, and travel visas. Make photocopies of them and put them in a separate bag.

Overseas Travel Checklist #3: A few Days Before the Trip

You’re almost ready to set off! There are only a few things that you must take care of. We will not go through the baggage list, because you can find it online (by the way, here’s a good list). There are only three things to remember:

visa for traveling overseas

Double Check the Paper-work: We know that it’s like the hundred time we tell you about this, but you will thank us. Double-check your passport, insurance paperwork, photos, tickets, ID, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, Visas and credit cards. It’s your last chance!
Plan Transportation to the Airport Wisely: If your plane arrives at a given time, you should be there 2-3 hours before it leaves, especially for international flights. If you are traveling from another city, calculate the time with a one hour error.
Pack Light: It is vital to pack light and wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you are preparing for a long international flight.

Tips for Traveling Alone in Europe – For All Types of Travelers

So you’re finally making your life-long dream of seeing Europe come true. Only you’re going it alone. That may put a damper on how excited you are about the trip, but it really shouldn’t. In order to make sure that you have the best possible trip across the Old World, we’ve scoured the Internet high and low. We looked at advice dispensed by the best travel bloggers out there. We asked friends with experience in this field. And for all those planning to travel around the world, we put together a list of tips for the second best travel experience after that – a journey across Europe. Here’s our concise list of tips for traveling alone in Europe, no matter who you are or what your traveling style is.

Tips for women traveling alone across Europe

Be street-smart. This doesn’t have anything to do with where you usually live, but a lot to do with self-confidence and flexibility. Carry cash, a map, and a phrase guide. Take out money from ATMs in broad daylight. Look confident. Approach women or families for help. Avoid dark, shady areas.
Use mass transit wisely. Ask the hotel/hostel owner about how safe the local train station is, if you need to wait there at night. Ask for a female compartment companion (this will work in Spain, or even in France, where fulfilling such demands comes at a cost; in others, however, this is impossible). Avoid sleeping alone on the train.
Know how to handle men. If you want to avoid unwanted attention, there’s no reason you can’t wear a fake wedding ring. Know that in the south, especially in the Mediterranean, you will receive unwanted attention from men – particularly in countries like Italy, Turkey, Spain, etc.. Be forthright about your boundaries and don’t hesitate to act up if you feel endangered.

Tips for solo students traveling in Europe

Bring your student ID along. You have no idea how much money you’ll be saving. From free entrances to museums in most countries, to travel discounts, and even cheaper accommodation, your student ID card is basically your free meal ticket (unfortunately, that’s just a manner of speaking). There are extra perks if you’re under 26, but you can still save some money as an adult post-grad student, for instance.
Book wisely. Since you’re probably going to choose a hostel or B&B, be savvy about it. Avoid the fancy ones, since they’re not likely to help you make new friends. Go for those with a kitchen and plenty of lounging areas. PS: free breakfasts are always a nice bonus.
Make friends, but be smart about it. Of course you’re going to go out and party, but before you get absolutely smashed with people you barely know, it’s wise to form a bit of a bond with them and see what kind of people they are. Lounge around with them one evening at the hostel – have a few drinks, too, it’ll allow you to gauge their resistance to alcohol. Explore the city. Form trust.
Be flexible. You are going to like some places and enjoy others far less. What’s the point of feeling trapped someplace you’re not enjoying, when this is supposed to be the time of your life, right? But I need to plan a trip like this one, alone across Europe, you might say. You can, but you should probably book a Eurail pass, which will allow you to travel flexibly to 24 countries on the continent, all with a single ticket.
Shop for food. If you paid heed to the second item on our list of tips for traveling alone in Europe, you’ve already booked a hostel with a kitchen. You can take full advantage of this by spending your cash on food at the closest grocery store nearby.

Solo Europe travel tips for backpackers

1. Please pack light. Yes, we know you’ve heard this one a million times before, but it is crucial. Here are a few useful pointers:

Keep your backpack small. You may find that a larger one won’t fit on all the different types of trains, ferries, and buses in Europe.
Abide by this travel items checklist: an appropriate outfit for visiting holy places (they don’t allow skin to be exposed, as a general rule); plenty of socks and underwear (not all hostels have washing machines); copies of your ID stored in different places

2. Know thy train schedule. Here’s the deal – while some countries in Europe, such as those up north or, say, Germany, have very reliable train systems, most of them don’t. Likewise, most staff members at the train station don’t speak English. Make a point of taking down train numbers, stops before you need to get off and all the scheduling details. For travel plans international backpackers can check out Route Planner, which is basically a comprehensive directory of most train schedules in Europe.

3. Avoid camping. Not only is it somewhat unsafe to camp when traveling solo, but you’d also be missing out on all the fun at meeting new people at the hostel.

4. Hostels are not home. Yes, you may have found your hostel room empty when you checked in. Or perhaps you’ve made friends with your roommates. This is no excuse to leave valuable goods or money unattended when you’re not around, because you still don’t know these people, nor do you know if there’s going to be 12 of them there when you get back.

5. Talk to people. Yes, it does go without saying, but it’s about more than just socializing. If you don’t know how to decide where to travel, you can be sure that fellow backpackers you meet at the hostel will be dying to let you know about this awesome city you didn’t know about. Roughly map out the biggest destinations on your route, but stay flexible for the most part. If you talk to other people and get great hints, you never know where you might end up next.

solo backpacker europe tips

When Do You Need A Passport?

I presume you know what a passport is. In addition you may get a Passport Card, defined below by the State Department website:

“The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.”

Below I deal with the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and the US territories separately. Everywhere else in the world you will need a passport – not a Passport Card.

In the past, US citizen were able to travel to and from Canada and Mexico and the US territories (American Samoa, Baker Island, Howland Island, Guam, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, US (not British) Virgin Islands, and Wake Island) with just a drivers license. However, there have been some changes and you will need a passport or passport card if traveling to those destinations. You may use the Card if traveling by land or sea only. Air travel still requires a passport. Below is the best overall description of requirements I found (also from the State Department):

All U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States. This extended to all sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service on June 1, 2009. Travelers must now present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. We strongly encourage all U.S. citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card well in advance of anticipated travel. U.S. citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.

NOTE: Be aware that Caribbean cruises that begin and end in the U.S. (closed loop cruises) do not require that you travel with a valid passport. However, should you need to disembark due to an emergency and you do not have a valid passport, you may encounter difficulties entering or remaining in a foreign country. You may also have difficulty attempting to re-enter the United States by air because many airlines will require a valid passport before allowing you to board the aircraft. As such, we strongly recommend that you always travel abroad with your valid passport.

So the answer to Many – if not most – countries require that you have at least six months before the expiration date of your passport to enter or receive a visa.

Many travelers enjoy the process of collecting visas and entry/exit stamps from various countries (even if the latter are rarely legible). However, if you travel frequently you may run out of pages in your passport. When you approach this point, the passport must be retuned to the Department of state with a request for more pages.

One tip: Before you leave, take a photo of the front pages of your passport and visa(s) for the destinations. Put these somewhere separate from other travel documents. In the even they are lost or stolen, the copies will be very useful.

Visas
To determine whether or not you need a visa to enter the country of your choice, go to the country’s embassy website and look for the Consular section. They will give you both the specifics of who needs a visa and the information needed to obtain one. Typically, you will download an application, fill it in, attach one or more photos (and any other documentation requested) and send it along with your passport to the Consulate. Include everything requested. Failure to do so will cost you time – possibly a lot of time. Be sure you can track the package. It will be returned to you with the visa attached to one of the pages. If you live near the consulate, they will usually have hours during which you may drop off and, subsequently, pick up your passport.

The visa may be good for two weeks or ten years – it just depends on the country. It may be a single entry or multiple entry visa. Read the description of the various visas carefully when applying and check the visa when upon receipt. It will have a date by which must you leave the country. Do not fail to leave by that date.