VISA Information for Countries

Does anyone have any experience with Czeck republic? Is visa needed? Can it be issued without a greencard? Thanks
 
GC and travelling

I got my GC today! Waited less than 9 months since the date i filed I-485 application. Very happy!

But..
Three things i want to ask:

1. On my GC it says "resident since 4/19/2005". Which is basicly since last year. Is it a mistake or they count me as a resident since 2005 and I can actually apply for citizenship in 4 years instead of 5?

2. Before I got a GC i applied for a travel document, so it is valid for another year or so. So, now if i need to live the country do i carry both? and after travel document expires, do i need to apply for a new one? I still have my NP.

And finally, do i need a reentry permit or it is for those who live the country for more than a year?
Please help
 
Congratulations tata. This is just my two cents/advice/opinion.

tata1478 said:
1. On my GC it says "resident since 4/19/2005". Which is basicly since last year. Is it a mistake or they count me as a resident since 2005 and I can actually apply for citizenship in 4 years instead of 5? The GC for asylees is one year backdated, so you need to apply to citizenship 4 years 9 months (continuous residence) after the date on your GC, which is roughly 4 years after you received the GC.
2. Before I got a GC i applied for a travel document, so it is valid for another year or so. So, now if i need to live the country do i carry both? and after travel document expires, do i need to apply for a new one? I still have my NP.
It is up to you. You can of course use your RTD (have the GC with you as well) until it expires. After your RTD expires, if your NP is still valid , you can use your NP with your GC. Bear in mind that once you renew your NP (in case your NP expires before your citizenship application) you will have a hard time getting an RTD (because on the form it asks if you renewed your NP). You have these choices; pick one that you feel comfortable with.
And finally, do i need a reentry permit or it is for those who live the country for more than a year?
You mean you will just make short travels and are asking if you need RP? nah, you don't
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I want to travel to Canada to visit friends for one week recently, and wonder if I can get a Canada visit Visa by using my NP (not expire)? If yes, what kind of documents I need to mail to them? My RTD has expired and it takes time to get another one. Anyone has any experience with NP? Thanks!
 
betty33 said:
I want to travel to Canada to visit friends for one week recently, and wonder if I can get a Canada visit Visa by using my NP (not expire)? If yes, what kind of documents I need to mail to them? My RTD has expired and it takes time to get another one. Anyone has any experience with NP? Thanks!
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You still need RTD to enter back to USA. You do not have GC yet, so you need to have some sort of travel document with you. Just NP alone will not be enough to let you back in the USA.
 
RE visa in France: In 2001 I had only RTD but Green Card and not even passport of ANY coutry (my USSR one was expired in 1995) - and I visited France - had Private Invetation from a friend of mine), so may be your info re. Green Card a must was not correct - contact French Consulate for info for current requerement
 
tata1478 said:
I got my GC today! Waited less than 9 months since the date i filed I-485 application. Very happy!

But..
Three things i want to ask:

1. On my GC it says "resident since 4/19/2005". Which is basicly since last year. Is it a mistake or they count me as a resident since 2005 and I can actually apply for citizenship in 4 years instead of 5?

2. Before I got a GC i applied for a travel document, so it is valid for another year or so. So, now if i need to live the country do i carry both? and after travel document expires, do i need to apply for a new one? I still have my NP.

And finally, do i need a reentry permit or it is for those who live the country for more than a year?
Please help
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Hi, tata, congrats on your Green Card (I was waiting for mine for 12 years after applying for Asylum!), so he are my answers (I was a Citizenship Counselor for 4 years in NYC, but not a lawer though):
1. If you are asylee - you have date of residence minus one year from the date of approval notice on your I-485 application (for refugee it should be the date of entry in the US);
2. You doesn't need your RTD if you have unexpired passport of any country. But - be very carefully if you are asylee - applying for new passport (after its expiration) of your origin country may be a reason to cancel your Asylum status;
3. If you will leave USA for more then a year - you MUST have RTD/Reentry Permit, otherwise you can loose your Permanent Resident status, (by the way, if you you are going to leave USA for a country, where you asylee/refugee from - you are at huge risk to loose your status - and Green Card too).
 
My experience:
Mexico does required visa but no one really looks at it at the port of entry (in Mexico City at least) and I know that some people went to Tihuana without any visa just with RTD and came back without any problems.
Switzerland embassy works very well when issuing visas. I got my within 10 days without any problems.
Chezh Republic works a little bit slowly and it's hard to get someone to talk to at the office + they require travel insurance cover, but still I got my RTD stamped with a visa within 3 weeks.
All those embassies require applicant's financial statements, hotel reservation and ticket itinerary + I also sent letters from my employer. Travel insurance is very easy to get and it's really cheap.
 
Minsk said:
My experience:
Mexico does required visa but no one really looks at it at the port of entry (in Mexico City at least) and I know that some people went to Tihuana without any visa just with RTD and came back without any problems.
Switzerland embassy works very well when issuing visas. I got my within 10 days without any problems.
Chezh Republic works a little bit slowly and it's hard to get someone to talk to at the office + they require travel insurance cover, but still I got my RTD stamped with a visa within 3 weeks.
All those embassies require applicant's financial statements, hotel reservation and ticket itinerary + I also sent letters from my employer. Travel insurance is very easy to get and it's really cheap.
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I have found this resource extremely valuable. You can input your travel document type info/country of citizenship/permanent resident and it will give you whether or not you need a visa...

http://www.cgny.org/visainquiry.asp
 
Has any of you try visiting Romania?
I'm planning to go there early of next year. I tried to e-mail the consulate about whether I need visa using my RTD w/o a GC, but I haven't gotten any reply yet. If I do need a visa, do I have to go to their embassy and apply or can I just mail in the form and sorts?
 
wantmygcnow said:
VISAS NOT REQUIRED: Transit or Short Term STay Visa(90 days)

Germany
Ireland
Singapore (http://www.mfa.gov.sg/newyork-consul/USA visa regulations.html)

ALL European Countries Require a Visa to enter their territories. See Exceptions below:

France:

Visitor Visa:
If you have a RTD and NO GREEN CARD IN HAND. You can not enter France. Period. France only issues visas to RTD holders with a Green card.

Transit Visa:
NO Transit Visa's required for holders of RTD. No matter if you have GC in hand or not. See link:
http://www.consulfrance-washington....cle=383&var_recherche=refugee+travel+document

You cannot enter the country though but only Transit in the airport. For instance, if you did not have a GC and were going to Germany through France, you would not need a visa and could go to the gate that boards your flight to Germany.

United Kingdom

Visitor Visa: Required for every RTD holders with or without a GC. You will also be fingerprinted upon entry.
Transit Visa: Not required if you have a Green card in Hand.

http://www.britainusa.com/visas/other_show.asp?SarticleType=25&Other_ID=313

India

Visitor/Transit: RTD holders are required to submit for visa 4 months in advance. Best of luck.

Thailand:

Visitor/Transit: It takes 1 week or less to get a visa. Very easy.

Japan:

Visitor/Transit: It takes 1 week or less to get a visa also. Very simple and easy. Make sure you bow
once you pick up your passport.

Australia:

Visitor/Transit: Australians are the nicest people and they treat RTD like royality. THe Visa's
are issued in 1 week. No health insurance needed but sufficient proof of funds needed. Nice
experience I had with them mate.

New Zealand:

Visitor/Transit: Lil bro of Australia, If you have a valid Australian Visa, you can stay up to 30 days.


CAnada:

Visit/Transit: if you hold a Green card, you do not need a visa otherwise you need a Visa.

Mexico:

Visit/Transit: Visa needed no matter what. Very rude embassy.

Bahamas:

Visit/Transit: Visa needed.

Switzerland:

No Visa Needed if you have a Green card in Hand and valid National Passport.

Visa is needed if you have Refugee Travel Document and even a green card

They do not recognize the Rentry Permit.

http://www.eda.admin.ch/houston_cg/e/home/houston.html

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: I have a Refugee Travel Document and I am visiting Germany which doesn't require a visa. Can I land in Germany and travel all over Europe?

Answer: If you do that, be prepared to be turned back to Germany since you do not have a schegen visa. Many members including me have travelled to Europe once entering Germany but it may be pure luck or just the policies that European Police do not know. I would advise if you want to feel safe, apply for a visa. If you do not give rat's ass, then go to germany
and travel Europe get a visa...If you do-not-give-a-damn-what-the-cops-say then proudly show your RTD when asked for a visa and say "keine visa"
Thats NO visa in German.

Question: My RTD expires in 2 month, Can i travel to Germany, Ireland or Singapore without a Visa?

Answer: I have travelled germany with less than 2 months on my RTD and no problems but what if the snow-storm of the century hits Europe and you are burried..Then what huh?

Question: I am going to apply for a schegen Visa but where do I get the Insurance?

Answer: Google for insurance or your local American Express can give you insurance also for few bucks.

Question: I have a Rentry Permit. Do I need a visa, Can i go to germany without one?

Answer: NOt so fast mister. Rentry Permit technically means you are taking a leave of absence from U.S and Germany requires a visa. Even though both Rentry Permit and RTD look the same, inside the booklet, it is clearly written, Rentry permit rather than Refugee Travel Document.

Question: I just came back from Germany and I feel like going back again in a week. Can I?

Answer: Wow you must be loaded. Yes you can go every week for the rest of your life as long as you have a valid RTD with 2 months left for expiry(say that fast now). Germans only care that you have a valid RTD And they rarely look at when you entered or left the country.
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I am not sure if this has been posted yet, but here is a quote from visa regulations from the embassy of Croatia. If you hold a valid RTD, you are not required to have a visa to visit Croatia for upto 90 days...

"By way of exception from paragraph 1 of this Article, holders of valid travel documents for refugees or stateless persons, issued in:

European Union Member States, States Signatories to the Schengen Agreement, Swiss Confederation, United States of America shall be exempt from visa requirements for a stay of up to 90 days in the Republic of Croatia and for transit through its territory."

Also, if you are a green card holder in the US, you are also not required to obtain a visa regardless of your country of citizenship:

"By way of exception from paragraph 1 of this Article, nationals of the above listed countries, holders of valid ordinary passports, shall be exempt from visa requirements if in possession of a residence permit issued by one of the following States:

European Union Member States, States Signatories to the Schengen Agreement, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Liechtenstein, Principality of Monaco, Republic of San Marino, United States of America, Swiss Confederation."

Source:www.croatiaemb.org
 
Paramvir1 said:
am leaving for thailand tomorrow.they issued me a visa with single entry.now am also planning to visit phillippines with in this trip.let me tell you berief itinerary for this trip.
lve sfo 6th
arrival in thailand 8th
then lve for manila on 17th
and come back in bangkok on21st
and lve on same day to sfo.
do you guys think thai immigration will give me troubles..?cuz i hav just single entry.but am not planning to step outside of the airport.
what other options i have..?
thanx in advance for sharing your experienced knowledge.
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hi there, If you have single Entry visa. You may not get in Thailand with same visa from Phillipine If your Visa on RTD is inspected on boarder of Thailand and Phillippines, you are not able to get back in Thailand due to Single Entry (which you already used to get Thai from SFO). If there are no restriction or control between Thai and Phillippines boarder. They will not know that you've sometime been to Philippines and they will let you board for SFO consider you never go out of Thailand boarder. I went Germany to Italiy through Swiss and I had to come via France (due to single entry visa. This is what learned in my Single Entry visa). :)
 
I just went to consulate of france 2 days ago with RTD no GC and got big NO. :(((. but OMG is it really true what you saying here that you can travel to Germany without visaif you have just RTD no GC. hmm interesting
 
kilo said:
I just went to consulate of france 2 days ago with RTD no GC and got big NO. :(((. but OMG is it really true what you saying here that you can travel to Germany without visaif you have just RTD no GC. hmm interesting
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Yes, it is true. You do not need a visa to travel to Germany if you have RTD in hand and no GC. Just make sure you print out the explanation from the German Consulate in Chicago before you go...It is the only one we discovered that has the actual wording that you don't need a visa.
 
kilo said:
I just went to consulate of france 2 days ago with RTD no GC and got big NO. :(((. but OMG is it really true what you saying here that you can travel to Germany without visaif you have just RTD no GC. hmm interesting
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That really sucks! I want to go to France during this summer and I have no GC in hand. I called the french consulate in Chicago last month, and they told me if I had proof I'm applying for the green card it would be okay. Did you already apply for the GC and told them so?
 
ARGENTINA does require a visa for RTD holders.

You must show proof of income like bank or CC statements, proof of job like business cards or job letter, flight itinerary, RTD valid for like 3 months and pay $30. They are Ok in efficiency, but most staff only speak Spanish, which is a shame.
 
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