get travel visa

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For Travelers

Visit the United States

The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State work together to create and maintain an effective, efficient visa process that secures America’s borders from external threats and ensures that our country remains open to legitimate travel.

DHS provides a full range of online resources to help you plan your trip, manage your arrival and if needed extend your stay.

Plan Your Trip

• Obtain a Visitor VISA - (U.S. State Department) Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S.
• Determine the correct VISA category - (USCIS) There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States.  The type of visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel.  Get help determining the right VISA category at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services homepage.
• Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)  - Provides biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States. OBIM currently applies to all international visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, but not to U.S. citizens.
• Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements Timeline - As of October 26, 2006, any passport issued on or after this date by a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country must be an e-Passport  for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the United States without a visa. If your passport is older, see requirements here
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - A fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Voluntary ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and Visa Waiver Program travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S.

Your Arrival

• Locate a Port Of Entry - Air, Land, or Sea (CBP) - At a port of entry, CBP enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the U.S. federal government and conducts immigration policy and programs. Ports also perform agriculture inspections to protect the USA from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets, and the environment.
• Global Entry Program (CBP) - Expedited screening and processing for pre-screened international travelers entering the United States.
• CBP Traveler Entry Forms (CBP) - Whether you are a visitor to the United States or U.S. citizen, each individual arriving into the United States must complete one or more of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) entry forms.
• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) - If you have difficulties experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, use this system to make inquiries or seek resolution.

Extend Your Stay

• Apply to Extend Your Stay - (USCIS) If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States.
• Change Your Non-Immigrant Status - (USCIS) If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. 

Tips During Your Trip to the United States

Beware of Scams - (Federal Trade Commission) The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants.

• Border Security
• Citizenship and Immigration Services
• How Do I - For Travelers
• International Travel

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Create Account

Visit the U.S.

Generally, if you want to visit ( and not live in ) the United States you must first obtain a visitor visa . Travelers from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website .

If you want to travel to the United States for reasons other than business or pleasure, you must apply for a visa in the appropriate category. This includes if you want to study, work as a crew member or journalist, etc. You can get help determining which visa you need by using the Explore My Options page.

Extending Your Visit

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure . If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with USCIS.

If You Lose Form I-94

You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record .

Language selection

• Français fr

How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

Page details

You must turn on JavaScript in order to use this website.

You are using an outdated browser and some features of this website may not work correctly. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

What countries do US citizens need a travel visa for?

T he U.S. passport is one of the most powerful in the world in terms of the ability to travel , as it gives its owners the privilege of being able to visit many countries without needing a visa .

According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index released by the International Air Transport Association, a United States passport ranks sixth in the world according to the number of destinations its holder can travel to without having to acquire a prior visa.

READ ALSO: Underwater find of “incalculable value” in Mallorca

Visa-free entry to many countries

The U.S. passport is tied with Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland for sixth place, with citizens allowed to access 189 out of 227 destinations visa-free. This number includes countries that require Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa on arrival .

Six countries are tied for the number one spot- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain- with their citizens able to visit 194 countries.

Seven countries are tied for second place in the Henley Passport Index: those from Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden can travel to 193 countries without a visa.

Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom are at third place, with their citizens able to travel to 192 nations without the need of a visa.

READ ALSO: ‘Stone Age’ animals that use their own tools

Countries US citizens need a travel visa for

Those who are ready with this travel document will have to check if their port of entry requires a visa . Americans can go on a trip to majority of European, Caribbean, and Central and South American countries without one, but there are some places where you have to obtain a visa before you fly.

Travel to Cuba and North Korea may not be possible at all, due to restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.

Here is a list of countries for which you need to get a visa prior to traveling.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• Republic of Congo
• Turkmenistan

Credit cards are getting smarter

How banks are using huge amounts of data to separate legitimate purchases from scams

In mid-March, a scammer in California tried to buy $150 worth of Wingstop using my debit card. Aside from being impressed at the sheer size of the order, I was relieved because Citibank, which issued my card, declined the transaction on the spot and alerted me to the fraud. In minutes I was able to shut off my card, heading off any more purchases by the scammers, and order a new card. All's well that ends well.

When I went to Buenos Aires in April, I figured I might run into a similar situation . Sure, the banks say you don't have to call ahead when you travel anymore, but I assumed I'd still have some purchase flagged as potential fraud, as had happened in past trips abroad. Miraculously, everything went off without a hitch. I don't know how JPMorgan Chase knew that I would spend $200 on Botox in Argentina, but it did. (No, I didn't book my flight on the same card, and whatever, everybody gets Botox now .)

It's great that banks and credit-card companies are getting better at discerning which payments are fraudulent and which are legit. Many people have some horror story about having their credit card stolen or having their own legitimate transactions flagged as suspicious. And it's nice not to have to spend 20 minutes on the phone before a vacation explaining where you're going and when. Credit-card fraud protection is still far from perfect, but there's no denying that the technology is improving. On the flip side, it's also kind of wild to consider just how much financial institutions must know about you to make the right calls.

I was curious about how it all works — and, frankly, a little creeped out. So I reached out to some credit-card companies and academics to learn more. Why don't people have to alert their credit-card companies about travel anymore? And, more broadly, just how have banks gotten so good at figuring out what's normal about our spending habits and what isn't?

The Federal Trade Commission receives thousands of card-fraud complaints each year. The Nilson Report, which tracks the card industry, says payment-card fraud resulted in $33 billion in losses worldwide in 2022 and $13.6 billion in losses in the US. As such, credit-card issuers and banks are keen to do what they can to spot fraud. They want to keep their customers happy, and, more importantly, they want to stem their losses. In the US, the major credit-card issuers and banks generally have a zero-liability policy , which means that when a customer gets scammed, the organization, not the customer, has to eat the cost.

Years ago, whether a transaction went through was based on things like whether a physical card was present, whether you had enough money to make the purchase, and (if the cashier wanted to look) whether your signature on the receipt matched the one on the back of your card. In some cases, the cashier may have even asked for ID or called the bank to verify the funds. We've come a long way from those bad old days by using the same tools that power most innovations: data and computers. Credit-card companies and banks know a lot about us — where we shop, when we spend, and how much we're usually willing to pay for things — and they're getting better and better at turning that knowledge into action.

The models are evaluating a trillion dollars' worth of transactions a year.

While it's all the rage to talk about newfangled forms of artificial intelligence , fraud detection owes a lot to machine learning, a field within AI that's been around for years. A bunch of data gets dumped into computer systems, and algorithms figure out patterns and relationships. The algorithms create decision trees to predict the likelihood of different outcomes and identify what may be considered normal or fishy. It's not that your credit-card company knows that you, specifically, would blow a bunch of cash on A and not on B — it knows that customers with your profile are in the "likes A" camp and not the "likes B" one.

"It's looking at what's happening that is very much out of the ordinary for your general behaviors," said Tina Eide, an executive vice president of global fraud risk at American Express. "And when I talk about general behaviors, it is generalized, right? It is not down to the specific purchase or to the specific merchant." Eide added, "The models are evaluating a trillion dollars' worth of transactions a year."

The machines know more now than ever. Mike Lemberger, Visa's regional risk officer for North America, said that over the past five years the number of data points people generate with their credit cards has grown tremendously. People are increasingly using cards over cash. And they don't just have a physical card they're pulling out at the store — they've got their card credentials in their Amazon account, Netflix account, iPhone, etc. The more purchases the card issuer can analyze, the more accurate the fraud detection will be.

"Visa, we don't have consumer information — that's your financial institution that has that — but what we have is this triangulation of all these data points," Lemberger said. "We can create more and better scores, layer on top of that machine learning and AI abilities, and it becomes a much, much more powerful predictor, which we then feed into all of our partners to say, 'Hey guys, if you want to make the best decisions, here's a whole bunch of really good information.'"

Visa isn't going to block your card directly, but it'll alert your bank that your purchase looks suspicious or that fraud has been detected at the merchant you're dealing with.

This all seemed pretty simple until I talked to Yann-Aël Le Borgne and Gianluca Bontempi, a pair of researchers at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium who work on machine learning and card fraud . They emphasized the vast scale of this fraud-detection technology. Companies and their algorithms are ingesting millions of transactions and creating so many decision trees to categorize certain activities that it can defy human logic, they said. Basically, the computer may be right that your transaction looks funky even if it's made in your home city at a fairly innocuous vendor, or it may be right that the transaction is fine even though it's made in a faraway place — but when humans try to figure out what did or didn't sound the alarm, nobody will really be able to pinpoint why.

"Machines can consider many more features, and at the end of the day it's not clear if all those features have meaning for humans," Bontempi said. "Humans are used to working with two, three features, at most five features, while machines can work with hundreds of features. So there are really different levels between what a machine can do."

There are human-written rules, which are generally interpretable, and there are machine-written rules, which can be a black box. They're more accurate, but they may be harder, if not impossible, for people to reverse engineer. And banks may be using several different algorithms, making this even more complicated. Data scientists are the ultimate decision-makers, but the information they're dealing with is based on highly complex tech.

Humans are used to working with two, three features, at most five features, while machines can work with hundreds of features.

When I explained to experts my somewhat embarrassing wings-versus-wrinkles conundrum and asked what may have triggered one alert and not the other, they offered up different explanations. Eide, from American Express, said that even though I hadn't booked my trip to Argentina with the credit card I used to buy the Botox, something else had probably tipped off the system that I was there. I realized I'd also bought a package of spin classes in Buenos Aires on my phone with the same card. I had also paid for a meal in the city. Lemberger, from Visa, emphasized that it's about all the data and spending patterns and said that given my spending patterns, the Botox likely matched my profile more than the massive delivery order.

"I hate to say this to you, but at the end of the day, all these data points build personas. Just like in marketing somebody would use personas to market to you, we're using that same technology to protect you," he said. "And the fact is that we use those data points to not just secure you but the whole ecosystem."

At some point it occurred to me that the supercomputers that credit-card companies and banks are working with could know more about me than I even know or understand about myself.

"It's probable that the exact reason why a transaction caused your card to be blocked has no straightforward interpretation," Le Borgne said.

I also asked whether there was a big difference in credit-card protections and debit protections and was told not really — maybe banks will be a little more restrictive about credit because they're technically lending you money that's not limited by your actual cash balance. I also asked if companies don't worry about preclearing travel because they don't care as much about losing money to fraud anymore, to which the answer was a hard no.

"At the end of the day, somebody's got to pay for the fraudulent activity," Lemberger said. Credit-card companies will give you your money back if you're a victim of fraud, but they'll find another place to recoup that money, just as they always do .

Instinctually, I am not a technology-is-awesome person — if the AI really is going to kill us, I feel like we should unplug it. I'm not super freaked out about the privacy stuff, but I also don't love the idea that AmEx and JPMorgan and Citi have me so pegged. But it's cool that companies really are making fraud detection better, especially in a world where fraudsters themselves are constantly getting better. I don't want to be like "Yay, banks!" but maybe here the answer really is a little "Yay, banks!" At least that's the case until the next major data-privacy breach, at which point I will regret everything.

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

About Discourse Stories

Through our Discourse journalism, Business Insider seeks to explore and illuminate the day’s most fascinating issues and ideas. Our writers provide thought-provoking perspectives, informed by analysis, reporting, and expertise. Read more Discourse stories here .

Related stories

More from Retail

Most popular

• Main content

You Could Get an Ultra-Low APR With This Credit Union's Credit Card

The Skyla Credit Union Visa Platinum Rewards Card earns double rewards through June 30 and offers unique features like free balance transfers.

Low APR With Skyla Credit Union

Getty Images

Skyla Credit Union's Visa Platinum Rewards Card offers free balance transfers.

Key Takeaways

• New Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards cardholders can pay 0% APR during the 12-month promotional window, then a variable APR from 12.9% to 17.95%.
• Skyla's Visa Platinum Rewards Card earns two points per dollar on all purchases through June 30, 2024.
• Other features include no annual fee, no cash advance fees and free balance transfers.

Skyla Credit Union's Visa Platinum Rewards Card comes with a rare feature – free balance transfers. Plus, the card normally earns one point for every dollar you spend, but you can earn double the points now through the end of June. Keep reading to learn more about the Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card, including its benefits, how to redeem your rewards and alternative options.

Benefits of the Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card

The Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders and ongoing benefits, as well as no annual fee and no cash advance fees. In addition, the card features:

• Low APR. Your annual percentage rate will range from 12.9% up to 17.95%, depending on creditworthiness . This is lower than most cards on the market.
• 0% APR promotion period. As a new cardholder, you can pay 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases within the first 12 months. Once the promotional period expires, you'll need to pay interest at the card's standard rate.
• Welcome bonus. You can earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months with the card.
• Free balance transfers. Unlike many other cards, the Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card allows you to transfer a balance from another card for free.
• Cellphone protection. Paying your cellphone bill with the card allows you to access up to $250 per claim in supplemental coverage.
• Auto rental collision coverage. When you pay for a rental with the Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card, you can be reimbursed for any costs from physical damage to or theft of the rental car, along with other possible charges.

How to Redeem Rewards

To redeem your rewards, log into your Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards account. You can choose from several redemption options, such as:

• Cash. Convert your rewards into cash and transfer them into your Skyla account.
• Travel. Redeem reward points to cover travel expenses, such as hotels, flights and car rentals, through the card's website or by phone.
• Gift cards. Use your points to buy gift cards from several major retailers.
• Experiences. Use your points for experiences, such as sporting events, theme parks or spa services.

Alternative Reward Cards to Consider

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card has a variable purchase APR of 17.99% and earns five points per dollar on gas purchased at the pump and EV charging stations; three points per dollar at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations), at restaurants and with select streaming services; and one point per dollar on other purchases. Unlike the Skyla Visa Platinum Rewards Card, it has no foreign transaction fee . New cardholders also get a 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers, but you must pay a 3% transfer fee. Spend $1,500 in the first 90 days and you can earn 15,000 bonus points.

If you're looking for a card with a higher flat redemption rate, the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Card – also a no-annual-fee card – earns 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 you spend each billing cycle and 1.5% on purchases over that amount. Its variable rate ranges from 17.49% to 27.49%. However, it doesn't have a 0% APR promotional period, there is no sign-up bonus and you must pay a 3% fee on balance transfers.

The information for the Skyla Credit Union Visa Platinum Rewards Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

Tags: credit cards , credit unions

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Visit Thailand's top destinations as visa-free entry for Indians extended until November

TRAVEL NEWS , THAILAND Created : May 14, 2024, 00:00 IST

Thailand, known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, has long been a favourite destination for travellers from around the world. And now, with the recent extension of visa-free entry for Indians until November, there has never been a better time to explore this enchanting destination. It’s needless to say that Indians will like to take advantage of this opportunity. To ensure that you get the best, here are seven must-visit destinations to add to your Thai itinerary.

Thailand has something for everyone. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime in the Land of Smiles!

Begin your Thai adventure in the bustling capital city of Bangkok. Here, you can marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and explore the vibrant street markets of Chinatown. Don't miss the opportunity to sample delicious Thai street food at the famous Khao San Road or take a leisurely cruise along the Chao Phraya River to see the city's iconic landmarks.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by misty mountains and lush forests, this charming city offers a serene retreat for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural immersion. Explore the ancient temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, or try an adventurous trek through the jungle to discover hidden waterfalls and hill tribe villages.

No trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the stunning beaches of Phuket. With its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands, Phuket is a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike. Spend your days soaking up the sun on Patong Beach, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs at Phi Phi Island, or exploring the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road.

Step back in time and explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Here, you can wander through the sprawling archaeological site of Wat Mahathat, marvel at the towering spires of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and learn about Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage.

Discover the birthplace of Thai civilisation in the historic city of Sukhothai. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park, where you can admire the well-preserved ruins of ancient temples and monuments dating back to the 13th century. Rent a bicycle and explore the park at your own pace, or take a guided tour to learn more about the city's fascinating history.

Nestled along the Andaman coast, Krabi is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and idyllic island landscapes. Explore the limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of Railay Beach, go rock climbing at Tonsai Beach, or take a boat trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands for a day of snorkelling and island hopping.

Experience the vibrant energy of Pattaya, known for its lively nightlife, water sports, and entertainment options. Relax on the golden sands of Jomtien Beach, visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning wooden temple overlooking the sea, or enjoy a thrilling day out at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark.

Visual Stories

Uttarakhand’s 10 best places for bird watchers

Most mountainous countries in the world

These national parks in India will be closed during monsoon

8 beautiful lakes to explore in Uttarakhand this May

India's summer heavens: Top destinations for a refreshing vacation

10 most economically stable countries in the world in 2024

10 best cities in the world for curious travellers

Oldest animal species alive on earth and where to spot them?

9 must-have travel experiences before you die!

Top 10 largest cities in the world

Join Us On Facebook Close

Poll of the day, which of these is one of earth's oldest geographical feature, comments (0).

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration, trending stories.

9 things Cannes is famous for other than the glamorous Cannes Film Festival

Visit Thailand's top destinations as visa-free entry for Indians extended

Danakil Depression: What’s it like to visit the hottest inhabited place on Earth?

• 5 largest lakes in the world worth travelling for

Mumbai weather: Dust storm, rain in Mumbai, massive billboard falls

Kedarnath Dham update: Over 75,139 devotees visited the temple in 3 days of its opening

Japan launches online booking to address Mount Fuji trail overcrowding

Pichavaram: Detailed guide to world's second largest mangrove forest

Ship ‘floating in the sky!’ Bizarre images captured along Greek coastline

In pictures: World's most beautiful forests

From around the web, popular galleries.

Summer escapes: 5 memorable road trips if you need a good break!

Follow us on

Latest news.

• Mumbai weather: Dust storm, rain in Mumbai, massive billboard falls, flights and trains affected
• Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression: What’s it like to visit the hottest inhabited place on Earth?

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

Thailand, known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, has long been a favourite destination for travellers from around the world. And now, with the recent extension of visa-...

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Apply for an immigrant visa

Learn about family-based, fiancee, and work visas and how to apply for each. Discover the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Immigrant visa to work in the U.S.

Learn about the requirements to apply for an immigrant visa through employment and how to sponsor a permanent worker.

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program awards up to 50,000 immigrant visas each year. Learn if you can apply, see the results, and know what to do if you are selected.

Family-based immigrant visas and sponsoring a relative

Learn how you may be able to sponsor a family member for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

How to check the status of your visa application

Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

What happens if your visa application is rejected

Find out what to do if your visa is denied, and learn if you are eligible for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

Learn about K-1 fiancé(e) visas and sponsoring a future spouse

If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to come to the U.S. to get married. Your future spouse must sponsor you, and you must apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Tourism & Visit

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Visa Information & Resources

Share this page:

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Japanese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Turkish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Hebrew

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Albanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Tagalog

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Russian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Polish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Ukranian

Visa Wizard

Visa Denials

Fraud Warning

What the Visa Expiration Date Means

Automatic Revalidation

Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival/Departure Records (Form I-94)

Directory of Visa Categories

Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Customer Service Statement

Photo Requirements

Photo Examples

Digital Image Requirements

Photo Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Composition Template

Online Immigrant Visa Forms

DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions

Administrative Processing Information

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Countries

What is a U.S. Visa?

About Visas - The Basics

Rights and Protections for Foreign-Citizen Fiancé(e)s and Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents

Your Rights and Protections

Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers

Advisory Opinions

Fees for Visa Services

Treaty Countries

Fees and Reciprocity Tables

Temporary Reciprocity Schedule

Country Acronyms

Reciprocity: What's New? 2019 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2022 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2020 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2021 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New?

Reciprocity: What's New? 2023 Archive

Safety & Security of U.S. Borders: Biometrics

National Visa Center Customer Service Pledge

Americans Traveling Abroad

The United States and China Agree to Extending Visas for Short-term Business Travelers, Tourists, and Students

Special Visa Processing Procedures Pursuant to Section 306

Capitalizing on Visa Demand to Spur Economic Growth in the United States

Congressional Testimony

Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CRFP) Program Appointments

List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates - K1-K3 Visas

U.S. Government Fact Sheet on Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)

Skill List by Country

Presidential Proclamation 9645 and the January 2020 Presidential Proclamation

Public Inquiry Form

List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Affidavit of Support Fee Refund

Immigrant Visa Prioritization

USCIS Extends Suspension of Premium Processing Service for Religious Workers (R-1) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

Record Numbers of U.S. Students Are Studying Abroad

U.S. Student Visas Reach Record Numbers in 2007

U.S. security officials will begin scanning all 10 fingerprints of most non-Americans traveling to the United States

Electronic Submission of Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

USCIS Centralizes Filing for H-2A Petitions

USCIS Field Office Adopts Teletech Call Appointment System For Filing Waiver of Inadmissibility Applications

Application Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas to Increase on January 1, 2008

Senior Advisors to Brief Press on the Latest Developments in Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa Issues

Briefing on Developments in the Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Admissions Programs

DHS Proposes Changes to Improve H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

Testimony of Stephen A. “Tony” Edson on U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, House Committee on Science and Technology

Update: Biometric Changes for Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents

With All the Talk about Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind

Latvia, Estonia Sign Deals with US on Visa-Free Travel

Fact Sheet: Changes to the FY2009 H-1B Program

USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas

USCIS Releases Preliminary Number of FY 2009 H-1B Cap Filings

USCIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Change to H-2A Program

USCIS Runs Random Selection Process for H-1B Petitions

17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students

DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force

USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions Sent to California or Vermont Service Centers Temporary Accommodation Made for FY 09 Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS Announces Update for Processing Petitions for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

Immigration Tops Agenda at North American Summit

USCIS Issues Guidance for Approved Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioners

USCIS Modifies Application for Employment Authorization Previous Versions of Form I-765 Accepted until July 8, 2008

Overseas Education More Attainable for Chinese Students

New York Business Group Seeks Fewer Restrictions on Foreign Worker Visas

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. In this situation, when planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country, see  Country Specific Travel Information  in the Passport section of this website.)

How Can I Use a Visa to Enter the United States?

Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States. While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose. DHS/CBP inspectors, guardians of the nation’s borders, are responsible for admission of travelers to the United States, for a specified status and period of time. DHS also has responsibility for immigration matters while you are present in the United States.

What Types of Visas Are There?

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of U.S. visas:

• Nonimmigrant visas  – For travel to the United States on a temporary basis.  Learn more .
• Immigrant visas  – For travel to live permanently in the United States.  Learn more .

Reading and Understanding a Visa

Additional resources.

Please visit these webpages as well as selections on our website's left toolbar:

• Browse this useful  A-Z subject index  related to visas.
• Review  Frequently Asked Questions  about visas.
• See the latest  Visa News .

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - English

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - French

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Spanish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Portuguese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mandarin

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Arabic

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Italian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - German

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Vietnamese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Romanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Korean

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Armenian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Bulgarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Czech

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Hungarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Indonesian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Lithuanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Serbian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Thai

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mongolian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Kurdish

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

KPMG Personalization

• Turkey – Certain Passengers in Transit via Istanbul Airport to Some Countries Need New E-Visa

GMS Flash Alert 2024-109

• Share Share close
• Download Turkey – Certain Passengers in Transit via Istanbul Airport to Some Countries Need New E-Visa pdf Opens in a new window
• 1000 Save this article to my library
• Go to bottom of page
• Home ›
• Insights ›

Jump to:  More Details   |  Can Be Obtained via Internet Free-of-Charge |  Passenger Practical Matters 

An electronic airport transit visa requirement has been introduced, starting15 April 2024, for citizens of 10 countries who will transit to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela using Istanbul Airport. 1

WHY THIS MATTERS

Turkey, which is both a transit country and a destination country in terms of global “irregular” migration movements, is actively implementing measures to reinforce its fight against irregular migration. 2

With this obligation, irregular migration is expected to be prevented to some extent.

Passengers travelling from the afore-mentioned countries, from 15 April 2024, have new steps and procedures to complete in order to be in compliance. 

More Details

Inspections within the framework of accepted international aviation rules have been increased due to the recent rise in the number of irregular immigrants heading to North America via various Central and Latin American countries, using transit airline opportunities via Turkey.

Turkish Airlines (THY) warned in March for passengers traveling to South American countries that "some additional checks may be applied in addition to the general rules such as passport and visa requirements for accepting passengers on flights." 3

According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, in this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has completed the necessary preparations to implement the electronic airport transit visa (e-HTV) application. 4

Citizens of Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, India, Mauritania, Nepal, Somalia, and Yemen who will travel to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, but transit through Istanbul Airport, as of 15 April 2024, must obtain an electronic airport transit visa.

Can Be Obtained via Internet Free-of-Charge

The electronic transit visa can be obtained free-of-charge online from the "evisa.gov.tr" portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of 15 April 2024. 5  Passengers must correctly enter their personal information, accommodation address information, and ticket numbers when obtaining an electronic visa.

Passenger Practical Matters

Istanbul Airport transit passengers who are subject to an electronic transit visa are also expected to have print-outs of their transit visas with them.

Passengers subject to an electronic transit visa will be able to pass through security control and go to the departure floor after having their visas checked at one of the visa points located in both wings of the Istanbul Airport international transit passenger arrivals hall.

KPMG INSIGHTS

The changes to the rules for nationals of the 10 countries in question mean additional steps and procedures in order to complete their journeys.  There may be some confusion and questions regarding who the rules apply to and the appropriate next steps.  Concerned parties may wish to consult with their usual travel agents and immigration counsel.  They may also reach out to a member of the KPMG Immigration team in Turkey for assistance (see the Contacts section).

1  As an example of the Turkish government’s announcement of this policy, see: Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, India, " IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE INDIAN/NEPALESE PASSANGERS TRAVELING TO MEXICO, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, VENEZUELA VIA İSTANBUL AIRPORT ."

2  The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) defines the term 'migrant in an irregular situation' as follows: A person who moves or has moved across an international border and is not authorised to enter or to stay in a State pursuant to the law of that State and to international agreements to which that State is a party (Source: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/irregular-migrant_en ).

3  See this webpage on the Turkish Airlines website: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/announcements/passenger-admission-rules-for-south-america/ .

4  Passengers can obtain their e-ATV via the website: evisa.gov.tr .

5  Ibid.

Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Turkey.

Connect with us

• Find office locations kpmg.findOfficeLocations
• Email us kpmg.emailUs
• Social media @ KPMG kpmg.socialMedia
• Request for proposal

Stay up to date with what matters to you

Gain access to personalized content based on your interests by signing up today

Browse articles,  set up your interests , or  View your library .

You've been a member since

• GMS FLASH ALERT - TURKEY
• GMS FLASH ALERT - IMMIGRATION
• GMS FLASH ALERT - VIEW ALL

GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

© 2024 KPMG Bağımsız Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş, a Turkish Corporation and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organization please visit https://kpmg.com/governance .