Reason 3: Seeking Improved Life

We already covered two reasons for leaving the USA already: Frustration and Seeking Adventure.  Now, we talk about those of us just wanting a better life.  And that about covers everyone.

“Hey, Jeff, that’s vague, what exactly is “a better life’?“  How about a better standard of living.

Does that mean better healthcare?  More personal liberties?  Lower cost of living? YES, all the above.

So, I mean health, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Problem to Fix: Healthcare

I’ll make this short.  Healthcare will not improve in the US for your or your kids’ lifetime.  Sorry it’s a short, sad conclusion.  If this is important to you, move.

Okay, I’ll give my disclaimer.  I don’t know the future, but I do know it would take a revolution to undo the death grip on the healthcare system by the private healthcare industry.  They won’t let go for as long as there’s money to be made (and shared with legislators and lobbyists).  Doctors understand this, but they have no say in how it’s run.  And as baby boomers come of old age, health care providers are providing less health and more bills.  Prepare to pay more, or move.

Need an example?  Look no further than the notorious Johnny B Truant.  Johnny’s a Type 1 diabetic and has blogged about it several times, how he overcomes it with great health (though it hindered his 30-day no-carb diet trial).  Healthy lifestyle or not, his insurance premium keeps skyrocketing.  Well, that changed – Johnny quit his health insurance! Johnny said, and I quote, “Fuck this. I’m jumping over the walls to get that carrot.” (you have to read his cute story to get the carrot bit)  I applaud the guy – he broke the rule of “Everyone NEEDS insurance.” and is now saving himself a grand a month.  Nice work JBT.

Problem to Fix: Personal Liberties

Are you a Ron Paul fan?  Keep up with the (ever fun but educational) blog of the Lugwig von Mises Institute?  If so, label yourself a Libertarian.  But you knew that already.

Why do I bring up Ron Paul?  I was at a meetup just last Wednesday.  The organizer casually gave his view on government: “I believe we need only two laws: Protect our own property and protect our liberties.”  I smiled and asked if he’s a Ron Paul fan.  He smiled back.  The organizer echoed the classic tenets that define libertarianism.

Are people leaving the US because of eroding personal liberties?  I doubt it’s the sole or even their main reason.  But I do agree that personal liberties as a whole are eroding away at a faster clip than ever before.  And that pushes more people to think about leaving.

[Here is where my wife steps in and says "Well, don't just mope about it - do something!"]

If you ‘re upset (too), sign this petition to create (actual) change.

If you’re pessimistic (too) that things will change, then leave the US for a country which provides stronger liberties to its population (foreign or native).  As for the US changing for the better, I am hopeful, but it’s going to take a revolution.

The top countries are:

1. Sweden (why am I not surprised?)
2. Finland
3. Denmark
4. New Zealand
5. Norway
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. Canada
9. Ireland
10. Australia

The US came in between the UK and Estonia.  Here is my source table.  For my list, I used their scoring, plus a bit of my own bias to reformat as a numbered list.

Some last words about personal or civil liberties.  Some liberties may be more important than others.  For you, it may your right to practice a religion, women’s rights, or racial equality.  For me, I focus more on personal privacy of information.  I don’t mind someone looking up my phone number, but I do mind when someone (without my consent) listens to a phone conversation or predetermines my chance for a disease. But that’s me… how do you feel about it?  Leave a comment.

Problem to Fix: Cost of Living

Relying on a pension isn’t what it used to be.  And today, does anyone stay with a company long enough to earn a pension?

Thankfully, a mediocre pension cheque in the United States isn’t so mediocre in many other countries.  Same goes for that meagre social security if you’re a senior, or the humble rent profit if you’re a landlord, or the dividends if you’re an investor, or even a passive income from some online business.  In all cases, the amount goes farther if you spend it in a country that costs less.  (The better case is if you’re earning in that country, rather than exchanging from the declining dollar, but that’s another story.)

Thinking of leaving the country because of your taxable portfolio?  Well, leave now while the going’s good, because there’s likely to be legislation that may follow you abroad.

Next Up: Patriotism

Stay tuned for the next (#4 – “Patriotism”) reason why people leave the United States.  There are over 5 million of us abroad – why not you?

Until then, I ask you just one favour.  If you like this post or the others, hit the Facebook Like button below and share it with your friends.

Thanks,

-Jeff

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Packing for a move is a big job. It scrambles daily life, be it dressing, cooking or even walking from room to room.

Here I offer a simple strategy for how to pack for international moves.

If you’re moving across town – Easy, peezy. For every item you ask “Keep it or leave it?” …and most everything makes the cut.

Packing for an international move? Oh, now there’s a challenge.

Shipping costs are higher. Transit time can be in weeks, not days. Then there’s customs.

Yeah, packing suddenly sucks. (Well, it always sucks, but now it really sucks.)

The Problem: “My Mom Would Kill Me If I Got Rid of This!”

With international moves, you can’t just ask “Keep it or leave it.”

Two choices are not enough.

How about that 150 year old, 30″ tall hurricane lamp from my great-great…grandmother?

How about these 2 mammoth bookcases? (and what about all these books??)

For the oversized and sentimental stuff, “Keep it or Leave it” doesn’t work. Damn.

Yes, a move helps you get rid of prized possessions. But some possessions are just too valuable. That is, if you expect to keep family ties after your departure. (By the way, you did tell them you’re leaving, right?)

The Solution: A Simple Strategy

Easy 3-pronged approach: Ship, Store or Sell

SHIP: you’re shipping stuff to your future address

STORE: you decide to keep stuff, either with family, friends or in storage

SELL: you decide to part with it. It’s someone else’s stuff now.

Your Wicked-Fast Decision Guide

1. Do I use it daily or almost daily? If so, SHIP

2. Would I be heartbroken for weeks if I lost, broke or sold this? If so, STORE

3. Too heavy or used too rarely to lug with you? If so, SELL

Yeah, it’s really that simple. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much you sell. And I can almost guarantee when you wake up the next day, you will feel physically lighter yourself.

We all see scams like “How to lose 20 pounds in 1 week,” but here you get more joy after losing 500 pounds in one garage sale.

Note: If you’re a minimalist, you’re more apt to sell. Then again, if you’re a minimalist, you’re not apt to have a whole lot of stuff to begin with, right?

Exceptions & Other Tips:

Electrical kitchen appliances

Your 4-slice toaster, the food processor and those hi-tech gadgets which are obsolete in weeks (if not already) - SELL THEM. Oh yes, sell them quick while someone’s willing to pay for them. Would you want to return today to the 22″ flat-panel LCD TV that you paid thousands of $$ in 2006? (disclaimer: I know so little about TV, that may be a stupid example)

Furniture

An exception. By the Wicked-Fast Guide above, you would either ship or sell furniture.

However, even half-decent furniture can be a sizeable investment (not milk crate and timber bookshelves like you had in university). Replacing it after a couple years would be expensive, so you can’t sell it. Shipping it would be idiotic, even if your company paid for it. So you store it.

How? Wrap in plastic and store in a humidity controlled environment.

–Or ‘store’ in someone else’s house, while they make good use of it.

Note: If you store items with family or friends, make it clear that you’d like the item back when (if) you return. Could be 6 months, 6 years or never, but it’s your wish today. This just saves the awkward “Oh, I thought you gave it to us.” talk

Books

Another special exception. By the Wicked-Fast Guide above, you would sell books. Ouch.

If you’ve got a sizeable library, I’d recommend bringing fewer than 5%, unless you really need several for your work.

If fewer than 100 books, limit yourself to 10%.

Do not bring books with the mindset “Oh, I’ll have extra time to read those ones I never got to.” No, you won’t. And when you do have extra time, you won’t pick up those books.

Art

If you have frames on the wall and they’re not holding band posters, you probably want to store them. Make sure they’re protected, both from humidity damage and breakage.

Here’s a short video I made of how we protected multiple pieces while in storage. And if the video seems a low-rate production, well, hey that’s because it is.

Some Personal Mistakes

If you’ve gotten this far, let me share some of our bigger “poor judgement calls” with this ship, store or sell strategy.

DO NOT STORE BOOKS IN CARDBOARD BOXES, else you find yourself laying the least-moldy ones out in the sun, hoping for the best. See?:

Some of our library, sunning itself

So, if you’re going to store books for years, store them in plastic totes like these (Amazon link).

Another: A huge box of photos that we’ve been meaning to put in albums (for years). We should have stored it, but no, we shipped it. Upon our return 4 years later, we find ourselves reshipping the very. same. huge. box of photos. We did made one album there, …which used maybe 5% of the photos.

And another: We also shipped 3 boxes of scrap-booking stuff we’d been meaning to use “some rainy day.”
Trust me, when living abroad, monsoons can come and scrap-booking will never seem the coolest thing you could do.

In case I have to spell out my preference – use the strategy in reverse order:

Think first: Can I sell it?
If not, can I store it?
Okay, damn…I have to ship it.

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An e-mail I got this morning inspired me to write this post. She wrote:

We have also chosen not to tell our families about our plans for now. We love them, and are very close both relationally and geographically, but think things will go more smoothly for everyone if we present our decision after things are more settled, rather than give myriad immediate and extended family members the time to unload all their thoughts and advice and misgivings while we’re still pursuing our options. I’m still very happy with that choice, but it makes me feel like I’m living a double life in many ways. I also dread telling them, because for quite a few, their happiness is dependent on having the whole family together here in the DFW metroplex; the closer the better!

(no worries – she gave me permission to reprint it)

Wow. That message rocked me to the core. It’s so heartfelt, so real. And it reminded me of when my wife and I were in the very same boat nearly 5 years ago. We were living in New Hampshire, very happy with new baby daughter, our jobs, our house and most of all, our network of dear friends, the “urban tribe.”
But we had this tugging, this longing for some adventure. We knew the choice: either satisfy it, or in 10+ years, we’ll regret painfully that we didn’t.
After a week we had a few countries picked out, researched selling the house, even had a phone interview for a job. We were doing it. But when we do share it with friends and family?

Here’s what I shared in my reply e-mail to the above:

Ultimately here’s how we did it: we invited the friends to a group dinner. Doing that wasn’t completely unordinary, but it was obvious we had something to announce. We got a few guesses,…but we already had a child under 1 year, both happily employed (full & part-time) and loved our house of 4 years.
We spilled the news well before eating, unable to wait after the last friend arrived. We just said “Well, we love you all, but we’ve decided we need to have an adventure – we’re looking to move abroad.”
My wife and I had firmly decided we were going ‘somewhere’ and at that point Prague was likely it, but no deal-breaking decisions were made yet.
How did they respond? The result – 100% support. We were lucky.
Days later, we finally told family (especially our kid’s grandparents) – they were more reserved but also supported us when they learned it’s our final decision.

We felt so close to our friends, we couldn’t possibly continue that “double life” after we decided we were going.

But that’s the magic point -after you decided. If you let on that you’re considering to leave, you will get nay-sayers and discouragement from a few folks.

Oh, a related note, on a post I wrote for ITBusinessEdge I got this comment asking what to say to a boyfriend of 4 years:

Naturally, I didn’t feel right telling her what to do with her life. But I gave it my best shot:

In 3 different experiences, here is what I said (& the outcome):
1. “Wait for me?” – She did (4 month study exchange); But we ended it a year later.
2. “Goodbye.” – We parted and are still friends 15 years later.
3. “Come with me.” – She did (as my wife) and we’re still happily married with kids.

If there is anyone out there with a similar experience or facing the same thing today, drop a comment below. I would love to hear how you did it or will handle it.

-Jeff

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My #1 goal on this blog is to share about becoming an expat. I feel that living abroad makes some significant, positive changes in a person. so I guess I feel living abroad is something pretty awesome. Unfortunately, it’s also something pretty scary for those interested. But scary is just an alternative to exciting, given the right mindset.

To date, I’ve helped a handful of people with their move abroad. The most popular help needed is deciding to “go for it.” In my experience, there are 5 big reasons why people don’t follow their dream of living in another country. After each, I tell you why each reason doesn’t really matter.

#1. Work

Number one reason is “I have a job.” People actually ask “How could I leave my career?”

To people who offer this excuse, I say you aren’t hurting your career, you’re helping it.

For nearly all employers, any international experience is a major plus. Upon your return, you will command a more senior position, higher salary and more respect. You can also expect more independence since, to move abroad obviously took the fortitude to have done what they likely haven’t. If you can’t believe me, read this article on the Harvard Business Review how living abroad can make you a better manager.

And you know what? For many of us in corporate life, the job itself may be the mealticket to a new adventure overseas. Does your company operate in other countries, in any capacity? Look for transfer opportunities. For people who step forward, the company may throw in relocation funding, language tutoring, and visa assistance. Wow!

Let’s say you’re an information security manager in Boston. Your boss’s boss knows of an planned data centre in San Jose, Costa Rica and he’s in dire need of a senior manager with native English skills. You, of all people would be the ideal candidate for the role, but he only learns you’re interested because you’re now resigning to move abroad. (That’s from my own experience, by the way. I turned down his offer, but my lesson was Speak Up Earlier!)

Bottom Line: Raise your hand up for transfers/relocation- even if the question isn’t asked. Regardless, taking a new position abroad is destined to be a major stepping stone for your career.

#2. Children

If you have children, they are the most important thing in your life. (I speak from experience here, too).

That’s why I think parents should consider living abroad even more – for the sake of broadening their kids’ horizons.
Our daughter attended preschool in Prague for her first 2 years of school age.  Now we’re in Canada, but she still speaks fondly of her Czech friends and loves to dance to Czech kids tunes.

Does she remember our travels?  She can personally remember her and daddy’s trip up the Eiffel Tower, walking around the Acropolis and visiting friends in Germany. — This all before she turned 5 years old a few months ago!

Kids with such experiences become more social, learn a foreign language more easily and will be more resourceful at problem solving. I truly believe that.  Time abroad for children is the best gift a parent can offer.

For young adult children, the transition is tougher and appreciation will come later.  The key to success is with communication and respect.  Get young adults involved early on in the decision making.

Bottom Line: Do it for you and do it for your children.

#3. Family / Relationships

Having family nearby can make the decision to move abroad more difficult. Then again, for some, family is just the reason some want to leave. (ha ha!)
Seriously, unless your beloved grandmother has only a few months left, feel free to leave for a few years. But decide – for you. Everyone will be around when you get back. Decide and decide now.
As for that certain relationship with a significant other. Maybe you’re waiting for someone to pop the question. Maybe you’re waiting for something…but it’s been a while already, right?
In both cases, I’m telling you that the initial shock and pain of saying “I’m leaving for…” will go away be responded by “We’ll miss you, but we’re proud of you. Bon voyage!”

Bottom Line: You can’t live your life in “wait-mode.” Otherwise, there will always be a reason to wait.

#4. Personal Concerns & Fears

Maybe you’re worried about your health, your safety, or some basic fear of strange languages and customs? Maybe you don’t know what to do when bored.

This is the first reason of this list that I can personally understand. Believe it or not, I get butterflies every time I am moving to a new place, visiting a new country or starting a new job. But you know, I think that’s normal. It’s normal to be nervous. These new adventures interest us just because there is a lot of “unknown.” And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Bottom Line: Sure, all that “unknown” may scare most people away, but maybe that adventure is what sets you apart from others.

#5. Finances

Okay, this is a genuine reason like all the above. But it’s special because it’s also a valid reason not to just take off to live for another country.
UNLESS, that chance to live abroad means making considerable more money than you’re making in your current position. Right? Did you know in Russia, over a third of the expats earn more than a quarter million dollars? Yes, over $250,000. That because Russian employers find it “fashionable” to hire expatriates and pay them crazy salaries.

And don’t forget that your worldwide income is tax-free, to a limit.

If you’re in heavy debt, than a move abroad can be more than difficult to pull off. What’s abnormal debt? Statistics say that half of Americans with credit cards have over $3,000 in rotating balance debt. I personally would not call that a serious debt, but it’s a good start. However, a move abroad could turn it into serious debt.

Bottom line: It’s important to carefully consider the cash-in versus the cash-out for every move. Odds are good overseas will win.

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What the hell?!? What are you doing? Why haven’t you done something about it already?
Yes, I’m talking to you! Dammit, man – pay attention!

Pull your seat a little closer, sit up straight, close your gaping mouth and listen.
Really. Focus. Pay attention…

You’re sitting there, behind your desk, in front of your computer screen. It’s Tuesday today, but that isn’t really important. It could be Monday, it could be Wednesday, it could be any work day of the week.

This week, next week, next month. It’s all the same. Same desk, same PC. Same Tuesday. Same, same, same.

Wouldn’t you like a little change in your life?
Couldn’t you use a little change in your life?

I received a comment today. Some guy asking about getting a Czech driving license on my Czech driving license post.
Then it hit me – I haven’t received a comment in a long while.

No one asking “But what about…?” or “How would I…?”
Well, what about you? Why haven’t You written that question?

Am I writing this for my health? No. Sure, writing this blog gives me a smile.
But more importantly, it should be giving you ideas, motivation, the “ah-ha” moment to start a plan, screaming “By God, I’m going to Do It!”.

It’s okay. I see now you need steps. A Step-by-Step plan. Tell me if I’m right or comment below.

Before I dive into creating some all-encompassing how-to guide…let me ask some beginner questions:
1. Do you have a passport?
May seem simple, but it’s important, so I’ll repeat it. Get a passport. Caution: when you hold it in your hand, you may experience a little tingle. It’s normal.

2. Do you have your shit in order?
I mean, no $30,000 credit card debt, no summons in the mailbox, no parole officer hassling you… If none apply, you’re good to go.

3. Are you generally a happy person?
The answer is likely yes. However, if you feel like slicing your wrists after watching a sad TV commercial, then culture shock may not sit well with you. If you are a generally happy person, then you’re good to go.

Can You Do It? – Yes!
Deciding to just pack it all up and experience life elsewhere ….it’s not a hard decision.
It’s a very easy one. The hard part is in doing it.

They did it.
But it can be done. Most recently, just this past weekend, a couple I know (through this blog) did it. (Damn, I can almost hear the Dora the Explorer end theme song: “We Did It – Hooray!”)

Just a few months ago, I got a “What if…?” question from a sweet, young couple from Arizona. Now they live and are teaching in Prague, Czech Republic.
They did it. And so can You.

I look forward to hearing from you.
-Jeff

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In case you don’t visit often or haven’t before now – I’m moving.
Well, we’re a family of four, so We’re moving.

Today, we’re expats in Prague, Czech Republic, but we will move overseas back to North America. This post is the first of several to show how we’ll do it.

It’s now March 10th.
We have a plan: we’ll leave Prague on May 30th.

The planning after that is a bit of a grey area.
You ask “How gray?” …Charcoal?

Let’s see – 10 March to 30 May. That leaves just under 3 months, or about 11 weeks.
For a family of four, I would say that 3 months is cutting it close, about the minimum to make it “not-so-stressful.” But we’re going for it. I’ll write about what we’re up to, in case some family out there may find it helpful, too.

So, what have we done to get ready?

Last week, we bought flights to Halifax, Canada. We still have our fingers crossed for New York city as well, but it’s still not 100% for certain.

We signed a contract with a property management company. They will handle our apartment we bought here 2 years ago.

We drafted a spreadsheet of To-Do items like closing bank accounts, health insurance, selling stuff, packing/shipping our stuff ….those little things, right?

Obviously much more to do – stay tuned!

Moving abroad is big deal, but it can be done. Sure, I’ve moved abroad a few times already, but I still get nervous before each big move.

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To Wait or Not to Wait - that is our question

Every night, the wife and I read a couple bedtime stories to our young kids. One of my daughter’s favorites is Dr Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

We both recommend it highly. If you don’t have it – get it now..

The story speaks to “you,” a young boy. He learns all about life’s potential greatness as well as its dangers and difficulties.

I read it again recently and one part keeps popping in my head. The story warns the boy about getting lost in life’s “rat race.” Not taking action, but instead just …waiting.

Dr. Seuss’ words about waiting

The Waiting Place…
…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.

Everyone is just waiting.

Clearly to Dr. Seuss, waiting is not a good thing. (& I agree)

Enter Franz Kafka. As a writer, he’s one of the all-time greats. As a boy born in Prague in a German Jewish family, Kafka struggled with identity. A minority of a minority. He didn’t accept it well. It was tough times for Franz and his writing shows it. His dark writing style was usually about “senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity.” (sources)

What’s Kafka say about waiting?

Kafka’s words about Waiting

You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.

In a Nutshell…
There you have it.
Seuss says: waiting = bad
Kafka says: waiting = good

Why do I mention this? Because it mirrors a tough decision for us these days. I said in a past post, we know our future lies between two cities: New York City, USA and Halifax, Canada.
In one city, we have a chance of a grand opportunity. An exciting chance in an exciting city. But it’s not for certain. Instead we must wait. Out of our control, we wait. Kafka says it’s all fine, …”it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
In the other city, we also have uncertainty but the choice is completely in our control. We take that choice and wake up believing whatever we want to believe.

What are your thoughts?

Anyway, this is what’s weighing heavily on our minds today and the past few weeks.

Thanks for reading,
-Jeff

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In a prior post, I mentioned how most countries do not require a visa just to visit. But some do. Some examples include Bolivia, India, Russia (& most of the former Soviet Republics), Cambodia, Vietnam. This post will set your expectations about getting a tourist visa for those countries.
[quote]
Filling out Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
Needing a visa doesn’t mean someone does it for you. You’ll need to fill out a visa application.

Yes, every country has its own visa application form. The form could be available online or you must visit the nearest embassy. Nothing is standard across all forms. And you’d better fill it out as it’s expected.

What Does The Visa Application Ask?
Just “name, rank & serial number” would be nice, but don’t count on it.

Generalizing here, but as a minimum, you will provide:
Name, nationality, birthday, passport number, address (both yours and where you’ll stay) and contact information like phone number/fax/e-mail (both yours and where you’ll stay), why and for how long you expect to stay

You may also be asked your marital status, your occupation and employment history. Some countries even ask you to write a short, personal essay explaining why you want to see their country!

After finishing the form, it is also common to provide:
Bank statement or proof of financial support, a copy of HIV vaccinations, confirmation or invitation from a local hotel or friend (both cases sometimes called your “sponsor” and copies of your hotel confirmation & return flight.
Tack on 1 or 2 passport photos and you’re all set!

Why so personal? They want to ensure you not only intend to visit, but you intend to leave, too.

Click for bigger picture

Paying for Permission to Visit
Well, of course we have to pay. And of course, payments are always “non-refundable and subject to change without notice.” {shrug}
Now, you may be thinking about the poor desk clerk who has to handle all this. You’re paying for his time, right? No, actually in modern countries, visa processing is outsourced. Those 3rd party services are the most expensive portion of your fees.

On top of that, expect to pay for consular fees and postage to send it back to you, typically performed by some private courier like FedEx or DHL.
How much you ask? Could be anything from $15 (Australia) to $130+ (Bolivia, Chile, Brazil). Typical is $30-$50. Is it fair? Well, unlike the price, that answer is negotiable.

Recall that visas and their respective fees are typically reciprocity for the same requirement placed on their citizens. Visas are commonly required because it’s tit-for-tat for them. That helps explain why a country has different visa fees for different visitors.

Take the USA for example. Their site clearly has the attitude “Well, they do to us, so we do it to them” (“however, when a foreign government imposes such fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a “reciprocal” fee to nationals of that country…“)

What Does It Matter Why I Am Going?
If you’re entering a foreign country and you need permission to enter that foreign country, then it’s reasonable to expect them to be curious why you are entering that foreign country. Yes?

If you are visiting their zoo and miniature toy museum, then you’re a tourist. Prepare for the easiest visa process.
If you are going to sell or for negotiations, then you are on a business trip. Expect questions such as “Are you bringing any goods? Will they stay?”
If anything else, e.g. work, study, adoption, immigration, then you can expect much more paperwork.

Mark your answers wisely.

Click for bigger picture

How Long Does it Take?!?
Time to approve a tourist visas differs. (no surprise, right?)
First, the fastest… to visit Australia, we Americans do need a visa. And Americans need just 30 seconds.
Wow, the necessary tourist visa takes 30 seconds to approve! That is, if you use their Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). For Americans who typically demand fast gratification, that’s a welcome visa process!

Unfortunately, the vast majority of countries take far longer.

I made pictures of my tourist visas to India and Russia. India took about 2 weeks and Russia took 1 week.
Keep in mind, here in Prague, I live only a 5 minute walk away from the Russian embassy, so I knew of the morning lines. I was prepared for waiting a couple hours per visit. I was prepared for the the paperwork that reminded me of the Soviet Union. But after all was filed properly, I got it after 1 week.

A sharp contrast from my buddy, Bill, who after 3 weeks, still didn’t get his visa & passport mailed to him. I felt bad, but I left for Moscow without him.

My tribute video to Bill.

How to shorten the time?
Call into the embassy and check the visa’s approval status. These people are human. They surf the web, too. They forget things. Call after 3 or 4 days to check its status. Call again if its been 2 weeks.
If you don’t live near the embassy, factor in the time for the courier to deliver your passport back.
And, as my friend Bill above can testify to, do not depend on their “expedited service!”

Anything else?
Speaking of time, be sure your passport is good for long enough after the visa should expire.
I’ll use Chile as the example again. Your passport must be good for minimum 90 days after expected departure, else no visa granted.
Most countries have a US embassy which offers “expedited passport services” if you get in a jam while visiting. But think about that … do you really want to surrender your passport and fate to government processing while you’re traveling?
Also – be sure to have two blank pages left in your passport. A very standard request, but often overlooked if a tourist travels enough.
I can’t stress enough to do your own homework for a specific country. Prime example is Russia. They have special demands on sponsorship and things like migration cards that make even a well-seasoned traveler cringe.

I want to repeat two big points I said in the beginning:

• This post talks about the short-term visa. Another post to come for extended stay or long-term visa (like to work or stay over 90 days).
• It’s very important to do your own homework.

As Americans, you can feel (somewhat) secure that your own Department of State has the latest info. Check this site to get the latest on your specific destination.

Sure hope this was helpful to somebody. Let me know

Related posts:

1. Visa Process – Intro This is a Big Topic: the visa process. By the...
2. Visa Process – the Basics Rather than dive into filling out forms, let’s be sure...
3. The Visa Book- a Review Christine Gilbert of Almostfearless.com published a guide book and I...

Hi all,

I haven’t fallen off the map. Not yet anyway.
I know I am woefully behind on posts. It kills me, really it does.

Tomorrow I am jumping back in with both feet. I will deliver the next article in the “Visa Process” series.

There’s some big news coming from me soon. This Friday, I’ll be posting an update to this post.

-Jeff

Related posts:

1. Visa Process – Intro This is a Big Topic: the visa process. By the...
2. Visa Process – the Basics Rather than dive into filling out forms, let’s be sure...
3. Visa Process – Timelines In a prior post, I mentioned how most countries do...

Rather than dive into filling out forms, let’s be sure we’re all starting on the same page.
Read the below Q&A. Once you know & understand them, you’re ahead of most.

What’s a Visa?

Not the credit card. Here, we’re talking about permission to visit a country. Consider it like your personal “green light” to go.

When I traveled around Europe, I got lots of stamps in my passport – are they visas?

No. A passport stamp just acknowledges you’re “in” or “out.” You get those when crossing a border. A visa is something you must apply for ahead of time.

How do I tell if I need a visa?

Two things determine if you need a visa: your citizenship and where you’re going.
If you intend to stay a while, that might affect things, too, but more on that later.
US citizens can check on this page to see if your destination country wants you to get a visa first.

If I’m American, do I need a visa to visit ABC country?

For most countries, no. US citizens need visas for only about 20% of the world’s countries. Bottom line reason why you need a visa is reciprocity. It’s a tit-for-tat thing. If the US requires a visa for that country’s citizens, then often that country will enforce the same on Americans. What breaks the “visa mini-cold-war” is a strong desire between countries to be friends. Example: To visit Mongolia, Americans don’t need a visa, but citizens from all European and most Asian countries do. Interesting, huh?
Combine those two facts and you’ll see Americans travel very freely. In fact, only folks from Denmark and Germany travel more freely than Americans:
(see graph)

Does it matter why I’m going to that country?

Yes, sort of. When filling out the visa application, it matters whether you’re a tourist or someone visiting on business. However, in general, the requirements -and more importantly- the wait for your visa to get approved is the same.
A business person visiting a country is very different from someone needing a work visa.

[quote]

Do I pay for it? How much?

Yes, visas cost. My rough experience and sample research says this: you’re going to pay between $20 and $100 for the permission to fly to that country.
Sure, it’s not much when compared to the flight or accommodations, but paying for permission to come over (plus the added paperwork) isn’t exactly welcoming either.

How long does it take to get a visa?

See the next part: Visa Process – Timelines

Related posts:

1. Visa Process – Intro This is a Big Topic: the visa process. By the...
2. Visa Process – Timelines In a prior post, I mentioned how most countries do...
3. The Visa Book- a Review Christine Gilbert of Almostfearless.com published a guide book and I...