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Visas for New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand

Over the weekend, I found myself getting into the nitty-gritty travel details tied to entrance requirements for the first few countries on my itinerary.

Since the only information I had researched previously on this topic came from the first edition of Rough Guide's First-Time Around the World, I quickly found entrance requirements and fees had changed in most places.

New Zealand

New Zealand doesn't require a Visa for Americans, however from their government website, they appear strict about having proof of onward travel (such as a paid airline ticket, not just proof of funds like a bank statement).

As a result, my first plane ticket will be from Washington, DC to Australia, via New Zealand.

Australia

When I hit up Australia's Visa and Immigration site, I quickly found that you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority online, which is like an electronic Visa.

There is no charge for the ETA/Visa, however, it does require a $20 processing fee.

The ETA lets you stay for up to three months, within a 12 month period of the date it is granted. It looked so easy, I just took care of it in a matter of minutes.

Basically, if you are a passport-holder from an approved country (like the USA), you fill out the online form with your passport info, give them a credit card, and they (in my case) instantly approve you and keep your data on record for future access by travel agencies and/or immigration/customs agents.

Indonesia (Bali)

Knocking of Indonesia was as easy as scrolling through the dedicated BootsnAll Bali forum.

As it turns out, Americans can get a 30-day Visa on arrival (VOA). I saw conflicting information regarding cost, however, I believe $25 is about right.

Thailand

Being that I was on a roll, I headed over to the Asia forum on BootsnAll and quickly found that Americans can get a free Visa on arrival, good for up to 30 days.

A Tourist Visa can be acquired for $25; good for up to 60 days.

Feeling good, I started to delve into the requirements of Nepal, Tibet (which I treat as an independent country, though China claims it as her own), and China.

I quickly found how complicated and convoluted the information becomes once you start dealing with a politically delicate area like Tibet.

I will save what I found, and the implications, for a future post.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Stacy

Monday 16th of July 2007

So much to think about. It must feel good to check some things off your list. Have you used any websites like Project Visa that are supposed to have updated visa information for all countries? I was wondering how good those sites are.

Dave

Monday 16th of July 2007

After my initial research, I did come across the Project Visa website, however I haven't spent too much time on it.

http://www.projectvisa.com

It tends to provide high level advice, and then the links to the country-specific immigration sites. Definitely looks like a valuable resource.

I realized it won't make much sense to try and plan too far ahead, given my plans could change, as can entrance requirements and fees. I can see myself always trying to work a few countries ahead once I'm on the road.

Stacy

Monday 16th of July 2007

So much to think about. It must feel good to check some things off your list. Have you used any websites like Project Visa that are supposed to have updated visa information for all countries? I was wondering how good those sites are.

Dave

Tuesday 17th of July 2007

After my initial research, I did come across the Project Visa website, however I haven't spent too much time on it.

http://www.projectvisa.com

It tends to provide high level advice, and then the links to the country-specific immigration sites. Definitely looks like a valuable resource.

I realized it won't make much sense to try and plan too far ahead, given my plans could change, as can entrance requirements and fees. I can see myself always trying to work a few countries ahead once I'm on the road.

Stu

Monday 16th of July 2007

aah australian visas. I want to get my son his australian passport and uk passport (so he will have 3!) but first I have to get him australian citizenship before I can get him his aussie passport. But to do that I need to have certified copies of my birth certificate (but ofcourse since I am not living in aus its not so easy!).

sigh..

congrats on getting your visa's sorted early

Dave

Monday 16th of July 2007

Stu - it sounds like you have big plans for the little guy!

Stu

Monday 16th of July 2007

aah australian visas. I want to get my son his australian passport and uk passport (so he will have 3!) but first I have to get him australian citizenship before I can get him his aussie passport. But to do that I need to have certified copies of my birth certificate (but ofcourse since I am not living in aus its not so easy!).

sigh..

congrats on getting your visa's sorted early

Dave

Tuesday 17th of July 2007

Stu - it sounds like you have big plans for the little guy!

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