An explanation on how to obtain Visas required for entry to some foreign countries. This article is part of "A Basic Guide to Exporting", provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, to assist companies in exporting.
Last Published: 10/20/2016
Many countries require visas, which cannot be obtained through the Passport Services Directorate. Visas are provided by a foreign country’s embassy or consulate in the United States for a small fee. You must have a current U.S. passport to obtain a visa, and in many cases, a recent photo is required. You should allow several weeks to obtain visas, especially if you are traveling to developing nations. Some foreign countries require visas for business travel but not for tourist travel. When you request visas from a consulate or an embassy, you should notify the authorities that you will be conducting business. Check visa requirements each time you travel to a country, since regulations change periodically. Contact a U.S. Commercial Service office to learn about documentation requirements for the countries in which you will be traveling.