Are you an international traveler? Do you love traveling to other countries for tourism? If yes, then you should know about the visa and passport requirements for international travelers?
Traveling to different destinations for tourism and other purposes has become more accessible owing to simple visa and passport requirements. Besides, several countries have also changed their visa policies to ease travel restrictions and formalities with friendly countries.
However, it depends on which country and region you are traveling from. Your travel destination also matters a lot in this regard because you have to comply with all legal formalities of traveling before you pack your bags for an international travel destination.
We have made it easy for you if you are considering the United States as your next tourist spot. In this article, we will guide you through the visa and passport rules and regulations which are mandatory for your travel to the US, especially if you are traveling from Asia.
So, let’s take a look at US Visa requirements…
What is a US Visa?
US Visa is legal traveling permission to the US. You should obtain a US Visa if you want to travel from Asia. Your US Visa will be placed on your traveler passport document issued by your country.
However, you do not need a US Visa if you are traveling from a specific country which is added under the US Visa Waiver Program. The US Visa Waiver Program has different requirements which are covered under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
What are Visa and Passport requirements?
If you are traveling for tourism and business purposes, then you need to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa. The B-2 visa is specifically allocated for tourists who want to visit the US for a short period. However, you can get a B-2 visa for:
- Tourism
- Holidays and Vacations
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical purposes
- Participating in events hosted by social, fraternal or service organizations
- Participating in musical, sports or similar activities
- Enrolling in short excursion or recreational course of study
You can also list the purpose of your visit other than these categories. However, that purpose should also fall under the travel and tourism category.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the essential documents required for processing your US Visa Application. Here is the list:
- Passport (Valid for six months)
- National Identity Card (authorized from your country’s legal agencies)
- Proof of income
- Personal information
- Emergency contact information
- Recent Photographs
- Non-Immigrant Visa Application
You need to prepare all these documents before you apply for a B-2 visa. You should also highlight your country of origin for determining your eligibility under the ESTA.
However, ESTA has different requirements. You can check the list of 38 countries which fall under the Visa Waiver Program and check if you are lucky enough to exempt your visa requirements.
Note that there are very few Asian countries included in this list. Nevertheless, the US is considering to expand this program to other Asian countries too.
Requirements of ESTA for international travelers?
ESTA is provided under the Visa Waiver Program of the US to the people belonging to 38 countries listed under this program. Under this program, you can travel to the US for 90 days without a visa.
Your ESTA is valid for two years. However, you can also obtain a new ESTA by filling a simple ESTA form online. Here are a few ESTA requirements for ESTA:
- Citizen or national of Visa Waiver Program
- Do not have a visitor visa
- Travelling for 90 days
Besides, you also need some documents which should comply with your ESTA. It includes:
- Valid Passport
- Valid Credit Card
- Contact Information
- Employment Information
So, if you are an international traveler and you are going on an excursion in the US, then do consider these requirements before making up your mind.
Tips for International Travelers
Frequent international travelers should consider several things before they land in a foreign country. Form finding low fair transportation to exploring new tourism spots in the US, you have a long list of things to do.
So, we will guide you through some of the things you should consider if you are traveling from Asia to the US.
- Consider airlines offering discounts and promotions
- Land in main cities, including New York and Los Angeles.
- Don’t hesitate in traveling from Asian Airlines.
- Always fly from big cities.
- Travel in ground transportation while you are in the U
- Consider booking sites with best deals for hotels, resorts, and travel
Wrapping Up
Traveling from Asia to the US is not a difficult task, especially if you are from a Visa Waiver Country. However, you need to make up your mind to decide from different options of travel, commuting, and residing in the US. You will inevitably end up saving a lot of money if you consider our tips for international travelers. Besides, you can also follow our visa guide to ease your visa process for traveling to the US.