Passports

A valid passport is required for all international travelers. Please check your passport's expiration date well in advance of your travel plans as many foreign governments require that your passport be valid for six (6) months after the completion of your travel. As U.S. passport processing can be unexpectedly delayed, we recommend applying early and/or using a Passport Service for new renewal applications.

Visas

Many countries require a visa for US Passport holders. Currently, a visa issued in advance of your departure is required for US citizens for the following countries:

Country
Brazil
China
India
Jordan (when arriving from Israel)
Myanmar
Republic of Congo
Russia
Uganda
Vietnam

This information is based upon our trips as presented online and in our catalog. Adding our FreeStyle Travel packages to your tour or extending your stay can change these visa requirements (EG, Customizing your itinerary may require a multiple entry visa; some countries not shown above do require a visa if you stay for longer than 15 days, etc).

For your convencience, we offer complete visa processing services though CIBT. Click the link below for complete information including processing times and fees.

Click here for online visa application forms »

Be sure to pay close attention to the amount of time needed to process your visa and to allow enough time, expecially if you require more than one visa for your trip. Visa requirements and processing times can be significantly different for non-US citizens. If you have any questions, call the number on your visa application form.

You can also make your own visa arrangements directly wwith the consulate of your destination country. Please be aware that for Russia and Uzbekistan, you will need additional documentation which we can prepare once your booking is under deposit. There is a nominal $25 visa documentation fee.

In addition to the list above, other countries require a visa which can be purchased upon arrival. If you are traveling to these destinations, you may require 2 or more passport-sized photos in addition to the cost of the visa. Please confirm exact requirements and fees well in advance of your departure.

The U.S. Department of State website has complete details.

For your reference, here is a partial list of countries which currently allow you to obtain the required visa upon arrival:

Country
Bhutan
Bolivia
Cambodia
Egypt
Jordan (when arriving by air from the United States; an advance visa is required if you will be arriving overland from Israel - see above).
Kenya
Laos
Lebanon
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Tibet
Turkey
Zambia
Zimbabwe

For your reference, here is a partial list of countries with special visa requirements or information:

Country
Bhutan - a visa for Bhutan is required, but included in your tour price.
South Africa - South Africa requires 3 unused visa pages available in your passport.
Tibet - a visa for Tibet is included in your tour price but has very specific restrictions.

Please note that visa requirements are subject to change without notice. General Tours World Traveler is not responsible for the refusal or delayed processing of visas and passports and normal cancellation charges will apply.


Reciprocity Fees

Some countries require payment of a fee for US Passport holders. Currently, these fees are collected by the following countries:

Country
Argentina Reciprocity tax of US $160 must be prepaid online before arrival at www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar
Chile An arrival tax of US $160 is due when entering Chile via the Santiago International Airport and it is valid for the life of the passport.  The tax is payable in US Dollars, Chilean Pesos, Credit Card (Visa, America Express, Master Card) and/or Traveler’s Checks.