With the invention of the internet and social media, we have seen and toured the world right in the palm of our hands. The world has become such a global village and now, with proper planning and a few tricks, you can easily fulfill your travel and tour dreams. Have you ever thought of vacationing through several countries but are not sure how to go about it? Is this your first trip and need pointers? Here are a few tips on how you can travel the world by getting one visa, for starters:
i. Secure A First World Visa
There are several types of visas you can try and secure. A visit, study, or work visa in first world countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, European countries (mostly Schengen), and Asian giants like Japan and South Korea.
When you secure such a visa, you are automatically allowed entry into other countries as long as it is multiple entry. A United States or Canada visitor visa gives you free entry as a tourist to Costa Rica, Mexico, Bahamas, Turkey, and a couple of Caribbean islands.
ii. Apply For A Visitor Visa
Once you land in the above country say as a student, after settling in for about three months, you can start applying for visitor visas to other countries. Don’t cut your trip short if the wanderlust bug hits.
NB: It is easier to secure a visitor visa when you are already overseas than in your home country, regardless of your passport.
Countries That Don’t Require Visas
During your time there, do your research and see what nearby countries you can travel to without requiring a new visa. Take advantage of low-cost flights to such places and take holidays. For instance, while in the United Kingdom, you can easily travel around Schengen countries.
Schengen Visa and Area
The Schengen visa is issued to third-country nationals listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/ 1806. This visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days (in any 180 days) for tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, studies, training placements, or volunteer activities that last under 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities. It also allows transit through the territory and airports.
The Schengen area encompasses 29 European countries without border controls between them: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
NB: Even with the Schengen Visa, you still have to provide proof of the purpose and specifics of the trip, or the border authorities can refuse entry if the visa holder does not meet the requirements for entry.
Documents Needed to Apply
- A valid passport.
- A Visa application form
- Passport photos
- Medical insurance cover (including in the event of death).
- Fill in supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
- Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application.
This helps you build your travel history by adding stamps to your passport. That makes you seem like a frequent traveler and comes in handy when seeking future visas to travel abroad.
iv. Securing A Permanent Visa
The more you tour around, you build up your travel history. This track record is paramount if you are looking to secure a permanent visa abroad in the future. Once you secure a more permanent visa, that would give you more freedom to roam the world.
