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AS INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS WE know the stamps in our passports are hard won. Though there are a lucky few whose passports ensure relatively hassle free travel, most nationalities have to suffer through the tedious process of acquiring visas.
Filling out forms, producing letters of invitation, paying often exorbitant amounts just to apply, waiting in line at embassies and fulfilling medical requirements – the bureaucratic hoops that need to be jumped through for some countries is virtually unbelievable.
It is a good thing that the thrill of experiencing new places far outweighs the trouble it takes to get there.
to russia with love The largest country in the world with a fascinating history, Russia should be inundated with tourists. The reality is that the visa process required for entering the country is difficult.
From confusing forms to a formal letter of invitation written by a Russian citizen – there is a lot of paperwork to trudge through. Mistakes will be spotted immediately, so write your name in block letters and make sure to use the approved ink colour.
Unfortunately, the stress does not end there. You are given a migration form to fill when entering the country, which should be kept with your passport at all times.
Russian tourism policy also requires
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new arrivals to register in each place where they will be spending seven or more days.
British journalist Chloe Cann says:“ The process of registering every few days is somewhat terrifying as there don’ t seem to be any official guidelines on whether you actually have to register at every new city you get to or not. But everyone’ s terrified of the police, and as a traveller there you hear a lot of horror stories, so we decided to do it.”
adventuring in angola Visiting Angola is an adventure in itself. You will need a notarised letter of invitation written in Portuguese from an Angolan citizen, proof of travel plans( non-refundable tickets, hotel bookings, etc.) and a yellow fever vaccinationeven if you are from a country where it is not a real risk.
Paperwork is not the only concern- emptying your bank account is a legitimate fear. According to a study conducted by the Economist, just buying a melon at the local supermarket could cost you up to $ 100.
Paulo Barcia, a Portuguese traveller, says,“ It is very difficult to get a visa even if it is a tourist one. If you want a working visa it is even more difficult and very expensive. You have very expensive agencies that allow you to go to Angola for luxury tourism and that cost between € 7000 and € 8000 euros. They usually say that one of the governors wants to meet
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you and that the agency has contacts with this governor.”
Another odd fact? Before 2012, it was illegal to take Angolan currency out of the country. Fortunately, these days you can take as much as 50,000 kwanza with you when you leave.
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sojourn in saudi Saudi Arabia has a variety of visas, none of which are easy to acquire, especially if you are a woman. In general, all applications require sponsorship from a citizen of Saudi, an organization or a company based there.
The country is governed by religious law which includes strict restrictions against immorality and homosexuality. If you have any explicit materials- risqué movies, songs, books, etc.- leave them behind before you disembark onto Saudi soil.
Women cannot travel there without the permission of their spouse or guardian. They must be accompanied by a husband or a male relative.
Single women and unmarried couples
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