When traveling in a foreign country, you’re also subject to its laws and regulations — so it’s important to be prepared just in case you find yourself in an unexpected legal snafu while traveling overseas. Read on to learn how.
1) Understand Your Destination: First and foremost, make sure to gather as much information as possible about your destination so you can make more informed choices while overseas. Pay careful and close attention to criminal penalties as you may learn some interesting facts. Be particularly cognizant of unfamiliar practices, the current political environment, and other risks that could potentially lead to legal problems. What is considered a minor offense (or perfectly legal) in some places could snowball into a very serious situation with harsh penalties in others.
Some unexpected examples of this could include public displays of affection, certain hand gestures, or even packing certain materials from an area of interest. Legal drinking ages also vary from country to country, and some areas permit alcohol use only for medicinal purposes.
2) Keep Visas in Mind: You may think that all you need for a successful trip besides a fully stocked suitcase is a valid passport, but that may not be the case. A visa is an official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a foreign country. Obtaining the proper visa(s) for your destination(s) of interest is not only necessary to enter certain countries, but can also avoid additional legal hardships/complexities in an already challenging situation.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to find the official government immigration website of the country you intend to visit. Once you’ve found and read all the available information, including the visa application requirements, fill out the required travel visa application form. You may be able to send in the form electronically or you may be required to send it by mail. Important to note that it’s important to investigate visa requirements as soon as possible before your trip as some countries require in-person visits to reginal consulates to be granted a visa.
Pro tip: On Call not only can advise if the destination you’re traveling to requires a visa, but can also help members navigate the visa application process prior to their trip.
