Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Tourist Visa vs Tourist Permit Tourist Visa vs Tourist Permit
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 51
Tourist Visa vs Tourist Permit
What is the difference?
As an indian citizen (i.e third world), i am required to get tourist visas upfront before i go anywhere. My question is, when i enquire about getting a tourist visa for say all of the central american countries, i am required to have a standard bunch of paperwork such as: passport, residency status (in USA), 2 photos, driver's license, bank statement and $.

Now i imagine that if i were at the border post of that country, i would require none of these other than passport, bike papers, $, and DL? Why no photos? is that because a permit is issued at the border and not a Visa?

just a bit puzzled...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Hazard a guess...

Standard (bureaucratic) operating procedure: separate photos to verify that you as the visa applicant applying--often by mail, rather than in person--to a consulate office are the same person as the photo that appears on your passsport;
vs.
when you're physically presenting yourself at a border crossing requesting a visa, the border authority can immediately verify that you look like/ are the same person that appears in your passport photo.
[?]
It's a "visa," regardless (assuming that's what the particular country requires for India nationals to enter that country)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Nov 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,980
You often need photos to get visas at borders. They don't have to be of the same quality or precision required for passports; just get a bunch wherever it's convenient and carry them with you. In the US I use automatic photo booths in malls, but in the developing world there are usually shops who'll do it better and cheaper.

Take a hint from the recent poster who was shocked to find he needed hard currency for his visa, and bring some of that also--US dollars, euros or both. Don't forget insurance for your bike, either. And a yellow fever card.

It's been a while since I've been asked to provide proof of onward intent (airline tickets, carnet) or financial wherewithal (cash, travelers checks, credit and debit cards) at a border, but it still happens. Probably, I look more prosperous and reliable now that I'm old, balding and girthy.

Hope that helps.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
new law.
I would like to inquire about the details and conditions of a tourist permit, according to the new law. Do all companies have the right to issue this permit? What are the guarantees required for such permits? For how long can a tourist visa holder stay in the UAE? Is the visa renewable?
-------------------
oliviaharis
link building
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Nov 2008
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Tourist permits are issued at the border for residents/passport holders of certain countries (under friendly agreements). As a consequence, Americans, Canadians, and many European passport holders (and others) can show at the border in Central and South America and get a "permit" - a stamp with the time period written in.

Residents of other countries may be required to obtain a Visa in advance (possibly obtainable at the border). South/Central America is much looser on this (providing at the border) than many African and Asian countries.

In cases of Visa's, there's usually a dated visa sticker placed in your passport in advance at the time you applied/received the visa.

You need to check the web sites for the countries you would like to visit, under your visa, and find out where you stand, what's required. Not every country treats all individuals the same, so what someone says regarding their experience may have absolutely no relevance to your passport/situation.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Does Paraguay still have a $50 tourist visa fee? gatogato South America 21 13 Jul 2012 18:07
Trouble getting Tourist Permit at Agua Prieta MX JustBob Trip Paperwork 2 29 Oct 2007 18:49
Easy Tourist Visa for Iran worldon2wheels.de Trip Paperwork 4 17 May 2005 15:25
Belarus and tourist visa rtoilhead Trip Paperwork 0 30 Apr 2004 05:05
Tourist Visa for Iran Lalli West and South Asia 2 27 Sep 2002 20:56

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top