Visa policy of North Korea)

In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea, and only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied. The visa application process is complex. Special travel agents can help potential visitors through the bureaucratic process. Visitors are not allowed to travel outside designated tour areas without their Korean guides.

Prior to 2010, tourists holding United States passports were not granted visas, except during the Arirang Festival mass games (아리랑 축제). U.S. citizens, journalists and citizens from other nations have also been given special permission to enter as members of the Korean Friendship Association and Choson Exchange. Citizens of South Korea require special permission from both governments to enter North Korea, and are typically not granted such permission for regular tourism except in special tourist areas designated for South Koreans.

In April 2010, the first tourist trains from China brought visitors from Zhejiang, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, and other provinces, as well as Finnish people living in China, to North Korea for a 4-day tour.

Organized by the state owned Korea International Travel Company, Tourism in North Korea is highly controlled by the government, and as such it is not a frequently visited destination — roughly 1,500 Western tourists visit North Korea each year, along with thousands of Asians. Tourists must go on guided tours and must have their tour guides with them at all times. Photography is strictly controlled, as is interaction with the local population. Cgtt Voyages, Chugai Travel, Korea Konsult, Korean Friendship Association, Koryo Tours and New Korea Tours are specialised in visits to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (also known as North Korea.

Visa and the Single Domestic Space in 2006

During the July 2006 CARICOM Summit, the various leaders reached an agreement on measures to ensure hassle-free movement for visitors to the 2007 Cricket World Cup, as well intelligence sharing and cooperation for the security of the event. People were originally to be able to travel amongst the nine host countries and Dominica between 15 January 2007 and 15 May 2007 using a single CARICOM visa. However, during a meeting in Trinidad and Tobago on 29 December 2006, the Heads of Government decided to push back the creation of the Single Domestic Space to 1 February 2007 in response to representation from tourism ministers and others involved in the tourism industry.

Cruise ship passengers not staying more than 24 hours at any of the 10 Caribbean countries were issued with a CARICOM day pass. However, those who were staying on cruise ships, dubbed "floating hotels" for the duration of the games, were required to obtain a visa unless their countries fell within those that are exempted. Visa abolition agreements between some of the ten Caribbean states concerned and countries whose citizens were then required to obtain CARICOM visas during the Cricket World Cup provided for the suspension of the visa-free policy in such cases.

During the three and a half month period from February to May, the ten Caribbean countries became a "single domestic space" in which travellers only had their passport stamped and had to submit completed entry and departure forms at the first port and country of entry. The entry and departure forms were also standardised for all ten countries. When continuing travel throughout the Single Domestic Space, persons (including those using the common visa) were not required to have their documents processed to clear customs and immigration and did not need to have their passports stamped, but still needed to travel with them. Once passengers arrived at the Immigration Department Desk at the first port of entry, they were provided with a blue CARICOM wristband that identified them for hassle free movement through the single domestic space.

When the single domestic space came to an end on 15 May 2007 nearly 45,000 visas had been issued.

In February 2007 the CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to set up a Task Force to recommend a revised CARICOM Special Visa for the future, making any changes necessary from the experiences of the 3 month Single Domestic Space.

Visa requirements for Chinese citizens of Hong Kong

As a result of both bilateral visa abolition agreements (e.g. between Hong Kong and Russia ) and unilateral decisions to grant visa exemptions (e.g. by Montenegro), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders enjoy visa exemptions and simplified visa procedures to a large number of destinations worldwide. The official figure provided by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong is 143 as at 3 November 2010, which excludes countries and territories not officially recognised by the People's Republic of China, e.g. Kosovo and Taiwan). Whilst the visa exemptions mostly only apply when Chinese citizens of Hong Kong are visiting on short trips for pleasure or on business, a number of countries extend the visa exemption to short stays involving paid activities (e.g. Belgium).

Holy See Visa policy

Bilateral relations between Israel and the Holy See are marked by an inherent asymmetry in a sense that almost all requests on behalf of the Vatican are within the realm of Israeli domestic policy. In 2002, the Ministry of Interior introduced a rather restricted policy on permits for stays longer than 3 months. Although its policy is not aimed at being discriminatory, it affects Christian clergy. Before, these clergy members were used to receiving permits in uncontrolled numbers and for practically indefinite periods, since the state authorities did not enforce their own provisions. Thus, the shift was not a consequence of policy, but practically the end of the loss of state control.

After the Twin Tower attack in 2001 and due to the second Intifada, awareness to domestic security increased. As a consequence, all previous permits were revoked and a restrictive policy, which limited the number of permits and their duration, was implemented. This policy takes into account Israel's security needs. Israel believes it cannot risk the entry of citizens from Muslim countries who are at war or do not have any diplomatic relations with Israel, without prior security check; and past experiences lends credence to the view of the security establishment, which authorizes visas and sees clerics from such countries as residents of a hostile state, rather than the Vatican view, which sees them primarily as Christian clergy. Luckily, the numbers involved allow for each case to be examined on its own merits.

American Visa Policy for traders

Founded in 1914, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the oldest and largest trade association advocating an open, rules-based international trade system. It serves hundreds of member companies in activities encompassing international trade policy, international tax policy, human resources, and unilateral economic sanctions. The NFTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has an office in New York. Its current president is William A. Reinsch, former Under-Secretary for Export Administration in the Clinton Administration.

According to its website, the NFTC’s mission is to advance global commerce through advocating public policies that foster an open international trade and investment regime, mobilizing and disseminating expertise and information on key issues, and influencing public debate through interaction with policy makers and opinion leaders.

Innovation

In order to create a greater understanding of the importance of intellectual property rules, the NFTC launched a major new initiative, the Global Innovation Forum. The NFTC believes that the creation, trade and employment of innovation requires an open, rules-based system to enable effective solutions to global challenges.

Visa Policy

The NFTC develops policies to reform U.S. visa procedures for inbound business travelers and employees of U.S. multinational companies in an effort to eliminate adverse impacts on companies and their ability to compete internationally. In addition, it also monitors and advocates new visa and immigration proposals introduced in Congress, and supports comprehensive immigration reform.

Sanctions and Export Controls

In 1997, the NFTC established USA*Engage, a coalition of businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations, to promote the importance of exports and overseas investment and to inform policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions.

E-2 visa

E2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work inside of the United States based on an investment he or she will be controlling, while inside the United States. This visa must be renewed every other year, but there is no limit to how many times one can renew. Investment must be substantial. An investor must contribute to the US economy. (Setting up a small shop alone is not enough.) Investor visas are available only to treaty nations.

The dollar amount of cash investment normally should exceed $50,000 depending on the type of business (new or existing), although cases have been made for less amounts. This is an approximated amount and applicants should consult an immigration lawyer prior to making any offers for existing business. The dollar amount should only be money spent on the business. Any expenses not directly spent on the actual business itself will not count toward the required amount.

For new start ups, the investment must be large enough to start and operate the business. The amount of investment varies on the type of business. The $50,000 dollar amount would not be a substantial investment for a business such as the construction and management of a shopping center or office complex. The investment will not be considered substantial if it is not large enough to capitalize the venture. The USCIS will use an ‘Inverted Sliding Scale’ to determine whether the investment is substantial in proportion to the overall cost of the enterprise.

Upon conclusion of the business, investors must return to their countries of origin, or change their status. The holder of an E-2 visa may leave the United States at anytime but not over the time limit of 6 months.

How to apply

Applicants should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate.

During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. The E-2 visa application process vary from Consular Posts in one country to another country as there is often difference in policies and visa processing procedures. Visa applicants should review regulatory requirements before submitting E-2 visa application.

Required documentation

Each visa applicant must pay a nonrefundable $390 application fee and pay for border crossing card ($100) and submit:

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. The State Department has a DS-160 webpage that details the DS-160 online process.

Application DS-156E, completed and signed.

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person must complete an application.

One (1) 2x2 photograph.

All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete and submit a form DS-157 in addition to the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156E).

As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants.

Dependents

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, may receive derivative E-2 visas in order to accompany the principal alien.

Dependents may seek employment in the US by applying for Employment Authorization using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Children under 21 cannot apply for work , only the spouse of the E2 holder.

Visa policy in the European Union

European Union member states, with the exception of Ireland and the United Kingdom, have a unified visa system as part of the Schengen Area. Three non-member states—Iceland, Norway and Switzerland—are also part of the Schengen area and also implement the unified system. Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not yet part of the Schengen area, but maintain the same immigration policies as required by Schengen. Liechtenstein has signed up to Schengen but has yet to implement it. Ireland and the United Kingdom maintain independent immigration policies.

The United Kingdom and Ireland operate a passport-free zone called the Common Travel Area, with limited passport controls between them. While the land border is open with no fixed checkpoints, Ireland does, however, perform routine passport controls at airports, selective controls at ferry ports and spot checks on cross-border road and rail transport. A UK visa will not allow a traveller entry to Ireland, nor will an Irish visa allow entry to the UK.

Nationals of European Union member states, and of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not only visa-exempt but are legally entitled to enter and reside in each other's countries, following the requirement of the EU's freedom of movement provisions, the European Economic Area Agreement and bilateral accords with Switzerland.

These lists cover only the visa requirements for regular passport holders. Most often, countries allow some holders of official (service or diplomatic) passport holders visa-free access while they require visas from regular passport holders. In rare cases, however, a country may also allow visa-free access for regular passport holders but require visas from official passport holders. These rules have not been unified even within those EU countries that have fully implemented the Schengen acquis.

Visa requirements for the Schengen Area, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania

As of 2001 the European Union issues two lists regarding visas: a white list of countries whose nationals do not require visas and a black list of countries whose nationals do require visas.Visa-exempt nationals are entitled to enter and remain in the Schengen area for up to three months within half a year; most signatory states do not allow these visa-exempt nationals to carry out remunerative activities during this period. The visa requirements of the Schengen area are also implemented in Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania.

The following individuals can enter the Schengen area, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Liechtenstein and Romania without a visa:

As of right, using a passport or a national identity card

Citizens of European Union member states and their special territories

Citizens of non-EU member states of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), their special territories and Switzerland

Visa-exempt countries and territories

Holders of British National (Overseas) passports (those with connection to former British Hong Kong)

Citizens of the following countries and territories:

Transit visas

As of 5 April 2010, common visa requirements for the airport transit were introduced by the European Union. From that date, citizens of certain countries need transit visas unless they:

hold a Schengen visa, a national long-stay visa or a residence permit issued by an EU member state,

hold certain residence permits issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the United States guaranteeing the holder's unconditional readmission to that country,

hold a valid visa for an EU member state or for a member of the European Economic Area Agreement, Canada, Japan or the United States of America, or when they return from those countries after having used the visa,

are family members of an EU citizen,

hold a diplomatic passport, or

are flight crew members whose state of nationality is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The list of countries which nationals require Airport Transit visa consists of 12 countries:

Afghanistan ,Bangladesh ,Democratic Republic of the Congo ,Eritrea ,Ethiopia ,Ghana ,Iran ,

Iraq ,Nigeria ,Pakistan ,Somalia ,Sri Lanka

United Kingdom visa requirements

In July 2008, the UK announced the results of its first global review of those needing a visa to come to the UK against a set of strict criteria to determine the level of risk they pose to the UK in terms of illegal immigration, crime and security. The review would determine whether the nationals of 11 countries would require visas by the end of 2008, unless the countries in question take measures to reduce the perceived risk they pose to the UK. The new visa rules announced on 9 January 2009 require that the nationals of South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Bolivia to obtain a visa; only Venezuelan nationals traveling on electronic passports issued since 2007 may enter the UK without a visa;and the existing visa-free status for the nationals of Botswana, Brazil, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago is maintained.

The following individuals can enter the United Kingdom without a visa:

Visa policy of Brazil

Brazilian immigration (emigration to Brazil) refers to the movement of non-residents to Brazil. It should not be confused with the colonisation of the country by the Portuguese, or with the forcible bringing of people from Africa as slaves.

Immigration has been a very important demographic factor in the composition, structure and history of human population in Brazil, with all its attending factors and consequences in culture, economy, education, racial issues, etc. Brazil has received one of the largest numbers of immigrants in the Western Hemisphere, along with the United States, Argentina and Canada.

Visa policy

Permanent visas may be granted to individuals intending to establish residence in Brazil. Permanent Visas apply to:

Technicians or professionals with a work contract pre-approved by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, National Department of Employment. This visa must be applied for in Brazil.

Professors, technicians and high-level researchers who wish to immigrate to Brazil to undertake research work in an institution of higher learning or of research in science and technology. This visa must be applied for in Brazil.

Foreign investors with initial transfer of foreign capital equivalent to no less than US$ 50,000 and an investment plan pre-approved by the Brazilian National Council on Immigration (CNIG). This visa must be applied for in Brazil.

Administrators, managers or directors hired by a commercial enterprise or civil organization resulting from foreign investment described in item 3 above, with a work contract pre-approved by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, National Department of Employment. This visa must be applied for in Brazil.

A retired person, 60 years of age or older, accompanied by up to two dependents, and able to transfer monthly, in accordance with the laws of the country of origin, the amount equivalent to US$ 2,000. In the case of more than two dependents, the applicant must transfer the amount equivalent to US$ 1,000 for each additional dependent.

Spouse, partners in a common law union regardless of gender, or minor dependent of Brazilian citizen or of a permanent resident of Brazil;

Ascendants of a Brazilian national or of a permanent resident of Brazil;

Siblings of a Brazilian citizen or of a permanent resident of Brazil, if orphan, single and under 18 years of age;

Minor children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of a Brazilian citizen or of a permanent resident of Brazil.

Statute of Foreigner

Article 112. Are conditions for the granting of naturalization:

I - civilian capacity, according to Brazilian law;

II - to be registered as permanent resident in Brazil;

III - continuous residence in the territory for a minimum period of 4 (four) years immediately preceding the application for naturalization;

IV - read and write the Portuguese language, considering the conditions of naturalizing;

V - exercise of occupation or possession of sufficient assets to maintain itself and the family;

VI - proper procedure;

VII - no complaint, indictment in Brazil or abroad for a felony that is threatened in minimum sentence of imprisonment, abstractly considered, more than 1 (one) year.

VIII - good health.

Article 113.The period of residence prescribed in Article 112, item III, may be reduced if the naturalizing fill any of the following conditions:

I - have a child or spouse of Brazil;

(Including same-sex spouse, see also: Same-sex immigration policy in Brazil)

II - be son of a Brazilian;

III - have provided or can provide relevant services to Brazil, in the opinion of the Minister of Justice of Brazil;

IV - commend themselves by their professional, scientific or artistic; or

V - to be owner in Brazil, real estate, whose value is equal to at least a thousand times the greatest value of reference, or be provided with industrial funds of equal value, or hold quota shares or amount of paid-in least identical in commercial or civil society, aimed principally and permanently, the operation of industrial or agricultural activities.

Sole Paragraph. The residence will be at least 1 (one) year, in cases of items I, II, and III; 2 (two) years in Item IV; and 3 (three) years in Item V.

Visa policy of the Republic of China

Visa policy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is complicated by the political status of Taiwan. As one of the most politically isolated countries in the world, Taiwan has encountered difficulties in signing 'bilateral agreement' which other nations with regards to visa-abolishing. Presently the Republic of China grants visa-free travel to 41 countries.

Passport holders of Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR

Permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau (with PRC nationality) can obtain a preapproved Entry Permit of HK and Macau Residents to the Taiwan Area or apply for an Entry Permit on arrival for visiting Taiwan for less than 30 days. If the visitor is not born in Hong Kong or Macau, he must have a record of a previously having visited Taiwan for an Entry Permit on arrival. This permit can be applied by using a HKSAR passport, MSAR passport, British National (Overseas) passport or Portuguese passport issued in Macau before 1999. British citizens can use the full visa-free visit program to enter Taiwan.

Only full British citizens can enter Taiwan without a visa and BN(O) passport holders (who also hold PRC nationality) can enter Taiwan using Entry Permit of HK and Macau Residents to the Taiwan Area. A visa is required for all other British passport holders.

Original, signed United States passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

bPassport-type photograph: 1

cItinerary. For rush processing you must submit a copy of your e-ticket or confirmed itinerary. For Same Day processing the travel date must be within 5 business days.

dMultiple Entry Letter. If multiple entries are desired, a detailed letter explaining precisely why the multiple entry visa is necessary. The decision to grant or deny the Multiple entry visa to China lays entirely with the China Embassy.

Additional required documents for minors (under 18):

- Birth certificate. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate.

- Parents' passport copies. A copy of the information pages of both parents' signed passports.

When applying for a child with Chinese parents, the applicant must also provide proof of parents' status in the United States.

Additional requirements for applicants born in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan:

- Name written in Chinese characters.

- Copy of a previously issued Chinese visa or copy of the information page from your Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwanese passport. Note: If your old passport has not been canceled, you will be required to submit the original passport with your application.

Visa policy of Ecuador

As of January 2011, Ecuador is one of the most lenient countries in the world in terms of the immigration policy. all nationals are admitted to stay for up to 90 days on their arrival, except those following 10 countries.

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Note:

Passports must be carried at all times.

Visas:

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: (a) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note:

Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.

Visa policy of Malaysia

Malaysia has a quite 'flexible' visa policy, almost 80% of countries on the world may travel to Malaysia without visa for a stay from the longest 3 months to 14 days.


Citizens of Libya and Côte d'Ivoire may travel to Malaysia for 14 days.
Citizens of Taiwan are granted a special travel period of 15 days. after hard negotiations by the government of Taiwan with Malaysia. However certain restrictions apply, only travellers entering and leaving Malaysia by air may enjoy this policy, this raises controversy over whether it should be regarded as a truely 'Visa-free' treatment, or just an extention of a Transit-Visa. since normally a complete 'Visa-free' treatment shouldn't impose any restrictions on the way of travelling.
[edit]Transit Visa


The following 8 countries which do not enjoy the visa-free status for any period may still get a maximum 120-hours free transit-visa for air-transit only at Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Senai, by presenting a valid forward air ticket, but the airlines of the in and out flight must be the same, so the landing point.
Citizens of the following Countries require a visa for stays exceeding 3 Months:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Iran, Kirgystan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Lebanon, Lienchestien, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Netherland, New Zeland, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, St Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Syrian Arab Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Yemen.


What documents will be required?
Documents required for a visa application without reference. Visa Without Reference is required for purpose of social visit
– Original passport
– Two (2) photocopies of passport
– Two (2) photocopies of visa application form (Form IMM.47)
– Two (2) passport size photograph of applicant
– Original air ticket and two (2) photocopies (confirmed and returned ticket)
– Bank statement / traveller’s cheques
– Invitation letter (if any)
– Payment of visa fee


Documents required for a visa application with reference. Visa With Reference are required for student, employment, dependent and professional visit pass.
– Original approval letter from Department of Immigration Malaysia / other authority agencies and two (2) photocopies
– Original passport
– Two (2) photocopies of passport
– Two (2) photocopies of visa application form (Form IMM.47)
– Two (2) passport size photograph of applicant
– Original air ticket and two (2) photocopies
– Payment of visa fee

Visa policy of Singapore

Almost 80% of world countries may travel to Singapore for a period ranging from 15 days to 90 days. Only 33 countries require Visa to Singapore, they are categorized into Assessment Level I Countries which are eligible to apply an e-Visa and Assessment Level II Countries which need aVisa completely.

Who requires a visa?

Foreigners holding travel documents issued by the following countries will require a visa to enter Singapore:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders), Armenia*, Azerbaijan*, Belarus*, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan*, Kyrgyzstan*, Moldova*, Nigeria, Russia*, Tajikistan*, Turkmenistan*, Ukraine*, Uzbekistan*, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders), Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders), People’s Republic of China (Except Diplomatic/Service/Public Affairs passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days), Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders), Yemen.

Visitors holding these travel documents also require a visa to enter Singapore:

- Hong Kong Document of Identity

- Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Travel Permit

- Palestinian Authority Passport

- Refugee Travel Document issued by the Middle-East countries

- Temporary Passport issued by United Arab Emirates

* Nationals of the Commonwealth Independent States may be granted entry into Singapore without visas if they are on transit to or from a third country. However, they are required to fulfill the following conditions:

- They are in transit to or from a third country

- They continue their journey to the third country within the 96-hour visa free period granted

- They satisfy Singapore’s entry requirements, as determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers at the Singapore Checkpoint

- They are in possession of a valid passport

- They are in possession of a confirmed onward air-ticket

- They are in possession of Entry facilities (including visa) to the third country

- They are in possession of Sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore