FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

B

BAHAMAS - BAHRAIN - BANGLADESH - BARBADOS - BELARUS - BELGIUM - BELIZE - BENIN - BERMUDA - BHUTAN - BOLIVIA - BOSNIA - BOTSWANA - BRAZIL - BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - BULGARIA - BURKINA FASO - BURMA - BURUNDI

BAHAMAS - Proof of U.S. citizenship, i.e. a passport (if you are using an expired passport it cannot be expired more than 5 years) or original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a photo ID, and onward/return ticket required for stay up to 8 months. Proof of sufficient funds required. Passport and residence/work permit needed for residence and business. Permit required for firearms and to import pets. Departure tax of $15 must be paid at airport. For further information call Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/319-2660) or nearest Consulate: Miami (305/373-6295) or New York (212/421-6420). Internet: www.bahamas.gov.bs

BAHRAIN - *Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa, valid for two weeks required a valid passport, 1 application and $30 fee (money order only). Multi-entry tourist visa requires that the applicant submit a letter (for visa) or company letter on company letterhead (for business visa) guaranteeing full responsibility for all expenses, and stating a reason for visit and duration, 1 application form, and $50 fee. Transit visa available upon arrival at the airport is valid from three days to two weeks and require onward/return ticket. All application forms for minors must include letter of consent from both parents and a photocopy of their passports. A single parent needs a legal document showing proof of legal guardian status. Locally performed HIV test required for resident permit. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For departure tax and other information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/342-1111); or the Permanent Mission to the U.N., 866 Second Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/223-6200). Internet: www.bahrainembassy.org or http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/

BANGLADESH - Passport, visa, and onward/return ticket required. Tourist/business visa requires 2 application forms, 3 photos (37mm x 37mm), and $100 fee (bank draft or money order). Tourist visa should also attach travel itinerary. Business visa requires letter of justification/financial guarantee from the employer. Student visa requires financial guarantee certificate and letter from educational institution. For more information, consult the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 3510 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/244-0183) or the Bangladesh Mission in New York at (212/867-3434). Internet: http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/

BARBADOS - *Passport and proof of sufficient funds required. Passport must be valid beyond the duration of this visit to Barbados. Cruise passengers planning to disembark in Barbados must have a valid passport. [Tourist] visa not required for stays up to six months. Departure tax of $12.50 ($25 BDS) paid at the airport. Visa requires 2 completed visa application forms, 2 passport sized photos accompanied by a valid passport. A $25 fee is required for single entry and $30 for multiple entry (cash or money order only). Single-/Multiple-entry visas valid for 3 months. Business visa requires work permit and letter from host or company in Barbados. For more information, contact the Embassy of Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-9200, fax (202) 332-7467, Internet e-mail: barbados@oas.org or the consulates of Barbados in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

BELARUS - *Passport and visa required. Business visa requires 1 application form, 1 photo, and letter of invitation from a Belarusian organization, company or agency. Tourist visa (for stay of up to 30 days) requires 1 application form, 1 photo, and confirmation or voucher from travel agency in Belarus. Transit visa is required when traveling through Belarus. The visa processing fee for single-entry visas is $100 for 5 working days, and $180 for next day processing. The visa processing fee for single-entry tourist visa is $50 for 5 business days, and $90 for the next business day. Fees must be paid by money order or cashier’s check only. If applying by mail, enclose SASE or prepaid air bill. For additional information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, 1619 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/986-1606), Consulate General, 708 3rd Ave., 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/682-5392). Internet: www.belarusembassy.org or www.belarusconsul.org.

BELGIUM - *Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. (**The 90-day period begins when entering Schengen countries). Onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa and temporary residence permit required for longer stays, study, or work. Visa requires valid passport, 1 application, letter of invitation, and proof of hotel reservation. Proof of travel/accident insurance required. Biometric visas are available at the Embassy of Belgium in Washington, D.C. People who apply for a visa at this location will receive a visa, which contains biometrics (along with your application, a picture and your fingerprints will be taken). Visa application fee is 45.50. You may not apply for a visa by mail at the Washington, DC embassy. For residence authorization, consult the Embassy of Belgium, 3330 Garfield St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/333-6900), or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (323/857-1244), Atlanta (404/659-2150), Chicago (312/263-6624), or New York (212/586-5110). Internet: http://belgium.usembassy.gov/

BELIZE - *Passport, return/onward ticket and sufficient funds (at least $60 per night) required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. If visit exceeds 1 month, obtain a stay permit from the Immigration Authorities in Belize. Single-entry visa, valid up to 90 days, requires $50 (include $10 for shipping payable by money order or bank draft). Visa requires 1 application form and 1 passport sized photo. HIV test required for those seeking residency; U.S. test accepted if within 3 months of visit. For more information, contact the Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/332-9636) or the Belize Mission in New York at (212/599-233). Internet: www.embassyofbelize.org

BENIN - *Passport with minimum validity of six months and visa required. Visa for stay of up to 36 months, requires $100 fee (certified check or money order only), 1 application form, 1 passport size photo, proof of yellow fever vaccination, proof of return/onward transportation, guarantee from employer, travel agency, or letter of guarantee from bank. Send SASE for return of passport by certified or express mail. Apply at Embassy of the Republic of Benin, 2124 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/232-6656/7/8).

BERMUDA - Passport (or proof of U.S. citizenship with photo ID) and onward/return ticket required for tourist stay up to 3 months. Departure tax of $10 is paid at airport. For further information, consult British Embassy (202/588-7800). Internet: www.immigration.gov.bm

BHUTAN - *Passport and visa required. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan. Visitors are required to book travel through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This may be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. Entry is available only via India, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, and Thailand. The border with China is closed. The minimum daily tariff is set by the Bhutanese Department of Tourism and cannot be negotiated. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available. For specific requirements, consult the Bhutan Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/826-1919) or the Bhutan Travel Service, 120 E 56th St., Suite 1130, New York, NY 10022 (1-800/950-9908 or 212/838-6382).

BOLIVIA - * Valid passport required for entry and departure. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 30 days (can be extended up to 90 days upon application to the Bolivian immigration authorities). Visitors for other purposes must obtain a visa in advance. Tourist cards issued upon arrival in Bolivia. A “Defined Purpose Visa” for adoptions, business, or other travel requires 1 application form, 1 photo, and $85 fee. Business travelers must include a company letter explaining purpose of trip. Send SASE for return of passport by mail. HIV test required for intending immigrants. For more information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Bolivia, 1819 H St., NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20006 (202/232-4827/28), or the Consulate General 9100 S. Dadeland Blvd., Suite 406, One Darlon Center, Miami, FL 33156 (305/670-0709). Internet: www.bolivia-usa.org

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stays up to 3 months. All persons entering Bosnia and Herzegovina through an international airport are now required to submit a landing card. Landing cards are provided by airlines during the flight or upon arrival. All foreigners, except those staying at a hotel, must register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. For more information, contact the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2109 E. Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20037, telephone 202-337-1500 or the Consulate General, 866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 580, New York, NY 10017 (212/593-0264). Internet: www.bhembassy.org

BOTSWANA - *Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for U.S. citizens staying no more than 90 days. For longer stays visa requires 2 application forms, valid passport (minimum of six months validity), two passports sized photos, and $107 fee (money order). Include SASE for return of passport by mail. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202/244-4990) or nearest Honorary Consulate: Los Angeles (213/626-8484) or Houston (713/680-1155). Internet: www.botswanaembassy.org

BRAZIL - *Passport with minimum validity of six months and visa required. Tourist visas are issued within two business days if applicant submits application in person. Visas are valid for multiple entries within 5 years for a period to be determined by the consular officer, for stays of up to 90 days renewable for the same length of stay by the Brazilian Federal Police. First entry into Brazil must be within 90 days of visa issuance. Visa requires 1 application form, 1 passport size photo, and proof of onward/return transportation. Travelers who have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American countries (check with the Brazilian Embassy) may be required to present an inoculation card indicating they had a yellow fever immunization. Children ages 3 months to 6 years require an international polio vaccination certificate. Minors under the age of 18, if not traveling with both parents, must provide notarized letter of consent signed by the non-accompanying parent(s) or guardian authorizing the consulate to issue a visa. There is a processing fee of $100 for tourists. Additional $10 fee for applications sent by mail, or by anyone other than applicant. Provide SASE for return of passport by mail. For information about traveling with [Brazilian] minors or other types of visas, contact the Brazilian Embassy (Consular Section), 3009 Whitehaven St. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/238-2828) or nearest Consulate: CA (323-651-2664 or 415-981-8170), FL (305-285-6200), IL (312-464-0244), MA (617-542-4000), NY (917-777-7777) or TX (713-961-3063). Internet: www.brasilemb.org

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - *Passport with minimum validity of six months and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days. HIV test required for work permits; tests taken in the U.S. are not accepted. For more information, contact the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam, 3520 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/237-1838) or Brunei Darussalam Permanent Mission to the U.N., 711 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 (212/697-3465). Internet: www.bruneiembassy.org

BULGARIA - *Passport required. Visa not required for stays of up to 30 days. For persons staying over 30 days, obtain a visa in advance. All visitors must be able to, upon request, show proof of valid medical insurance covering the duration of their stay. For stays longer than 30 days visa requires valid passport (minimum of six months validity), 1 application form, 1 passport sized photo, and SASE. Visa is free of charge for U.S. citizens with regular passports; processing fee $25. HIV test required for all intending immigrants and may be required for foreigners staying longer than 1 month for purposes of study or work; U.S. test is accepted. All travelers, except those staying in a private boarding house or hotel, etc., are required to register with the regional passport office or the police within 48 hours after their arrival in Bulgaria. For more information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1621 22nd St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/387-7969 or 387-0174), the Bulgarian Consulate in New York at (212/935-4646), the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Chicago at (312/867 1904), or Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles (310/478 6700). Internet: www.bulgaria-embassy.org

BURKINA FASO - *Passport and visa required. Multiple entry visas, valid up to 3 months ($75 fee) or 6 months ($100 fee), require appropriate fee, 2 application forms, and 2 photos. Proof of compulsory yellow fever immunization needed and cholera vaccination recommended. For more information, call the Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/332-5577) or Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles, CA (213/575-5567) or New Orleans, LA (504/284-6351).

BURMA (Myanmar) - *Passport and visa required. Single entry tourist visa (valid for 3 months), for stays up to 28 days, requires $20 fee, 2 application forms, 3 photos, and itinerary. Tourist visas are issued for package or group tours as well as Foreign Independent Travelers. Enclose SASE for return of passport by express mail. Allow up to 5 working days for normal processing. Overland travel into and out of Myanmar is only permitted at certain points (check with Embassy). For business visas and additional information, contact the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 2300 S St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/332-3344,4350 or 4352) or the Myanmar Consulate General Office, 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021 (212/744-1271/75/79). Internet: www.mewashingtondc.com

BURUNDI - *Passport and visa required. Visa requires $80 fee, 3 application forms, 3 photos, letter of invitation, proof of hotel reservation and onward/return ticket, or, for business travel, a letter from government/company. Proof of required yellow fever immunization and vaccination required. Send SASE for return of passport by certified or express mail. For more information, consult the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202/342-2574) or Permanent Mission of Burundi to the U.N. (212/499-0001 thru 0006).

Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.


Countries
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N
O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
Introduction - Notes

IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM FOREIGN EMBASSIES PRIOR TO DECEMBER 2005 . THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED WELL IN ADVANCE.