Real Traveler
by Anita Dunham-Potter
If you are planning on traveling overseas for business, pleasure, or
study, the best way to ensure a relaxing, carefree trip is to
prevent problems before they happen. The more you know about
passports, visas, customs, immunizations, and other travel basics,
the less likely you are to encounter difficulties during your
travels.
Did you know some countries do not permit entry to travelers whose
passports have visas showing they have visited certain other
countries? A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport
by a foreign government that permits you to visit that country for a
specific purpose and duration. For example, many Arab countries will
not allow entry to people whose passports have a visa stamp showing
that they have visited Israel. In addition, some African countries
have refused to admit travelers with South African visas or entry
and exit stamps in their passports. The situation has improved since
the end of apartheid; however, some African countries still will not
permit travelers with passports showing certain South African
visas.
So, what do you do when you want to travel to these countries and
you have visas and stamps from any restricted countries? There is a
way, and it is completely legal, according to the U.S. State
Department. You can obtain a second, restricted passport, which, on
the surface, looks like any other U.S. passport. However, there is
one big exception: it clearly states that it is limited for travel
to particular countries only. This restricted passport cannot be
substituted for a regular passport, and it cannot be used to enter
every country, only the ones that are specified on the application.
In addition, these passports are not issued for countries that have
no diplomatic relations with the U.S. You can apply for one at your
regional passport office, but be prepared to document your
legitimate need for travel to the country in question.
Keep in mind that if your entrance to a country depends upon using
the restricted passport, show only the restricted passport whenever
you are asked for your identifying papers. Be careful not to show
your regular passport or in any way reveal that you are carrying two
passports. Using two passports is not permitted by most governments,
so there could be serious consequences.
To find out if you will need a restricted passport, check the Visa
Information Sheet available from any passport office. This document
will help you to determine if there are visa or passport conflicts
among the countries on your itinerary. Because customs regulations
change often, you should contact the consulate or embassy of each
country you plan to visit when preparing for your trip.
Additional Resources:
U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs:
http://travel.state.gov/index.html
Provide feedback or ask Anita questions at the Smarter Living Forum.
Or you may write to her in care of Smarter Living, Inc., 432
Columbia St., Suite B-4, Cambridge, MA 02141.
©
2000 Smarter Living, Inc.
|
.
