Visa Acquisition??
 

How far in advance do any of you get your visas? We have not been to the different embassies yet, but thought that if we could get ALL the visas we need ahead of entry would they not expire before arriving at the different countries or do they remain undated until you cross the borders? Always before, we have gone to the embassy a few weeks ahead of time (China, Vietnam, and Myanmar) and got them. I didn't pay any attention to the valid periods. Mostly, we are interested in getting South America and Africa visas ahead of traveling.

Thanks, Joe

visas ahead
 

hey joe,
am no sure about the U.S. foreign embassies but last week i chance upon a guy working at the south african embassy here in malaysia and he said one could apply ahead and have the date "postdated' (i.e date of expected entry) stamped on the passport. perhaps you should give a call to the foreign embassies in your area to clarify?

i haven't gotten to doing it yet cause i will only be going in 2008 and will apply for the visas 2 - 3 months before leaving.

cheers,
norman

Well, if you are going in 2008, we will see you on the road. thanks norman

Visas generally have an expiry date which varies from country to country and sometimes depends on the nationality of the traveller. Most seem to expire after 3 months.

This means that for most long trips you will need to get most of your visas en route.