Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
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 16 Dec 2007
Erek4's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tallahassee, FL - Student @ FSU
Posts: 23
What is the difference between a Visa and a Passport?

Hey All,

I am new to International travel and am starting my research on the required paperwork for a trip my wife and I will take in the summer of 2009. The trip will start in Tallahassee, FL to Cape Town, South Africa (Anchorage, AK fly to Magadan, Russia). Do we need both a Passport and Visa? When should we apply for these documents (need to figure out the countries to visit first I am sure)?

This is probably a no brainer for everyone, sorry.

Erek
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Dec 2007
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Your passport is your wee book with your photo and details in it. A visa is a stamp or sticker that goes on one of the pages of your passport to allow you access to one particular country. Some countries require visas to be arranged in advance (usually by going to the embassy or consulate of that country in your home country), some visas are issued on arrival at your port of entry, some countries do not require you to have a visa to enter.

Welcome to international travel!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
[quote=Erek4;163799

Do we need both a Passport and Visa?

[/quote]

Depends.....for the UK about 2 million Immigrants havent
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Dec 2007
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker View Post
Depends.....for the UK about 2 million Immigrants havent
Yes, well I guess we British didn't apply for visas either when we first 'visited' quite a few countries...
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Dec 2007
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
i am really suprised about this question.

as stephano explained, passport is your personal ID Book to use abroad and a proof that you are an American Citizen. Visa is issued by the embassies abroad and it is a sort of permit for you to enter this country. You have to apply for the visa in advance most case.

An example for you:
i am Turksih and i am holding a Turkish Passport. if i want to go to USA, i need to go to US embassy in Ankara (the capital of Turkiye) and apply for the US visa and pay 130 bucks and submit a lot of paper work etc... if the embassy officer is sure that i am not a terrorist or there is no any other reason for me to get in to USA, he/she issue me a visa. visa is like a big letter stamp which is sticked on to a page in your passport.

you can also do a google search.

have fun!!
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Stay at home in the States - it's got it all

Quote:
Originally Posted by ozhanu View Post
i am really suprised about this question.


No need to be surprised Ozhanu.

I believe that only about 20% of the USA population hold a passport (reportedly). On a population of, say, 400m that = about 80m who can travel internationally (and I suppose that 20% includes their mil, diplomats and all of the international businessmen/women).

Therefore most US citizens never leave continental USA - not too surprising considering the size of the place and that they have every amenity, type of geography and the like that can be imagined.

No need to apologise Erek; the website is a good place to get answers, it is as simple as that.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Dec 2007
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
thanks for the statistics Walkabout

i have met many young US people when i was traveling Europa in my university time, all were lovely, friendly, but, i have seen that many of them have lack of general knowledge.
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
Passport vs Visa

Your passport is issues by the US government. Apply now. Applications are on-line or go to your local Post Office. Once submitted, you should receive your passport in 4-5 weeks. I beleive it is valid for 10 - 15 years.

A visa is a stamp issued by the country you wish to visit. You need to submit your passport to the countries consulant to receive a visa. Generally Visas are good for a very limited time and duration.

Not all countries required visas for a visit - This varies based on you citizenship. US citizans can travel thru out most of Central and South Amercia without a visa (Brazil is an exception), the UK, the EU, etc.

First things first - get a Passport.

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by ozhanu View Post
i am really suprised about this question.
im not surprised. no offence to any Americans here but a lot of them dont have a clue what is outside the good old US of A. mind you with that much space to explore in your own country its no great surprise.
A mate was over there & got asked where he was from as he had a strange accent, he replies England. American woman then asks what state is that in? :confused1:
others have explained better than i could the differences so i wont try. but welcome & feel free with the daft questions, im new here as well & asking things which must seem as obvious to people yet they have all be friendly.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Passport ... Identification document. Usually required for travel outsides ones' country of residence.

Visa ... Preliminary permit to enter a country for some time, possibly with conditions (no working etc) . 'They' still have the right to refuse entry, but you have eliminated one objection to your entry. Not required everywhere, maybe required for some and not others..
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Dec 2007
Erek4's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tallahassee, FL - Student @ FSU
Posts: 23
Thanks

I just wanted to than all of you for your replys.

Best,

Erek
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Visa for Iran : how it works iris_trui Trip Paperwork 13 20 Oct 2007 16:02
Recent Iranian visa for american/US passport motorcyclist? trekkingbee West and South Asia 4 19 May 2007 08:24
Visa Africa RalEva Trip Paperwork 16 19 Mar 2007 14:03
Russia Visa for US citizen: Is this correct? MarkCh Trip Paperwork 2 15 Mar 2006 08:12
Getting Indian visa in Islamabad peerke Trip Paperwork 0 29 Dec 2004 22:08

 
 

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!

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 09:18.