Modern Challenges in Globetrotting!
Moments ago I found out how easy it is for my German friend—currently on her world trip, to hop across countries visa free and without any cumbersome paperwork!
As I disconnected our call I couldn't help but ask myself, "Wouldn't it be awesome if everyone could simply travel to all countries with just our passports and without any additional documents atleast for a period of 1 month? It would be amazing to live in a world without borders, wouldn't it?"
If only crossing over for brief duration were a simpler task with little or no bureaucracy involved as much as possible!
We're incredibly well connected by means of technology with anyone, anywhere in the world! But, one of the things complicating overseas or overland travel is the process of visa. It's a compulsion and an hurdle for many travellers across the globe!
It takes 10-15 minutes to book your cheap flight but the tedious prep for a visa application takes 1-3 months! It's taken me nearly 2 months of advance prep before I could schedule an appointment for my Schengen visa.
Today, I received an email with the information that, 'my application has been received at New Delhi, India.' But, a week has passed since my visa appointment at Bangalore! At the current pace, I expect that it will take another week or so before the passport is returned.
In 2011, at the end of my personal interview for my US travel visa, the embassy personnel interviewing me informed I will receive my passport within a week with my visa. However, with VFS Global Services handling paperwork for countries in the European Union there's total uncertainty over the process!
I wouldn't know until I get my passport back if my visa application has been accepted or not. Will I make it to SteemFest? Who knows!
United States of America—despite it's complicated Visa application procedures didn't require me (thankfully) to book my flights in advance! However, EU countries need you to book your return flights + accommodation + insurance and have a fixed itinerary well in advance before you can even apply!
In case of a rejection, you stand to lose all your money! For me, that's approximately $1200 currently riding on the whim and fancy of an embassy employee!
I'm not really worried as I have prior foreign travel history. I've tried my best to meet all the requirements laid out by The Netherlands embassy as well. But, getting a visa remains a gamble as we have zero control and have no option of an appeal except for repeating the process.
Incase of a refusal there's no 'real explanation' provided nor any visa fees refunded!
Common Visa procedures mandated by countries:
1. Visa Free — You don't require a Visa.
2. Visa on Arrival — You pay a fee, collect visa and have it stamped on your passport upon arrival during immigration checks.
3. Visa required before Arrival — As in my case where I have to apply in advance and meet all kinds of crazy requirements.
4. Visa from Specific Embassy — Some countries require you to visit specific embassies in your country or a country of their choice to apply for visa.
5. E-Visa — An electronic visa that can be purchased online before you travel into a new country.
Top Ranking Passports in the World
If you belong to some of the top ranking countries listed on the Passport Index website you can certainly travel Visa Free or get a Visa on Arrival to over hundred countries!
As a German or Swedish citizen, you can travel 158 countries Visa Free or get a Visa on arrival!
American citizens can similarly travel to 155 countries. But, as an Indian citizen I can only travel to 49 countries—an optimistic figure compared to citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq! Despite ranking as one of the biggest economies in the world, travelling abroad from India to many western countries is anything but easy!
Some of these 49 countries in comparison are more expensive to reach than travelling for a week in the EU/US including your return tickets. I need to get my visa prior to travelling to these countries and in some cases visit specific embassy in my country to apply for the visa.
What that basically means is that my passport is worth shit! Most countries on my wishlist or those really worth visiting requires tons of paperwork and a LOT of money wasted simply on getting your paperwork ready.
We live in an era where technology has bridged the gap and has made the world a smaller place. Yet, governments across the world continue to employ these old practices for various reasons including filling their coffers and those of their associated agencies.
Being a citizen of a western country has several benefits starting with a simple and essential travel document as the passport. It doesn't come as a surprise that millions across the world wish to migrate to western countries for the want and need of a better life!
I like my life in India and wouldn't want to relocate unless absolutely necessary! But if I did move into a top western country then perhaps I could visit 100-150+ countries before it's time to kick the bucket! Quite probably get this done in this life without wasting half my time and money in running from pillar to post completing unnecessary documentation!
Sadly though, terrorism, wars and countries imposing sanctions on each other are ever increasing! As a enthusiastic traveller, I have to ask, "will we ever stand a chance to be global citizens in our lives? Will globetrotting become an easier affair before the turn of this century?"
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Fuck borders, fuck passports, and fuck the millions of forms to fill up lol!
Although Malaysia has one of the best passports.. but still..
To add to the discussion: I think it will become easier in maybe 20-30 years time. Everyone's basically a citizen of Facebook nowadays anyway lol.. I think once virtuality is more understood and appreciated, there will be more ways to be global citizens. Gonna be interesting to see how things turn out. Those that wanna impose passports and protect the sanctity of their land etc.. well that's another problem ain't it.
Very apt indeed.. it's quite a modern problem, even though we can fly faster now.
How i'd love to do that bro!
But if I do, the only countries that I can travel to easily are Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives I think! LOL!
I think once affordable flight crafts become a reality.. it's kinda hard to control all these cross border stuff ;). What, are they gonna shoot down everything on sight?
I agree but the issue of visa will forever remain. Not for anyone who's country ranks higher in the list but for me it will haha.
Besides I think for aircrafts you need an entirely different set of permits altogether. Rea flying cars that you and I can use won't be a reality anytime soon. :P
Fuck Fuck ! I should write my stories of my past 16 visa BS years in Indonesia . Madness !
Hey congrats man! 49 countries is much you know ;) I've got a whopping 44 visa -free countries to visit.. sarcasm I've even got countries in Africa I have to spend days filing papers before Im allowed to visit..
The situation sucks so much and is so annoying...
I truly hope you're able to get everything sorted out.. You've expended so much in it.. Have a good one bud.. :)
Haha! :D
That's just insane! Why am I not surprised? I hear you and could imagine your disappointment too. I hope so, but let's see, visa is one thing, coming up with the travel budget is another. Long way to go on both these fronts! Appreciate your support as always! :)
Good luck with it. I agree it would be nice to live in a world where there weren't so many restrictions. Some of the security stuff is understandable, but it's made travel difficult for many people.
Thanks. Indeed. Just have to work with what we've got. :)
I invite you to know Argentina, here goes not been having problem with the visa, my land is beautiful if you visit the Run away Argentina to Corrientes my home province there are magical places to visit, excellent valuable post information visas, wish you good luck in the travel elections thanks for sharing this post
I would love to visit Argentina and the South American continent in general as well! But seems like I'm a long way from there! Thanks much for the invite @jlufer! Likewise, give me a shout out if you plan to visit India. :)
Interesting. Visas can be a pain.
this is sickening to read :( please keep us updated, man!!
Thanks bro! Will do! :)
Don't get me started on this! Last five days, I have been applying to a system which thinks it costs money to answer. Damn the visas!
Haha Tell me about it! Fingers crossed for both our visas! The system has gotto change! Why can't' they give a multi-entry visa for a long duration and allow people to travel at their whim and fancy. Imagine having to reapply every few months if one has to travel regularly for work.
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