Which country has the strictest visa requirements?
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With so many countries to visit, not everyone can get a visa to every destination. Some countries don’t issue them due to safety and political reasons but what about the ones that do?
There are 195 independent nations around our globe! And while some would like nothing more than being able travel freely across all of these places in hopes for an unforgettable experience, it’s not always possible just because, for example, your paperwork isn’t approved yet by the governmental authorities.
Luckily, there is hope! With careful planning beforehand plus flexibility when traveling abroad, this can be much easier! Additionally, many countries introduced the service of electronic visas, which simply serve as an online alternative to those visas issued directly at the Embassy.
To find out if you are eligible for an eVisa to one of these countries, you can visit an online visa service Evisa Express. You will find there over 50 destinations to which you can plan your trip with an eVisa. Just check!
Now, let’s go to the countries with the strictest visa requirements:
Russia
The traditional process of getting a Russian visa is not difficult, but it does take some time and effort. You must list every single trip you took in the last ten years with details where you went, when, how long for each one of them this can be challenging if there are many trips or just a few ones since remembering all may feel overwhelming! However, filling out your application correctly will get results: provided everything is requested you should receive your visa promptly soon after submitting papers. As an American citizen, you have to answer two times as many questions on your application for a Russian visa.
In January 2021, Russia introduced the electronic visa system that has been suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Once the country decides to reissue electronic visas, travellers will be able to apply for a single-entry visa to Russia and stay up to 8 days. Russian eVisa covers business and tourism purposes, e.g. visiting family and friends, exploring the tourist side of the country, or attending business events held in Russia. All Russia enthusiasts are looking forward to restoring the issuance of electronic visas to make their trips to this country much easier.
Saudi Arabia
Despite being a modern country with shining skyscrapers and beaches, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still extremely strict when it comes to visas. Women traveling alone must have their sponsor meet them upon arrival in order for them to enter legally.
You should know that without a sponsor or marriage certificate, you might not be able to get an application approved. As long as these rules are followed and abide by the applicants, the visa process itself isn’t too complicated!
Saudi Arabia is another country that has implemented the electronic visa system, which makes the application process way easier than a traditional one. The only requirement for eVisa to Saudi Arabia is a passport that cannot expire for a minimum of 6 months. Although the particular additional requirements can be different according to individual countries, another common requirement is that a traveller needs to be an adult (18 years old) or needs to travel with a guardian. Currently, Saudi Arabia allows only tourists who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19.
Pakistan
Since 2018, travellers to Pakistan may apply online for a visa, which means no Embassy visits. eVisa to Pakistan covers tourism-related or business trips. Applicants follow a few application steps and the approval takes maximally 10 days.
To get a tourist eVisa, applicants only need to be holders of a valid passport and upload a face photo. However, those applying for a business visa are required to additionally provide their company registration proof (Chamber of Commerce Certificate/SECP) and legal residence proof. Moreover, their Pakistani business partner must also issue an invitation letter (E-BIL). Sometimes, the Pakistani authorities may require more supporting documents.
Nigeria
To enter Nigeria, all travellers need to obtain a visa. This requirement applies to all citizens of the countries who cannot travel to Nigeria visa-free. Every applicant needs to prepare a valid passport and fill out the visa online form. As a next step, it is necessary to visit Embassy in order to submit the required documents and collect the approved visa in person.
For online applications, there are only two basic documents, a valid passport, and a face photo. As it comes to the passport it must remain valid for minimum 6 months, while a photo may be taken just with the mobile phone or web camera.
Iran
An electronic visa to Iran is issued for temporary trips to the Republic of Iran. The application is made electronically and comprises filling out the online form for Authorization Code. Obtaining the code is obligatory to submit the documents and next collect the approved visa at one of the selected Iranian Embassy.
The Code is required for all types of non-immigrational visas, incl. family, investment, student, press, medical, business, and tourist visa. Similarly, like with a Nigerian visa, to submit an online form, applicants need just a valid passport and digital face photo.
Since 23rd Oct., fully vaccinated travellers can enter Iran again as the country reopened its borders after a several-month lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bottom Lines
The countries with the most difficult visa requirements can make it challenging for many to visit. But don’t let that stop you from exploring and understanding what is happening in other parts of the world!
Apply for an eVisa today and see how easy it is to travel abroad, especially when using the more convenient solution of the electronic visa system!