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Several Cases Of Unusual Foreign Border Entry Requirements

By RomanticHeart | August 15, 2010

When traveling internationally, the US passport requirements can be different depending on the country you are visiting. It is important to find out the rules and regulations that govern the entrance or re-entrance into the country that is your destination. While we have included some of the most popular destinations in this article, you will want to find out exact requirements exist concerning the country you will be traveling to. The destinations that will be mentioned here all require a passport to gain entrance or to return to the United States with the exception of Mexico. Some of our near by countries like Mexico and Canada only require a passport card and not a complete passport.

Specific criteria govern your need for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. The UK has a five-tier system to determine the need to obtain visas. The first tier refers to “highly skilled” workers with scientists being an example. A sponsor is not required in this tier as it is in all others. Tier two is for “skilled” workers like teachers and nurses who have received an offer for employment from a business in the United Kingdom. Tier three affects “low-skilled” workers such as construction employees who are entering the United Kingdoms for a specific project, purpose or due to a shortage. Tier four relates to students and Tier five is for all temporary workers and would also include artists traveling into the UK to perform a concert. As previously stated, a sponsor is required for each tier with the exception of Tier one. Tier four with relates to students requires an educational foundation within the United Kingdom to provide sponsorship where the other tiers requiring sponsorship must provide documentation from the United Kingdom employer.

A trip to Mexico give you the option to present a passport card or official passport but only if you are not traveling by air. All air travelers require regular, official U.S. passports. When a child is accompanying you, written parental consent with a notarized signature from both parents must be presented. The companions traveling with the child as well as the destination, travel dates and purpose and airline must also be indicated. If traveling with a parent, proof of parental relationship must be provided in the form of a birth certificate and it must be an original document. If your travel is for more than 72 hours and will be located outside the “border zone” which is an area more than 30 kilometers from the boarder, a tourist card similar to a visa will be issued. The cost for this document is usually included with your air fare.

Travel to France requires a visa if you are planning to stay longer than 90 days. It is also imperative that there are more than three months left prior to the expiration date of your passport.

It’s easy to see that some countries have stricter passport requirements than others so be sure to do your research well in advance to be prepared to meet all the requirements of the destination your have selected. Be sure to remember that all air travel requires a passport. Traveling internationally can provide incredible experience and memories so be sure to be prepared for whatever requirements await but don’t let them scare you away from your travel plans.