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The 4 Best Travel Visa Services in the United States

The visa application process

Here is my quick list of the top visa services in the U.S based on my experience of having traveled to 50+ countries (and received countless visas along the way). I’ll go into more detail later in this post.

TravelVisaPro

PassportVisasExpress

Although I’m normally a do-it-yourself kind of guy, I sometimes get a travel visa service to take care of all the visa formalities for me. The best travel visa services in the United States (I’ll discuss 4 in total) often have knowledge and connections that the average person simply won’t have.

Getting experts to do the tedious work of getting the visa for you on your behalf can make a lot of sense and relieve you of future headache if you’re trying to secure a visa for a particular country.

Even for seasoned travelers like yours truly, visas can be incredibly frustrating. You have to get this document and that document; and often, despite having all of the necessary documents and fees in place, the consulate or government agency never fails to find a reason why they cannot process your visa.

If you have any questions on visas, good luck getting anyone to answer the phone….consulates and embassies are notorious for not picking up the phone. Many consulates would rather provide you with an e-mail address that gets you a short, uninformative response in three business days or more (and sometimes they don’t even respond).

The visa application process can be very stressful

So when the going gets tough, go ahead and get a good visa service to get your visa for you. Sure, the commission they get for doing this service is often quite high, but these guys do this stuff for a living and have the relationships and knowledge to help you save time and avoid future hassle.

Most visa services works as follows:

You fill out a form.
You gather the required documents.
You send the visa service your required documents.
Visa service takes care of everything and mails you your visa!

So, without further ado, check out the reviews below of the best travel visa services in the United States based on feedback from my readers and my personal experience. In order to evaluate the services, I took into account criteria such as responsiveness, website design, cost, professionalism, phone demeanor, and attention to detail.

As a side note, if you’re a U.S. citizen and don’t have a passport, all of the agencies below can also assist you with getting a passport. Service fees for both visas and passports vary between the companies, so be sure to check each website for their latest fees so that you can get the best rate.

With U.S.-based offices in Washington, DC and New York City, a U.K.-based office in London and a Canadian office in Ontario, VisaHQ is a heavyweight in the world of visa agencies. Even though they’ve been around in the online travel visa business since just 2003, they have grown rapidly and have the cleanest, most user-friendly website that you will find. If you go to the bottom of their home page to where it says “VisaHQ widgets”, you will find a cool tool that quickly shows you if you need a visa for pretty much any country in the world.

Using Visa HQ is as easy as:

Completing the secure online application.
Mailing the documents necessary to prove one’s identity
Sit back, relax and wait for your passport or visa to arrive in the mail .

It is that simple.

When applying for a visa, customers can choose from a long line of countries. Also, anyone who orders a new U.S. passport from Visa HQ receives a free passport cover. In addition to issuing new passports, Visa HQ also lets people add pages to their passport, change their name on their passport and report a lost or stolen passport.

Prices for passports start at $59.00, and the company promises that there are no hidden or cancellation fees. When it comes to visas, VisaHQ is definitely the more expensive of the visa agencies listed here. With that said though, they are often worth every penny; but, nevertheless, be sure to shop around all these sites before settling on a travel visa service.

2. TravelVisaPro

With offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Seattle, Travel Visa Pro is superb. I’m a big fan of these guys. I did business with them in the past when I had to get a document legalized at a consulate in Washington D.C. They were super responsive and got back to me on any query I had in well under 24 hours (normally within the hour). If you are trying to get a document (such as a transcript or proof of employment) legalized, these guys are the ones to go with.

For passports only, customers can choose urgent shipping to have their passport delivered to them within two days of their application. For both passports and visas, customers can also get rush delivery, which is anywhere from one to three days for a visa and four days for a passport. The budget delivery option can allow customers to obtain their visa within three or more days and their passport within two to three weeks.

Travel Visa Pro also offers a concierge service where customers can have an employee fill out their application. There are many benefits to using the company’s concierge service, including but not limited to being entered into their VIP Program, free insurance coverage on one’s passport and free printing of electronic photos at Travel Visa Pro’s office. Many of my readers who have used the services of this company report that their service was fast, friendly and efficient.

I would say that the one downside to Travel Visa Pro is their overly busy, text-filled website. It is not as user-friendly as the VisaHQ website, meaning you have to hunt around a bit to find out what you are looking for. In order to get a visa, when you go to their homepage, choose the country where you want to go in the small drop-down list under the “Visa Services” heading. You will then need to follow the steps listed on the website in order to apply.

3. PassportVisasExpress

With more than 15 years’ experience issuing passports and visas, PassportVisasExpress has been around longer than some of the other travel visa services out there. I’ve heard from a lot of satisfied readers who have used their services to obtain a passport and/or visa without any hassle.

Passport Visas Express specializes in expediting passport applications in as little as 24 hours, but they have a pretty decent visa service as well. I do find their claim to issue “expedited” visas to more than 150 countries a bit misleading though (not that many countries offer expedited visas). In most situations, visa processing speeds will be at the whim of the consulate (which is beyond their control).

With that said, the user interface is superb, and the site is chock full of visa information. I love it how you just click on the visa button, enter your zip code, and you go right to the appropriate visa information for the consulate of your jurisdiction. I know this must have taken a TON of work to implement, so I give a strong Bravo to these guys for putting this functionality on their website.

PassportVisasExpress also offers a live online chat. They issue new and replacement passports, as well as passports for children and updated passports for a person who has changed their name, lost their passport or needs to obtain a second one.

TraVisa is a company that specializes in issuing passports and visas to travelers quickly and easily. A service they offer that many other similar companies don’t is the ability to save an electronic version of one’s passport or visa on your smartphone. They have a mobile application that for Androids, iPhones and iPads let people get all the necessary information about their passport or visa. The company also allows its customers to register their travel with the U.S. Embassy. They even have an instructional video on their website that tells people everything they need to know about how to use their services.

TraVisa has offices in Atlanta, Washington DC, New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Houston, Ottawa and London. The countries they offer visas to include China, Brazil, Russia, India, Australia, Vietnam, Kenya, Tanzania and many more. This company also specializes in the legalization of documents.

The company’s website also includes a travel store where customers can purchase items such as phone cards, passport covers, maps and medicine to prevent jet lag.

The majority of customers that use TraVisa are applying for a visa to travel to Brazil, China, India, Russia and Vietnam (i.e. the countries that require U.S. citizens to get a visa).

Also, a cool feature of TraVisa is their visa “pre-check.” A visa pre-check is when a TraVisa Visa employee reviews a customer’s visa application to be sure that it was filled out properly, and the customer has all the necessary documents in place to get the visa approved. Once customers have ordered their visa they can keep track of their application by logging onto the TraVisa website and getting updates on their application status.

My readers report that TraVisa provides decent service (but not above and beyond like some of the others in this list…but still do give them a try if you are price shopping) when it comes to applying for or renewing a passport or visa.

So there you have it folks, the best travel visa services in the United States. Be sure to visit each website and check prices before deciding on a visa service. Service fees can vary quite considerably. Anyways, good luck on your visa hunt and safe travels!

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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.

Friday, August 23rd

2024 Travel Visa Service Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

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... 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

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We simplify tourist and business visas so you can focus on your trip ahead.

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Travelers have the confidence of knowing their applications are completely accurate and error-free.

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Every application receives a personal review and is checked against the world’s largest database of travel requirements.

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1,600+ immigration and visa experts in 79 offices across 29 countries. All backed by industry-leading technology and 35 years of expertise.

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About Us CIBTvisas Global Offices Immigration Services CIBTvisas Global Leadership CIBTvisas Careers Contact CIBTvisas In The News
Travel Visas Do I Need a Visa? Expedited Visa Solutions ETA Travel Visa FAQs Corporate Travel Solutions
Passports Expedited Passport Renewal Standard Passport Renewal First-Time Passport Lost or Stolen Passport Child Passport Name Change Second Passport Passport FAQs
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CIBT draws on over thirty years of experience and over 2,000 expert immigration, visa and passport professionals, attorneys and qualified migration consultants located in over 60 offices in 29 countries. CIBT offers a comprehensive suite of services under two primary brands: Newland Chase, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations worldwide and CIBTvisas, the market leader for business and other travel visa and passport services for corporate and individual clients.

CIBTvisas is a private company that is authorized to process visa applications and expedite passports at consulate and passport agencies for a fee.

Simplify the journey, to bridge people, cultures, and businesses and open the world.

Our Mission

We enable global movement by managing the complexities of a changing world. We empower people and organizations to seamlessly live, work, travel, and trade through our global reach, local expertise, and customer-focused solutions.

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We are a diverse, global team that embraces inclusivity and authenticity. We appreciate each other's individual perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to our individual and collective success. We work to create a fun and engaging environment that fosters connectivity and joy.

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We put customer interests first and operate with empathy and honesty. We take pride in helping our clients achieve results through a personalized approach, rooted in expertise, adaptability, and agility.

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We seek a careful balance of speed, quality, and efficiency. We utilize global processes to achieve consistent, compliant outcomes. We empower teams to adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers and the government agencies with which we engage.

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We're curious and constantly seek to learn. We promote individual growth and development and embrace change and innovation.

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We care deeply about what we do and the difference we make. We take accountability, demonstrate integrity, and make conscious choices to do the right thing. We aspire to leave things better than we found them.

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Check travel requirements to where you want to go, for free.

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Our service

Our service provides assistance with getting electronic visas to more than 50 worldwide destinations. An e-Visa is a great option if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enter the country of your choice. By choosing an electronic visa, you won’t have to worry about going through the traditional visa application process anymore. Whether you’re looking to travel for leisure, business, or tranist, our electronic visa service can help make your trip successful.

If your travel destination also requires you to get a Passenger Locator Form, our travel experts will be happy to walk you through the entire application process. You can submit your visa and/or PLF application within minutes using any electronic device. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection. On average, it should take up to a few business days to receive the approved e-Visa or PLF to your email address, but applications are often processed even sooner.

On our website, you will also find entry requirements to many worldwide destinations as well as information on visa-free countries that you can visit without a visa for short-term stays.

What is the visa

An electronic visa, also known as an e-Visa, allows its holder to enter a country for tourism, business, and very often transit purposes without having to go through the traditional visa application process.

e-Visas are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional visas. In most cases, an e-Visa can be obtained by completing an online application and submitting the required documents.

Electronic visa requirements may differ slightly depending on the selected destination and the applicant’s nationality. Nevertheless, in most cases, applicants simply need to provide a copy of their valid passport and face photo.

Once approved, the e-Visa will be linked to the applicant’s passport. In most cases, travelers do not need to print a visa out. e-Visas are typically valid for a short period of time, so it is important to check the expiration date before traveling.

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How it works?

First of all, make sure you are eligible for an e-Visa to your desired destination and that you meet all the requirements for the online visa application. Whether you apply for PLF or e-Visa, you may need to prepare some additional documents. Check the requirements thoroughly before starting your application.

Fill out the online form

Enter the required data, including your personal and passport details, email address, and travel purpose. Next, upload the supporting documentation (if necessary).

Make the online payment

Cover the handling fee using one of the available online payment methods. This includes Visa, MasterCard, Amercican Express, Sofort/Klarna and many others.

Check your email

Once your payment is processed, you will receive the confirmation email. After approval, the e-Visa and/or PLF will also be delivered to your email inbox.

Why Choose Us

Quick and straightforward application.

Online application taking no more than 15 minutes of your time. No Embassy visits and nerve-wracking interviews!

High Approval Rate

All applications revised by a team of visa and travel experts to maximize the chances of quick approval. Most applications submitted via our agency are positively processed.

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Is It Worth It?

Visa Services: Are They Worth It?

by Jason Moore

This article reviews four of the best online visa services companies and shares how to get a visa quickly so you can travel worry-free.

My spicy relationship with Visa Services goes way back to 2008.

That year, Brazil was calling my name and as you know, once the idea of a trip takes hold, it’s tough to shake.

My mind went into a travel frenzy and my buddy and I booked tickets without much planning or thought.

There was a good bit of lead-time. In the immortal words of Alfred E. Neuman, “What me worry?”

The problem was that we both got busy and procrastinated on doing the things we should have done BEFORE we even booked flights.

We had no idea we needed a special Visa to go to Brazil and realized we might be totally screwed.

At the time I had no way of knowing that this trip would change my life forever (I’ll share how in just a moment).

Thankfully an expedited visa services company made the trip possible.

Before heading out on a big international trip, it’s important to make sure all of your documents are in order.

For US citizens planning an international trip, a visa may be required for permitted entry into the country.

When visa applications get tricky, a visa services company can make sure you’re set and ready to go.

If you hate dealing with a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense and would rather have someone else take care of paperwork so you can focus on your trip, then visa services can be an amazing option for you.

Let’s take China, for example.

Unlike many countries, which grant access with a passport and stamp, China requires US citizens to do a bit more planning and noting of what the intended purpose of their visit is.

Simply put, the purpose of a visa services company is to make the process of obtaining the most applicable visa much easier for travelers. The company’s website lists the countries they cover, and walks users through the steps of applying for and obtaining the correct visa.

For a fee, of course. Typically, travelers will pay up to $200 for professional assistance obtaining a visa.

There are a number of visa services companies available. Some are better than others, and some offer assistance with many countries while some may specialize in as few as one.

In this article, we’re going to cover four of the prominent visa services companies and why you should or shouldn’t use them for your trip. But first, let’s dive a bit deeper into what exactly a visa services company is.

Why use visa services?

Visa services essentially take most of the paperwork out of applying for a visa to visit a certain country. For example, if you find yourself unsure of how to go about obtaining a visa for an upcoming trip. Or , if you just want to make sure everything is filed correctly, visa services companies can do the work for you.

Visa services companies will make sure all required paperwork is filled out, signed, and delivered to the proper place. Passport photos will be checked for faults, and their staff is there to answer any questions that you may have.

These companies also often handle tasks such as renewing your passport and handling any international mail required for your visa.

Always research how long you’ll be allowed to stay in each specific country.

If you plan to stay longer than allowed or do things like obtain employment while in the country or go to school, specific visas are required in most cases. Visa services companies can help you identify and apply for the correct visa.

Visa services can also help expedite the visa process. If you’re crunched for time like I was before my Brazil trip, you might not have another option.

What you need for online visa services

Quality scanned photo of your passport. Make sure everything on the photo page is showing: full name, birth date, passport expiration date, barcode, etc.
Passport photo in digital format. You can use a mobile app such as Passport Photo Booth to take this photo. Find a plain white wall to use as background. Be sure to follow all directions specifically otherwise your photo may be rejected.
Be prepared to mail your passport to the visa services company’s office. They will handle any domestic or international mailing and preparing of the passport that is needed – basically, you won’t have to wait in line at, or mail your passport to, the consulate of the country you intend to visit in order to obtain a visa.

Situations when you don’t need visa services

Using a visa services business is not necessary for tourism-based trips to any country that offers a visa on arrival, or doesn’t require a visa for citizens of your country.

Visa on arrival simply means that a visa can be bought or obtained at the customs booth upon arrival at the international airport or border crossing of your destination country.

It’s important to note that the length of stay allowed on a VOA varies by country. If you’re coming for a quick visit and then moving on, a VOA (if offered) will do you just fine. In these cases, you’re safe without using a visa services company.

If you are comfortable handling the application directly through the consulate website and mailing your passport, the process can be done by yourself.

Be sure to read up on not only the consulate website but travel boards and forums as well, just to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything.

Here are the top 4 visa services companies based on our research.

VisaHQ.com is one of the leading online visa services companies. Their network is extensive – they offer the most comprehensive collection of visa applications and information available online. They also walk users through the process for most countries, removing much stress from the shoulders of anxious travelers.

Their website is simple to navigate and generally does a good job of answering questions before they need to be asked. Anyone who’s done extensive international travel can attest to how stressful it can be to find information about certain countries. VisaHQ does a great job of simplifying information and presenting it in a way that won’t cause an anxiety attack.

For example, they have an entire page dedicated to Schengen Visas. Another features a map that outlines every country and whether or not a business visa is required for US citizens.

They also partner with World Nomads travel insurance, which satisfies the requirement of those visas that require travel insurance.

Residents of New York, Washington, D.C., Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles can apply in person by visiting the VisaHQ office in those cities.

VisaHQ is, all things considered, the most thorough visa services company available.

Travisa.com

The best part of Travisa’s website is the feature right on the homepage which allows visitors to immediately check to see if they need a visa for their trip.

They provide options for tourist, business, missionary, and others with immediate answers about what is needed to enter the country. They then walk users through the application process with detailed instructions.

Generally, their offerings are comprehensive and simple. They offer much the same visa services as VisaHQ, and also can assist with obtaining a US passport in a crunch. They offer information on immunizations, weather, and any travel warnings issued by the US government.

The website is simple to navigate, and they’ve even got a mobile app (how modern!).

They have offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. for in-person services.

Passportvisaexpress.com

Passportvisaexpress.com doesn’t have the bells and whistles of VisaHQ, but their visa services are proficient and accurate. They help travelers identify which visa they need, how to go about obtaining it, and simplify the whole process from start to finish.

The site is very easy to navigate and find exactly what you’re looking for. They offer Priority Overnight shipping upgrades for free shipping via FedEx, saving users a few bucks. Their fee is $200 on top of the visa fee – it’s nice that they are straight up about that and let you know right away.

Rushmytravelvisa.com

Rushmytravelvisa.com is good at exactly what the name suggests – hurrying the visa services process. If you’re in a pinch and need a visa quick, this site gets it to you as fast or faster than anyone else on the web.

Again, you’re not getting a website with all of the extensive information that VisaHQ provides. One thing that is really nice about their site is that they prominently list the embassy fee for each visa they can assist with. This is something that takes a bit more digging with the other companies.

Their services are built around getting you, the user, a visa and getting you on the road. Tracking an order is easy, as is getting started with the application process.

Visa services: The final line

Visa services are not always necessary. But for countries lacking a Visa-On-Arrival, they make the process a lot easier.

If you are going somewhere last minute you might need a rush visa service to get things done.

Back to my Brazil trip…I am so grateful that the expedited visa service came through and I was able to secure the required documents to visit Brazil because I ended up meeting my wife on that trip!

We got married in her home country of Norway in 2014. Life is crazy like that isn’t it?

Peace of mind goes a long way in international travel. Fortunately, that’s exactly what visa services are perfect for.

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Step-by-step Guide

Step-by-step guide to getting a Russian Visa

Laid out below are the steps you need to take to obtain a standard Russian Travel Visa (single-entry or double-entry, also called a Tourist Visa) without using an agency or visa broker. If you are traveling to Russia for more than 30 days, or to work or study, then you will need a different type of visa . If you are a US citizen, then successful applicants will be issued with a three-year multi-entry visa whatever the purpose of their trip.

Before you try to apply for a Russian Visa, you should decide exactly when you are going to be traveling and which cities you are going to visit. This information must be included on your visa application.

Make sure your passport is valid for the dates you are planning to travel. Most consular departments will require that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Russia. You also need to ensure that you have the required number of clear pages in your passport (this also varies at different consular departments, but two is normally enough).

The next step is to find the nearest Russian consular department or visa center which will accept your visa application. If you are unsure where that is, check the Russian Consular Locator . Some nationalities (UK citizens, for example) may only be able to apply in their home country or the country where they are officially resident.

You will need to check the processing times, application rules and visa tariffs for each consular department separately.

In order to apply for a Russian Travel Visa, you need first to book accommodation. The law requires that you have accommodation booked for every night you spend in Russia (excluding nights spent traveling by train). You can book hotel or apartment accommodation in St. Petersburg directly with SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM. If you are not planning to book accommodation for every night of your stay in Russia, please contact our visa experts our visa experts for assistance BEFORE BOOKING.

In order to apply for a Russian Travel Visa, you need first to book accommodation. The law requires that you have accommodation booked for every night you spend in Russia (excluding nights spent traveling by train). You can book hotel or apartment accommodation in St. Petersburg directly with SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM, and/or book accommodation of any variety in St. Petersburg and elsewhere in Russia on Booking.com (necessarily via our affiliate LINK ). If you are not planning to book accommodation for every night of your stay in Russia, please contact our visa experts our visa experts for assistance BEFORE BOOKING.

Once you have booked accommodation, you need to ensure that you get the correct official documents required to support your visa application (visa support documents).

If you applying for a Tourist Visa you require the following relevant documents:

Tourist Voucher
Tourist Confirmation

These documents should be issued by whoever is providing you with accommodation in Russia. If you book accommodation via this website, SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM will issue you with visa support documents free-of-charge. Find out here how to get your free visa support documents . If you have not booked accommodation with SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM, you should contact the agency or hotel/hostel with whom you book to find out how to get your visa support documents (this may be a paid service). You can also buy visa support documents without booking accommodation.

Both these documents fit on to one side of an A4 sheet of paper, and they can be presented to most Russian consular departments as a faxed or emailed copy. Some African and Asian nationals, however, need to present the original stamped and signed documents. Check with your nearest consular department or visa center to ensure that a copy is acceptable. If not, you can email us to find out how we can help.

Most Russian consular departments will require you to have health insurance covering the dates of your proposed trip and valid in Russia. If you already have travel health insurance, you will need to confirm that it covers the Russian Federation. You may also have to fill in an Insurance Card, noting the number and validity of your insurance policy.

Your visa application must be accompanied by a recent photo of yourself. In most cases, you will need to submit one passport-size color photograph taken against a white background. You must remember to sign the back of the photograph.

Along with your passport and your visa support documents, you will need to submit a completed Visa Application Form. All applicants for Russian visas now have to fill out their application on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here . Note that you will still need to print out a copy of the application form, sign it and submit it along with passport and visa support documents.

Now you have everything ready, you can submit your documents to the nearest Russian Consular Department or Visa Center. If you have the time and the opportunity, we strongly recommend that you submit your application by post. It's cheaper and considerably easier than applying in person. However, the process can take up to one month and, as a rule, consular departments do not issue urgent visas by post. If you need a visa urgently, then check the opening hours of your nearest consular department, turn up as early as possible and, in many places, expect to queue. Don't forget that your application must be accompanied by the following documents:

Your passport
A completed Visa Application Form
Relevant visa support documents
Details of health insurance
One color photograph
A postal or money order for the cost of your visa (if applying by post)
A self-addressed envelope with pre-paid postage (if applying by post)

NB: UK and Danish citizens can no longer make postal applications for Russian visas as they are required to attend a Russian visa centre to be fingerprinted before their application will be considered.

Now all you can do is wait until your visa is issued. There is little point in trying to contact most Russian Consular Departments before the date you have been told your visa will be ready. In most cases, they will not answer any queries about the status of applications.

Along with your Russian Visa, you will need to obtain a Migration Card at your point of entry into Russia. This is a form in English and Russian which you must complete and present at passport control. Half will be stamped and returned to you, and you must keep it with your visa until your departure. If you are arriving at Pulkovo Airport or other major Russian airports, the migration card is now printed automatically and handed to you at passport control. If you are entering Russia across a land border, you will still have to find the form and fill it out yourself by hand.

Once you're inside the Russian Federation, the party that provides you with accommodation is obliged to register your visa within seven working days of entry. If you are traveling on a Tourist Visa and staying in a hotel, then it is almost certain will be able to register your visa at reception. In this case, the hotel will issue you with proof of registration , which you will be required to submit at passport control when you leave Russia.

If you book apartment accommodation for your visit to St. Petersburg, it is also the responsibility of the apartment owner or management company to register you on arrival. If this proves to be a problem, however, you can contact SAINT-PETERSBURG.COM by email or telephone (+7-812-380-2478), and we will ensure that you are properly registered (this incurs an extra fee).

We strongly recommend that you make photocopies of all your travel documents, including the main pages of your passport, your Russian Visa, and your migration card. Should you lose your passport or migration card during your stay, copies are almost certain to make things easier. They can also be carried with you instead of the original documents in case the Russian police wish to check your identity.

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Visa & entry requirements for St Petersburg

Do you know which documents you'll need to travel to Russia? Plan ahead and find out if you need your passport, visa, national ID or all of the above!

Russian Visa

Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Russia, for which the application should be made at least a month before your trip . For most travellers a tourist visa will be sufficient: these allow a stay of up to 30 days with one or two entries within that period. If you are planning to stay for longer than a month, there are business and other types of visas available. If you're just passing through, it's possible to get a transit visa, but as these allow limited time in the country and are the same price as a regular tourist visa, it's usually best to go for that option.

What will I need for the visa?

Passport valid for at least six months after your return date.
Visa invitation letter (known as a "visa support") provided by your hotel or hostel (sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee), or if you're not staying in one of these, they can be bought from travel or visa agencies (prices vary).
Completed application form including everywhere you've visited over the past 10 years: make sure to fill it in carefully! Find the electronic visa application form at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and make sure to keep a note of the identity number given to you.
Handling fee (amount varies depending on visa type, how you quickly you need it and the agency used to acquire your visa).
One or two passport-sized p hotos .

How do I get the visa?

With all of your necessary documentation, you'll then need to go to your Russian embassy or dedicated visa agency: when you first visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website linked above, the Contacts link under your selected country will show the official offices for visa applications. You may also be asked to bring bank statements, birth certificates of children travelling with you and proof of travel insurance , so make sure to double check what you need in advance.

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival in Russia, you'll be given an immigration form produced electronically at passport control. Make sure to hold on to this as you'll need it both to register your stay and to leave the country .

Register your visa : every visitor to Russia must register their visa within seven business days of arrival. If you're in Saint Petersburg for less than seven business days, you are exempt, and if you leave Saint Petersburg, you must register again in any city where you stay seven days or longer. It is your accommodation that is obligated to register your visa for you: whether this is your hotel, hostel, landlord, friend or family. Commonly, you'll give up your passport and visa on check in for your hotel to register you with the local visa office.

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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.

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

B-1 for business travel
B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
How to apply
What documents you will need
Application fees
How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.

How to renew a visitor visa

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms

The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S.
Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

Consult with business associates
Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
Settle an estate
Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

Vacation (holiday)
Visit with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
Permanent residence in the United States

Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child) is not permissible on a visitor visa.

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must meet the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should generally schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be present but aware that in some cases it may be more difficult to demostrate your qualifications for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

The purpose of your trip,
Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note: Visa applicants must qualify based on their ties abroad/to their home country, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing . The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Review the visa processing times to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may for a visitor visa as a domestic employee if, among other requirements, your employer is:

A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories: B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q or TN.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC), you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa.

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review Visa Denials to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , U.S. Consulate Hamilton website and CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov . CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select Border Crossing Card to learn more about this card.

Please visit U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
General Questions - review Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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