There are many different types of visas available and travellers should ensure they obtain the correct visa for their intended stay. The validity and type of visa issues must be strictly adhered to. Failure to depart the country by the due date may result in a penalty that could range from a fine, imprisonment or future problems with authorities. Remember that deportation is at the travellers expense.

A visa application should be prepared with accuracy and care and in a presentable manner ie. Neatly handwritten or typed, on clean A4 80gsm white paper (not "shiny" fax paper, re-used or recycled paper with unrelated matter on the back for example) or other, if an original application form is required.

An application form is a legal document and is held on file as such.

Tourist Visas

Passengers who are travelling for genuine tourist or holiday purposes are obliged to apply for a "Tourist Visa" if required. These visas can only be obtained by travellers who intend to stay a limited length of time in the country concerned and not undertake any paid employment, formal study, volunteer work or participate in any organised non-leisure activities.

Applicants will be requested to supply proof of their tourist arrangements, such as travel itineraries, hotel accommodation vouchers, travel insurance documents, tour vouchers or letters from tour operators. In some cases proof of funds or even approved documentation from the country of destination may also be required

Transit Visas

Quite often the way flights are scheduled or depending on the airline with which you travel, passengers may be forced to stop or change aircraft in another country on their way to their final destination, in other words 'transit'

Although a passenger may not intend to stay, only 'pass through' this country, depending on the length of stay and the nationality of their passport, they may require a visa.

What is actually considered a transit?

Quite often the true definitions or technicalities of transiting are not fully understood! If you are not leaving the transit area and genuinely changing from one flight to another - depending on your nationality, you may be eligible to "transit without a visa". Generally the conditions of 'transiting without a visa' (TWOV) are based on 'how' you transit and 'how long' you transit, and the nationality of your passport.

For example, if you must transit en-route to a third country, and are doing so:

NOTE: a "Stopover" is not a transit! If the passenger is leaving the airport, passing through immigration, visiting for the day and then departing on another flight, this is not regarded as a transit, and therefore a visitor's or tourist visa would be required.

Business Visas

Passengers, who are travelling for the purpose of attending business conferences, meetings or trade shows usually require a special "Business Visa". This kind of visa does NOT apply if the passenger is travelling to undertake paid employment in an overseas country. Applicants will be requested to supply proof of their business arrangements, such as a letter from their Australian Employer confirming their purpose of travel, dates of travel and means of financial support. Other requirements may include an invitation from the company to be visited, copies of conference / trade show invitations, or even official government approved letters of invitation. These requirements will be in addition to travel itineraries, proof of hotel accommodation bookings and travel insurance documents.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS LETTER? A business letter should be on company letterhead and addressed either to the Consulate concerned or "To Whom It May Concern". The letter must specify the traveller's full name, passport number, intended dates of travel, type of business to be conducted, institution or company to be visited, as well as a declaration that the traveller's employer intends to take responsibility for any expenses incurred by the traveller during their visit.

Work Permits VS Working Holidays

Passengers wishing to travel and work in other countries may need a visa, as they will earn a wage and temporarily live in that country.

A work permit is usually issued to passengers who have arranged short/long-term work with a particular employer or sponsor and have also, more than likely, obtained official sponsorship paperwork to support their application for a work permit to be issued.

A working holiday visa is issued to eligible applicants, wanting to experience living and working in another country, whilst also holidaying and supplementing their stay. Quite often there are restrictions as to the length of stay, period of working vs holiday time, and age of who is eligible. Not all countries run a working holiday program and for those that do may have a yearly quota, once filled, is strictly closed until the next years intake.

Other Purposes of Travel

• study or exchange programs,
• immigrating to live,
• religious pilgrimages,
• aid worker / carer etc.
• Journalists / media etc.
  
  Requirements for these kinds of visas are individual to the traveller's circumstances and Consulates/Embassies usually insist upon a personal interview with the applicant. Travcour has only general information pertaining to these requirements, however will strive to assist wherever possible