E-VISA SAUDI ARABIA

 E-VISA SAUDI ARABIA

What is the Saudi eVisa?

Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors from 66 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.

The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. The tourist visa allows you to participate in tourism-related activities such as events, family & relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.

North America

 Bahamas                            Barbados

 Canada                              Grenada

 Panama                              Saint Kitts and Nevis

 United States

Europe

 Albania                                     Andorra

 Austria                                      Belgium

 Bulgaria                                    Croatia

 Cyprus                                      Czech Republic

 Denmark                                    Estonia

 Finland                                       France

 Georgia                                      Germany

 Greece                                       Netherlands

 Hungary                                      Iceland

 Ireland                                        Italy

 Latvia                                          Liechtenstein

 Lithuania                                      Luxembourg

 Malta                                           Monaco

 Montenegro                                 Norway

 Poland                                         Portugal

 Romania                                      Russia

 San Marino                                   Slovakia

 Slovenia                                       Spain

 Sweden                                        Switzerland

 Ukraine                                         United Kingdom

Asia

 Azerbaijan                                       Brunei

 China (including Hong Kong and Macau)    Japan

 Kazakhstan                                     Kyrgyzstan

 Malaysia                                          Maldives

 Singapore                                       South Korea

 Tajikistan                                         Thailand

 Turkey                                             Uzbekistan

Africa

 Mauritius                                          Seychelles

 South Africa  

 Oceania

 Australia                                           New Zealand

  

 VISA TYPES

• Government Visa
• Diplomatic & Official Visas
• Diplomatic Missions & Organizations
• Tourist Visa
• Business Visit Visa
• Employment Visa
• Residence Visa
• Premium Residency Visa
• Newborn Visa
• Extension of Exit/Re-Entry Visa
• Family Visit Visa
• Companion Visa
• Personal Visit Visa
• Hajj and Umrah Visa 

• Student Visa

      APPLY NOW

Personal Visit Visa (invited by Saudi national

An e-service provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs enables requesting visas for individuals who have no business connections or family relationships with the originator.

• STEPS

1.   Fill out the online form via e-Visa Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

2.   Enter all data in Arabic except names if visitors are from the nationalities of non-Arab countries and their names are identical to their passports.

3.   Submit the online form and get notified of a reference number

How to apply for Denmark Visa

HOW TO APPLY FOR DENMARK VISA

Denmark is a Scandinavian country surrounded by numerous beautiful islands, rich in culture and architecture, and an attraction to tourists from around the world. However, not everyone can enter Denmark freely. Some people need to apply for a Denmark visa (also known as a Schengen visa) if they want to visit.

You can apply for a Denmark visa for various reasons such as business, family visit or reunion, travel, culture, or medical condition.

Who Needs a Visa for Denmark?

You do not need a Denmark visa if:

• You are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can visit, work, study, or live in Denmark without restrictions.
• You are from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Schengen. If you are a citizen from the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, etc., you can stay in Denmark without a visa for up to 90 days. Remember, you do not have permission to work during this time.

Note: Any non-EU/EEA citizen who wants to work or stay in Denmark longer than 90 days has to apply for a Danish long-stay visa (D visa).

Types of Denmark Visas

Depending on the purpose of your travel, the Denmark visas are divided into three main categories:

• Denmark Schengen Visas.
• Denmark Long Stay Visas.
• Denmark Transit visa.

The types of Danish visas that you can apply for, are the following:

• Danish Schengen Visa. The Denmark tourist visa is a Schengen visa that is issued for tourism or business purposes, allowing you to visit Denmark and all other countries in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days. You cannot work with a Danish Schengen visa, and you cannot extend your stay for more than three months unless you have extraordinary reasons (such as an illness, political turmoil in your home country, etc).
• Danish Work Visa. All non-EU citizens have to apply for a work visa and permit before starting work in Denmark. The application requires information from both you and your employer. You must have an employment contract before submitting your application.
• Danish Working Holiday Visa. The Denmark Working Holiday Visa is valid for 12 months. It allows you to get acquainted with Danish culture and lifestyle while working to support yourself. This visa is available to citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Chile who are between the ages of 18 and early- to mid-30s.
• Danish Student Visa If you are a non-EU national and want to study in Denmark for longer than three months, you need to apply for a student visa. This will allow you to stay and continue your education in Denmark for the entire duration of your course. Your student visa allows you to enter Denmark 30 days (1 month) before your educational program starts and stay for 14 days (2 weeks) after the program ends.  After your studies end, you must depart Denmark, unless you have found a job and can apply for a work and residence permit.
• Danish Startup Visa. A Denmark startup visa is dedicated to non-EU and non-EEA citizens allowing them to submit a business plan or idea, which needs to be approved by the panel of experts chosen by the Danish Business Authority. The plan may be presented in partnership with EU/EEA citizens, but non-EU/EEA citizens will need to obtain a residence permit after the business approval.
• Danish Family Visa. You can apply for a family visa if you have close family members (spouses, children) living in Denmark. After your application for family reunification is approved, you will be allowed a temporary residence permit with a validity of two years. The residence permit allows you to work when your permit is valid. You are also allowed to run your own business.
• Danish Airport Transit Visa. A Danish airport transit visa allows the holder to enter a Danish airport to catch a flight to a third country.

Difference Between a Denmark Type D Visa and a Schengen Visa

Here is a comparison between a Denmark Schengen visa and a type D national visa to help you determine what visa you need to apply for:

Denmark Schengen Visa	Denmark Type-D Visa
Short-stay visa	Long-stay visa
Allows you to stay for 90 days (3 months)	Allows you to stay for a period of up to 1 year
Cannot grant you a residence permit	Can grant you a residence permit
Recommended for traveling and tourism purposes.	Mandatory for living, studying, or working in Denmark.

 

Who Needs a Visa to Transit Through a Danish Airport?

You need a Danish transit visa if you are from one of the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Iran
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Syria

Citizens of other countries do not need a visa to transit in Denmark as long as they do not leave the airport transit area. Also, anyone who is exempt from a Danish Schengen visa is also exempt from a transit visa requirement.

Danish Visa Application Process

This is what you need to do to apply for a Denmark visa:

1.   Schedule an appointment. Book an appointment with the Danish representative (embassy/consulate) in your country. 

2.   Fill in the visa application form. The application form has 37 questions that you must answer honestly. Any false information will result in the rejection of your visa. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to fill in the application form

3.   Pay the visa fee. You have to pay the visa fee after filling in your application. The standard payment fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children.

4.   Write a cover letter. Write a letter stating the reason for your visit and provide details of your trip. Don’t make it longer than one to two pages, and make sure to include all the required information.

5.   Attach biometrics and documents. Compile all the required documents (passport, photographs, cover letter, etc.)

6.   Apply in person. You have to submit your application to your nearest Denmark Embassy or Consulate and wait for the decision.

7.   Wait to hear a decision. The approval process takes around two weeks. You will be notified via email or SMS of the board’s decision.

click here to download the Schengen Visa Application Form Download.

                                      Download here 

Denmark Visa Via Travel Agencies and Tourist Arrangements

Denmark has special travel agencies and tourist arrangements for tourists from Russia, China, Ukraine, and India. Applicants can apply through travel-related companies that have accredited up to 25 hotel chains and five holiday accommodation rental chains. The ADS arrangement in China applies only to tourist groups.

People from Russia, Ukraine, China, and India can use travel arrangement agencies if they meet the following requirements:

1.   The trip must be organized by hotel chains or holiday accommodation rental chains accredited by the Immigration Service and a Chinese, Indian, Russian, or Ukrainian travel agency accredited by the embassy/consulate.

2.   The hotel chains, holiday accommodation rental chains, and the Chinese or Indian travel agency must have accepted a collaboration agreement.

3.   Documents that prove the trip is a package deal (hotel transport and reservation, a holiday home, holiday center).

Required Documents for Denmark Visa

There are a few documents that are required when you apply for a Denmark Visa, such as:

• A valid passport. You must have a passport not older than ten years with at least six months of validity. The passport should have two blank pages for stamping.
• Two colored passport-sized photos (not older than six months, with a plain white background). Take photos according to the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit. Write a letter stating the reason why you think the board should approve your application and the reason why you are visiting Denmark. You should send your letter to the Denmark Embassy or Consulate. Find samples and tips on how to write a cover letter online.
• Proof of financial income. Proof of financial income is required to show that the applicant can afford to travel and stay in Denmark.
• Proof of paid visa fee. You can pay the visa fee in the appointed Embassy/Consulate or online. Print the receipt and submit it together with your other documents.
• Proof of civil status. Your civil status will show whether you are married, divorced, widowed, or in a relationship.
• Confirmed accommodation. You need to submit proof that you have a place to stay in Denmark. The accommodation can be a hotel, family friend, relative, etc.

Processing Time for a Denmark Visa Application

The processing time for a Denmark Visa application may take up to 15 days. In certain situations, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could be extended to a maximum of 60 days. You may submit your visa application up to six months before traveling.

How Can I Pay the Denmark Visa Fee?

Depending on where you submit your application, you can pay your fee:

• In cash
• Through a bank transfer, or
• Online (through the application website).

If you apply via a travel agency, you also have to pay an additional service fee.

Who is Exempt From the Visa Fees for Denmark?

The following categories of applicants are exempt from paying application fees when applying for a visa to Denmark:

• Children between the age of 0-6.
• Researchers and scientists.
• Family members of EU/EEA nationals.

What If the Danish Authorities Reject My Visa Application?

The embassy may reject your visa application if there are any missing documents or your application is not filled out in the correct way.

If your visa application is rejected, you can always write an appeal letter. You can appeal the visa rejection if you are confident that the officials at the embassy made a mistake during the process of approval by providing solid arguments to support your claims.

Your appeal letter should contain your personal information such as first/last name, passport number, address, date of birth, etc.

Aside from your personal data, you have to include the following:

• The refusal date
• The reason for the refusal
• The reason why the refusal was not the right decision
• Your signature.

If the appeal letter gets rejected, you can re-apply for a new visa.

How Long Can I Stay in Denmark With a Visa?

A Denmark Schengen visa allows you to stay a maximum of 90 days in 180 days, including all Schengen countries. If you are issued a multiple-entry visa, you can use the 90 days for more than one visit. The visa sticker on your passport presents the period of validity, which includes the day you enter the country and the day you leave. It is your responsibility to respect the period of validity.

Staying in Denmark Longer Than Three Months

If you plan on staying for longer than three months in Denmark, you will need to get a residence permit. You can only obtain a residence permit, if you initially apply for one of the Denmark long-stay visas which allow you to stay, work, or study in Denmark for more than 90 days.

Nordic and EU citizens can live and work in Denmark without a visa.

Danish Type D Visas

If you want to stay for an extended period in Denmark, you must apply for a Denmark long-stay visa. The D visa is the Denmark national visa and is not issued jointly with the other Schengen States. You apply for a long-stay visa if you want to work, study, or otherwise move to Denmark.

If you are issued a long-stay visa for Denmark, you cannot live elsewhere in Schengen or the EU. Unlike Schengen, the long-stay D visa is only valid for Denmark.

Airport Transit Schengen Visa

The Transit Schengen Visa is a document that has been established by the Schengen Area Member States with the sole purpose of facilitating traveling for non-EU/EEA nationals who have to land at an airport located in the Schengen Area, in order to take a flight to their non-Schengen destination country.

The document permits its holder to transit through a Schengen country to their non-Schengen destination country, without leaving the transit area of the airport.

However, travelers that need to land in more than one airport of the Schengen territory, should apply for a regular Schengen visa, instead of a Transit Schengen visa.

If the traveler is going to a Schengen member country, i.e in Finland, and has to transit through another Schengen country, i.e. Germany, then there is no need to obtain a Transit Visa, since the Schengen visa already permits the traveler to enter any Schengen country.

Here is the list of the 29 Schengen countries:

• Austria                 Belgium             Bulgaria
• Czechia               Croatia               Denmark
• Estonia                Finland               France
• Germany             Greece               Hungary
• Iceland                Italy                    Latvia
• Liechtenstein       Lithuania            Luxembourg
• Malta                   Netherlands        Norway
• Poland                 Portugal              Romania
• Slovakia              Slovenia              Spain
• Sweden               Switzerland

 

A Comprehensive Guideline on Visa

 A Comprehensive Guideline on Visa

What is a visa?

A visa is essentially a travel permit that allows foreigners to legally enter another sovereign nation, and remain there for tourism, business, work, study, or other approved reasons. It specifies the duration and conditions of the approved stay in the issuing country. Visas are stamped or glued into passports and become invalid once the permitted period of stay expires.

Most countries require foreign nationals to obtain appropriate visas before arrival as a means of regulating and monitoring inbound visitors. Visa requirements are an integral part of border security and immigration control.

Visa types

The two main categories are:

• Immigrant visa: This visa is for foreign citizens relocating permanently to the issuing country. It allows the holder to apply for permanent resident status.
• Non-immigrant visa: For temporary stays in the issuing country. This includes tourist, business, student, and other visitor visas.

Visas are issued by governments for various purposes. The main categories include:

• Tourist visa: Allow foreign citizens to enter the country for recreational tourism, sightseeing, and experiencing culture and local attractions. Does not permit employment.
• Business visa: For short-term business trips like meetings, conferences, trade shows, and negotiations. Some business visas may permit limited revenue-generating activities.
• Transit visa: Permit foreigners in transit to pass through the country’s borders to reach their final destination in a third country. Issued for very short durations of stay.
• Student visa: Allow foreign students to pursue academic degrees or educational programs at accredited schools, colleges, and universities in the country. Typically issued for the duration of the study.
• Work visa: Issued to foreign nationals who have secured full-time or contractual employment in the destination country with a resident employer. Usually granted for longer periods.
• Religious visa: Allows clergy, missionaries, religious workers and lay members to visit for faith-based reasons like preaching, pilgrimages, religious study, etc.
• Journalist visa: Are Issued to professional journalists and media personnel traveling to report on events and stories happening in that country.
• Medical visa: Enable ill foreigners to travel for medical treatment at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions in the destination country.
• Family visa: Permit foreign family members of citizens or residents to immigrate and join them living in the country.
• Investor visa: Designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors aiming to start enterprises or channel investment capital into the country’s economy.
• Digital nomad visa: A relatively new category tailored specifically for location-independent digital workers who want to temporarily live in and experience the issuing country while continuing remote work.
• Temporary residence visa: Allow foreigners to live in the country for an extended but limited period, often for purposes like family reunification, specialized work contracts, study terms longer than student visa, etc.
• Permanent residence visa: Issued to those aiming to immigrate and settle in the country permanently. Allows holders to acquire most rights of citizens except political rights like voting.
• Electronic travel authorizations: Some countries issue electronic authorizations similar to visa but apply online. Allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter for short visits. Examples include the United States ESTA, Canadian eTA, and Australian ETA.

Visa-free travel

Some nationalities enjoy visa-free access to certain countries:

No visa required

• Citizens of select countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can enter over 170+ other countries without needing a visa.
• Duration of allowed visa-free stay differs by country – often 30-90 days on average.
• Applies to tourism, business, transit, and other short-term reasons.

Travel conditions

• No visa does not mean no entry requirements – you still need a valid passport.
• Electronic Travel Authorizations may be needed like ESTA for US or ETA for Canada.
• Other rules may apply like not working, studying or overstaying the allowed period.

Benefits

• Saves time and cost of applying for visas.
• Makes spontaneous travel, and multi-country trips simpler.
• Promotes tourism and foreign investment.
• Improves diplomatic and economic relations.
• Facilitates trade partnerships and globalization.
• Visa exemptions make travel faster and easier when available. But always confirm your eligibility beforehand.

Ways to get a visa

Here are some general visa guides:

Visa application at an embassy

Applying in person at an embassy or consulate is the most common approach.

Step#1. Finding the right embassy

• An embassy represents the government of a country, while consulates are smaller offices that handle certain services like visas.
• Search online to find the embassy or consulate nearest you that processes visa applications for your destination.
• Larger cities often have embassies, while consulates may be located in smaller towns.

Step#2. Scheduling an appointment

• Check the embassy website for instructions on booking a visa appointment.
• Appointments tend to fill up weeks or months in advance, so schedule your interview early.
• Many embassies now allow you to book appointment slots online.

Step#3. Gathering documents

• Check the embassy website for the list of required documents like passport, passport photos, flight bookings, bank statements, etc.
• Any documents not in the local language may need certified translations.
• Birth, marriage, or other civil document certificates often require an apostille seal certification.

Step#4. Attending the interview

• Come prepared to answer questions about your trip plans and purpose of travel.
• Dress professionally and be completely truthful – any lies could lead to a rejection.
• The interview is done to assess if you are likely to abide by the terms of a tourist visa.

Step#5. Paying the visa fee

• Fees range from $25 to $160 depending on the country. Confirm accepted payment methods.
• Some embassies want fee payment before the interview, others on the day of.

Remember: Embassies may outsource visa applications to third-party visa agencies who will submit everything to the embassy on your behalf.

Online visa application

Many countries now allow applying for electronic visa (e-Visa) online:

Step#1. Finding the official website

• Avoid any third-party websites and only use government e-Visa portals.
• The official website will end in .gov or identify itself as run by the government.

Step#2. Submitting your application

• Fill out the electronic forms thoroughly and accurately. Double-check all details.
• Upload scanned copies of your passport, passport photo, and other required documents.
• Application systems will guide you through the steps and tell you what files to upload.

Step#3. Paying the fee

• Pay any application fees through secure payment gateways using a credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.
• Beware of copycat websites that charge unnecessary service fees on top of the official government fee.

Step#4. Receiving your e-Visa

• If approved, you will get an email with your e-Visa within 1-3 days typically.
• Download and print multiple copies of the e-Visa document to carry on your trip.

Visa on arrival

Some countries allow visitors to get a visa upon arrival:

Step#1. Checking eligibility

• Consult government tourism websites to see if your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival.
• Make sure the airport or land border crossing you plan to enter offers visa-on-arrival service.

Step#2. Having documents available

• Have digital copies of any forms required to submit on arrival.
• Carry passport-size photos and payment for the visa fee.

Step#3. Applying at immigration

• Look for visa on-arrival counters after you disembark and head to immigration control.
• Submit the application form, documents, photos, and visa fee payment in cash.
• Receive the stamped visa in your passport if approved.

Step#4. Waiting for approval

• It can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to 1-3 days to get approval decision.
• Rejected applicants are put on the next flight home at their own expense.

Visas on arrival are risky without pre-approval, but convenient for some nationalities.

Common reasons for visa denial

Here are some reasons why for Visa was denied:

Passport validity issues

• Your passport’s expiration date is too soon. Most countries require at least 6 months of validity beyond the travel dates.
• Your passport has too few blank pages left. Most countries require at least 2-4 blank pages for stamps and visas.

Incomplete or inaccurate application

• Failing to submit all required documents that support your visa application.
• Providing incorrect or inconsistent details on the application forms.
• Not answering interview questions clearly and transparently.

Applicant risk factors

• Having any past criminal convictions that make you inadmissible. Some countries prohibit entry for drunk driving offenses.
• Lacking certain vaccinations required for entry such as yellow fever, malaria, etc.
• Not having adequate travel medical insurance coverage for the duration of your trip.
• Violating the terms of previous visas like overstaying or working illegally.

Government policy changes

• Some countries can abruptly change their visa rules or suspend visa issuance entirely. This causes applications to get denied through no fault of the applicant. Monitoring travel advisories is essential.

Visa duration and validity

Visas allow entry and stay for set periods and conditions:

• Short-stay tourist visa: Allow stays of 5-90 days typically. Permit limited activities like tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. Do not permit employment.
• Long-stay temporary residence visa: Allow stays of 180 days to 5 years based on the purpose. These are for studying, working, starting a business, or a family reunion.
• Single-entry visa: Permit entering the country only once for a short stay. Cannot re-enter on the same visa.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allow unlimited entries for short stays during the entire validity period. Easier for frequent travelers.
• Double or triple-entry visa: Allow a set number of entries, like two or three entries, during the validity period.

What is the difference between a passport and a visa?

Passports and visas are different international travel documents:

Passport

• An official government-issued ID that certifies your identity and citizenship.
• Required for international travel as proof of your nationality.
• Issued by your home country and valid for 5-10 years usually.
• Allows both entry into foreign countries and exit out of your own country.

Visa

• A conditional permit issued by your destination country allows entry and temporary stay.
• Needed to travel to foreign countries in addition to a passport.
• Issued for specific periods ranging from weeks to years.
• Specifies the conditions and duration of your allowed visit.

Key differences

• A passport is for ID and a visa is for foreign entry permission.
• Passports have longer validity, and visas are shorter.
• Passports are issued domestically, and visas are by destination countries.
• Visas specify the purpose, duration, and conditions of visits.

Both documents are mandatory for authorized international travel.

What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?

Visas facilitate short-term stays, while residence permits are for long-term:

Tourist or work visa

• Allow stays of days up to 1-5 years for tourism, business, study, medical, etc.
• Do not permit permanent residence or employment without a work permit.
• Requires applying at a consulate and having an ongoing residence elsewhere.

Temporary residence permit

• Foreign nationals stay long-term for work, business, or family.
• Permit staying for multiple continuous years with unrestricted rights to live and work.
• Can transition into permanent residence and eventual citizenship in some cases.

Key differences

• Visas are for temporary visitors, residence permits are for immigrants.
• Visas restrict employment – residence permits don’t.
• Residence permits have longer validity periods.

What are electronic travel authorizations?

Electronic authorizations allow short visits without a traditional visa:

What they are

• An online entry pre-approval for visa-exempt nationalities.
• Faster and cheaper alternative to visas for short leisure and business visits.
• Examples: U.S ESTA, European ETIAS, Canada eTA.

Benefits

• Quick and easy to apply online in under 15 minutes.
• Valid for multiple entries over 2-5 years typically.
• Pre-cleared for travel so no approval delays upon arrival.

Limitations

• Not a substitute for a visa – only eligible nationalities can use them.
• Limited validity of under 90 days per visit.
• No authorization to study, work, or establish residency.

ETAs streamline immigration for frequent, short-term visitors from partner countries.

Joint visa schemes

A joint visa scheme refers to an agreement between two or more countries to allow travelers to visit all participating countries with a single visa. Some regional organizations issue a common visa for their member states.

Benefits

• Reduced visa costs and paperwork for travelers
• Encouraged tourism and economic development
• Closer ties between participating countries

Example

• The Schengen Visa: Over 30 million Schengen visas are issued per year. The standard Schengen visa allows holders to visit Schengen countries for 90 days within 180 days.  An airport transit visa allows transiting through Schengen airports without entering the Schengen zone.
• Central American Single Visa: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua allow free movement between these countries for their citizens. These four Central American countries also participate in the Central American Single Visa scheme. This common visa allows tourists to visit any of the four countries with a single visa. It comes in two types – a tourist visa and a business visa. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days.

• Gulf Cooperation Council Visa: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) connects Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. GCC citizens can travel freely between these Middle Eastern countries. The GCC also aimed to introduce a common Schengen-style GCC tourist visa, but progress stalled due to political differences between member states. Currently, GCC citizens still need separate visas for some member countries.

• Pacific Alliance Visa: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru form the Pacific Alliance trade bloc. Citizens of these countries can travel within the bloc without visas. The Pacific Alliance also offers a common visa for tourists from outside the bloc. The Pacific Alliance Visa allows visitors to enter and leave any of the four member countries. It is available as a business or tourist visa and is valid for up to 6 months.

• The KAZA Univisa: The Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) Univisa commenced in 2016 between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It allows visa-free travel between the two countries for up to 30 days. The Univisa costs $50 and is available at border entry points and airports. There are plans to expand the KAZA Univisa program across the conservation area to create a common visa for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.

What is an exit visa?

If you need an exit visa to leave a country, you must meet exit visa requirements before you can depart. This can prolong your stay and prevent you from leaving when planned.

The countries that still enforce exit visa regulations include:

 Belarus

 Iraq

 Kuwait

 Lebanon

 North Korea

 Oman for foreign workers

 Qatar for certain nationalities

 Saudi Arabia for foreign workers

 Turkmenistan

 Russia also requires exit visa for citizens of certain foreign countries it has disputes with, such as Latvia and Ukraine.

Who needs an exit visa?

Exit visa requirements depend on your nationality and profession in countries mandating exit visa:

• Citizens of most Western countries do not need exit visa: United States, Canada, Germany and France.
• Citizens of Asian, Middle Eastern and former USSR countries are more likely to require exit visas: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Oman, and Singapore.
• Migrant workers in the Middle East often need employer-sponsored exit visas to leave.

Consequences of exit visa

The consequences of overstaying your exit visa or leaving without one include:

Heavy fines, which accumulate daily.

Imprisonment ranges from weeks to months.

Entry ban into that country in the future.

These consequences severely impact migrant workers in countries with exit visas. Sometimes workers get stuck for months waiting for exit visa approval. Human rights organizations continuously work to abolish exit visa systems globally. But a handful of countries continue the practice without signs of ending it.

(Thanks for providing this information to visaguidenow.com)