Top 5 Countries with the Easiest and Toughest Visa Processes for UK

By traveldecorum | Top 5 Countries with the Easiest and Toughest Visa Processes for UK

If you are a frequent traveller, you must be aware of the importance of Visa. It is an essential step in planning your trip anywhere in the world. Here are five countries that are considered as the most difficult ones to get a visa for. If you are planning to visit any of them, make up your mind to experience the most exhausting visa application process of your life.

Countries with the Toughest Visa Processes

North Korea

Though many travellers around the worlds are eager to find out more about this fascinating country yet getting into the country is really difficult. The only way to reach North Korea is through an organised tour crossing from China. Even on these tours, interactions with locals are restricted and strict rules must be followed. Also, you cannot even think about speaking ill of their political leader.

Smuggling your way to the country through any secret channels may get you in hot water because it is highly dangerous and illegal. Independent travel is not permitted. Besides, it is harder to obtain entry for citizens from the UK and the US. However, these entry requirements are subjected to change, so you need to check with your local embassy before you plan a trip to North Korea.

China

You might be amazed to know that China travel also involves a lengthy visa process. While most of the passport holders can plan a visit to China visa-free for a period of 72-hours. However, if you wish a longer stay then a proper visa is required. It is unbelievably tedious to obtain a visa here. Travellers can only apply for a visa in their country of residence or even citizenship but they require to get a face-to-face appointment to submit your application.

It is equally important to come prepared because there is a long list of documents you need to collect for your application. It further includes documents like a flight itinerary or hotel vouchers which prove that your intentions go well with your travel plans. If you are planning to stay more than 30 days in China, you need to share a daily itinerary. This visa may take a while to be processed, so it is better to apply at least 2-3 months before your travel.

Russia

Even if you have the most powerful passport of the world, still you may lack matching with the Russian visa requirements. Russia doesn’t offer visa-free travel easily and the process itself is strangely long. Be prepared to mark the starting and ending dates for each trip you have taken in last ten years.

All visa applications for Russia are required to be made in person. Russia has a biometric system so you need to get your fingerprints scanned and get your photo clicked. It means you need to visit the closest visa processing centre. Make sure to fill out the online form without mistakes as it may lead to a rejected application. Once you have got your visa from the embassy, you need to cross-check every detail on your visa to ensure the dates perfectly align with your travel plans.

Saudi Arabia

Though Saudi Arabia is known for its modern cities, beautiful beaches and great shopping experiences yet it is very strict with its visa entry processes. For women travelling solo, you must have a sponsor who will have to meet them upon arrival. The sponsor is also needed to hold their passport while in the country.

Couples travelling together should be married with a marriage certificate. Without a marriage certificate or a sponsor, your applications might be rejected. If you happen to have an Israeli stamp on your passport, they may refuse your entry. However, if you abide by all the aforesaid rules, you may get the visa application.

Pakistan

You cannot enter Pakistan without required visa documents. Travellers willing to visit the country, need to find a sponsor to qualify for a visa. While this could be a person the tourist knows in the country or it could be a travel company. A group tour to Pakistan is allowed if you have booked it by a tour company.

However, the sponsor must give an official letter of invitation. This letter should clearly state their relationship to you and your purpose of travel. As a tourist, you will be required to have the copies of your ID, proof of travel arrangement along with a fully completed visa application.

Countries with Easiest Visa Processes

For any traveller, getting a visa is the first step. Depending on the country you are planning to visit, the experience of obtaining a visa can be exhausting or easy beyond imagination. Well, there are few countries where you can feel free because of their simplified visa processes. If you are from the UK or India, you can surely shed away all the worries related to visa. Here are top 5 countries with easy visa processes for travellers.

New Zealand

If you have a visitor visa to New Zealand, you can enjoy a maximum stay of nine months. It is good if you consider living in New Zealand for an extended period. Based on your goals, you can access to personalized information sent by the immigration office. It offers a working holiday visa for young people between age group of 18-30 for up to 12 months. None of these visas works as a residency permit for travellers.

If you are willing to work during your stay, request for a temporary work visa that is easy to obtain by filling out a skill shortage from which is not being filled by NZ citizens. The essential skills work visa is valid for up to five years. However, the long-term skill shortage visa can grant you to stay and work there up to 30 months.

Singapore

The country’s immigration website is very user-friendly for U.S. travellers. It offers visitors several options to extend their stay in Singapore. The best part is that you can complete all your applications online. However, it may take time so you need to plan ahead before you reach Singapore because a traditional visitor pass allows you a maximum 30-day stay.

Then there is a Long Term Visit Pass, which is applicable if you are a family member of a citizen, or about to give birth in the country, or if you are a recent graduate from a recognized learning institute looking for employment. For the UK visitors, they do not need a visa to access the country for stay up to 90 days for the purpose of tourists, social visit or business discussions.

Canada

British Citizens do not usually require a visa for visiting the country for short period. However, you will required to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation before you visit. If you have a different kind of British nationality or willing to travel for a longer period, like study or work then you need to take a dig into the entry requirements with the Canadian High Commission.

Moreover, from 2018 onwards, you are required to give your photos and fingerprints at a visa application centre. Once you arrive in the country, you should be able to show enough funds available to support yourself during you stay. This is a mandate even if you are going to stay with friends or family. A move to Canada from the U.S. is very easy due to proximity.

Spain

Spain is considered as the most appealing countries to visit in Europe. Though UK citizens holding a full UK passport or a BOC, BOTC, BPP or BS passport are able to travel freely to Spain. However, UK residents of different nationalities should get a Spanish Schengen visa before planning a travel to Spain. In recent years, few visa liberalization policies have made it easy to travel Europe with slight decrease.

A temporary residency in the country can allow you anywhere from 90 days to five years in the country based on your situation. Working in Spain helps you support your relocation. You can add a temporary work authorization to your temporary residency visa. The country encourages scientists, teachers, researchers, artists and media correspondents to work there from different countries.

Ireland

The country has such simplified visa process that even recent graduates can be a part of their working holiday program and can stay up to one year. Applications are submitted to the Irish Consulate and after reviewing the documentation, you can get visa. Upon entering the country, you need to register with immigration for an Irish Residence Permit. Requirements are varied based on the purpose of your stay in Ireland for an extended period like working, volunteering, academics or religious services.

Alternatively, travellers who wish to stay in Ireland for a period of three months can request for a Long Stay Visa. This visa applies in a scenario where you are going to join relatives in the country, studying, or intending to live permanently here. Make sure to apply before making your travel plans, as it will require to be approved prior to your travel.

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