Thank you Pete this is really great but always sorry to hear about the situation. I hope one days these broken laws will be fixed but until then please don’t let it be the thing that deters you from exploring.
Thank you Pete this is really great but always sorry to hear about the situation. I hope one days these broken laws will be fixed but until then please don’t let it be the thing that deters you from exploring.
Hey Dan,
Thanks to your question a few months back that sparked an inspiration in me to write this article for those who don't know and for those who want to travel the world with what they have :) It's a shame but with enough patience, it is mostly possible :)
This is one of the best travel posts I read, and gives a great perspective for us "First world" passport holders. Bravo!
I have 2 passports (Swedish and US) and been traveling full time for almost 5 years now. However, I soon plan to do a lot of traveling with my Vietnamese girlfriend so your post was also timely.
This is one of the best travel posts I read, and gives a great perspective for us "First world" passport holders. Bravo!
I have 2 passports (Swedish and US) and been traveling full time for almost 5 years now. However, I soon plan to do a lot of traveling with my Vietnamese girlfriend so your post was also timely.
Thanks a lot!
Andy
Thank you for the comment, Andy! Glad you like the article! Indeed, it is not very well-known to first-world passport holders what we have to go through so I hope this clears things up and also answer the question why we do not travel on a whim like our most backpackers. It is not as easy :)
I wish you the best of luck traveling with your girlfriend! Send her the article when it is time for her to apply for a visa. I'm sure the guide will help her somewhere along the line :D
Best,
Pete R.
Joel
I own a Cuban passport, and I can say for sure that it is tough to travel with these "weaks" papers :(
sajad
You have no idea how much is hard to travel with Iranian passport. it's even harder than yours.
but like you said the world is still beautiful.
nihil
Cannot agree more with you on this...sometimes it drives you nuts to figure out the process do the associated paperwork. Its high time countries regard tourists from the third world just like any other tourists instead of associating the baggage of "illegal immigration" every time and subjecting one's application to mindless scrutiny. I do remember that getting the "employer approval" was one such pre-requisite for the schengen. So if you're a self-employed wanderlust from the third world...you will have an even tougher time. But then the desire to see the world has to be stronger to sail through this
I own a Cuban passport, and I can say for sure that it is tough to travel with these "weaks" papers :(
I can totally feel you. Cuban passport is even worst than what I have. I wish there is a better way for us to travel the world without having to go through this every time we want to go somewhere. :/
You have no idea how much is hard to travel with Iranian passport. it's even harder than yours.
but like you said the world is still beautiful.
Of course not. I'm merely reflecting on my experience and I've talk to one Iranian in Yazd and she said it is not easy, culturally with parents/bf and the paperwork that requires it. At least I think you can go to turkey independently right? I met an Iranian couple in Van a long time ago traveling there.
Cannot agree more with you on this...sometimes it drives you nuts to figure out the process do the associated paperwork. Its high time countries regard tourists from the third world just like any other tourists instead of associating the baggage of "illegal immigration" every time and subjecting one's application to mindless scrutiny. I do remember that getting the "employer approval" was one such pre-requisite for the schengen. So if you're a self-employed wanderlust from the third world...you will have an even tougher time. But then the desire to see the world has to be stronger to sail through this
Yes, I completely agree. There should be more research in making it easier for travelers to travel no matter where they are from and filter out people that plans to work and overstay. After all, travelers like us bring in profit, not take them out.
TBH I have no idea how it can improve for the better especially with what's happening around the world these days.
Of course not. I'm merely reflecting on my experience and I've talk to one Iranian in Yazd and she said it is not easy, culturally with parents/bf and the paperwork that requires it. At least I think you can go to turkey independently right? I met an Iranian couple in Van a long time ago traveling there.
Turkey it's easy for us. except women, they should have permission from father/husband to get passport.
Romain
I have so much respect for your resilience, thank you for reminding me how lucky I am for having such a privilege and putting a spotlight on the ones who don't have it so easy. I hope things will change and get easier for everyone to travel in this world in better conditions, you're definitely raising awareness, keep travelling and inspiring the world.
Tron Thongsringklee
I do share your pain man. I'm currently holding Thai passport but living the UK.
Crossing borders around here still needs those hard works.
Turkey it's easy for us. except women, they should have permission from father/husband to get passport.
Yes, I talked to her and was completely surprised that they would need an approval. I found young Iranians very rebellious towards the government in terms of freedom and I think that's a good sign that they are still trying to have their voices heard. :)
I only wish bad politics didn't affect the people but it did. :/
I have so much respect for your resilience, thank you for reminding me how lucky I am for having such a privilege and putting a spotlight on the ones who don't have it so easy. I hope things will change and get easier for everyone to travel in this world in better conditions, you're definitely raising awareness, keep travelling and inspiring the world.
Thank you for reading and the comments! :) I really hope it improves, or at least get the conversation going and raising awareness about it. :)
I do share your pain man. I'm currently holding Thai passport but living the UK.
Crossing borders around here still needs those hard works.
Great post by the way.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for the comments, Tron. Brexit does not seem to help much I presume. :/ Well if you stay there long enough without leaving the country you might get a UK citizenship. I think you have to be there for at least 8 years, and not traveling out of the UK too often. Dual passport would be the best option for you here.
I've often sort of wondered about this, because getting visas for me as a Canadian, while expensive and a pain in the ass, I don't have to do it very often. Some are granted multi entry without even asking, like China & Brazil, so that's great. But I imagine your experience is like me applying for my Russian visa, which cost a bunch of money, was really restrictive and a huge pain in the ass.
I feel bad for all the normal people like the OP that the barriers to entry are such, but even he knows and said why. I may take my country for granted, but ever since I started travelling, I've never taken my passport for granted, both physically or mentally.
I arrived in Ljubljana and a bunch of us entered the EU line because the signs weren't really lit up, so we got told to join the other line. 2 guys on Palestinian passports needed to join the line with me so I just let them go ahead of me and said "you guys get a raw deal as is, go ahead man". In my ignorance to world politics I guess, I wasn't even really sure that Palestinians has their own passports, maybe I never thought of it, maybe I thought they travelled on Israeli passports, but even just based on the the amount of papers they needed right away I looked at my hand that had just my phone and passport and thought "glad I'm not carrying their passport".
Luis
Completely agree with you! I'm originally from Venezuela and became Irish Citizen last year. Now I'm free to travel around the world, it is such a complete different experience with both passports. Currently I'm waiting for the visa of my venezuelan wife so she can join me here in Ireland, processing times are between 6-12 months.. Marriage doesn't give her automatic right for her to join me, Venezuelans are visa required to enter Ireland. We are just hoping the visa is approved quickly, as it is not easy to live so far from my wife..
Yes, I talked to her and was completely surprised that they would need an approval. I found young Iranians very rebellious towards the government in terms of freedom and I think that's a good sign that they are still trying to have their voices heard. :)
I only wish bad politics didn't affect the people but it did. :/
I should disagree with you at this part.
I see new generation really interesting, they are fighting against mandatory, they are not in religion anymore.
I love their sprit.
I've often sort of wondered about this, because getting visas for me as a Canadian, while expensive and a pain in the ass, I don't have to do it very often. Some are granted multi entry without even asking, like China & Brazil, so that's great. But I imagine your experience is like me applying for my Russian visa, which cost a bunch of money, was really restrictive and a huge pain in the ass.
I feel bad for all the normal people like the OP that the barriers to entry are such, but even he knows and said why. I may take my country for granted, but ever since I started travelling, I've never taken my passport for granted, both physically or mentally.
I arrived in Ljubljana and a bunch of us entered the EU line because the signs weren't really lit up, so we got told to join the other line. 2 guys on Palestinian passports needed to join the line with me so I just let them go ahead of me and said "you guys get a raw deal as is, go ahead man". In my ignorance to world politics I guess, I wasn't even really sure that Palestinians has their own passports, maybe I never thought of it, maybe I thought they travelled on Israeli passports, but even just based on the the amount of papers they needed right away I looked at my hand that had just my phone and passport and thought "glad I'm not carrying their passport".
Hey Brett,
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. Yes, I believe it is similar to you guys going to Russia whereas, for us Thais, we do not need a visa for Russia. :) It can be tough for us, even tougher for African passports and Palestinians as you mentioned, but I hope this article will help someone in the same shoe overcome such limitations, and be inspired to travel more despite the barrier. :)
Completely agree with you! I'm originally from Venezuela and became Irish Citizen last year. Now I'm free to travel around the world, it is such a complete different experience with both passports. Currently I'm waiting for the visa of my venezuelan wife so she can join me here in Ireland, processing times are between 6-12 months.. Marriage doesn't give her automatic right for her to join me, Venezuelans are visa required to enter Ireland. We are just hoping the visa is approved quickly, as it is not easy to live so far from my wife..
Hey Luis,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope your wife get the visa on time soon! I only wish I have another passport to see what it feels like to travel without stress haha :)
John
Wow what an ordeal. A Thai buddy once said that in Thailand, if a project is really hard “Hey at least it’s not as tough as going to America.”
I am a US passport holder and didnt realize till a few years ago just how lucky I am.
It’s a wonder all the hassle never drove you to burn your passport. If I were a 3rd world passport holder, I might. I’d be like “to hell with intl travel!” Unfortunately illegal immigration is very real and alive.
One thing to consider is checking for developing countries bordering first world nations. For example, Mexicans living in border towns such as Tijuana, have a slightly easier time getting tourist visas to US than ppl further inland. They still must show all the docs, but it’s easier to convince the US consulate that a Tijuana -> San Diego trip really is just a visit.
Point is becoming legally resident in a developing border town would be easier than becoming such in the first world country.
Wow what an ordeal. A Thai buddy once said that in Thailand, if a project is really hard “Hey at least it’s not as tough as going to America.”
I am a US passport holder and didnt realize till a few years ago just how lucky I am.
It’s a wonder all the hassle never drove you to burn your passport. If I were a 3rd world passport holder, I might. I’d be like “to hell with intl travel!” Unfortunately illegal immigration is very real and alive.
One thing to consider is checking for developing countries bordering first world nations. For example, Mexicans living in border towns such as Tijuana, have a slightly easier time getting tourist visas to US than ppl further inland. They still must show all the docs, but it’s easier to convince the US consulate that a Tijuana -> San Diego trip really is just a visit.
Point is becoming legally resident in a developing border town would be easier than becoming such in the first world country.
Thank you, John! Haha, that is quite true in a sense. It's like going to a job interview for us getting the US visa.
It did prevent me from taking the first step to travel the world sooner but after I got used to it, it's pretty much something I know I need to do more than others and eventually accept it haha.
That's a good observation John, you are right. It means that you have a home to go back to and it's not hard to get back unlike immigrants who are miles away from home. Something to think about for me. :D
Thank you, John! Haha, that is quite true in a sense. It's like going to a job interview for us getting the US visa.
It did prevent me from taking the first step to travel the world sooner but after I got used to it, it's pretty much something I know I need to do more than others and eventually accept it haha.
That's a good observation John, you are right. It means that you have a home to go back to and it's not hard to get back unlike immigrants who are miles away from home. Something to think about for me. :D
What 1st world country are u trying to visit?
Camotee
I’m a third world passport holder and what this article doesn’t mention is how much you have to spend per visa application. 120 to 200 USD plus whatever you spend getting the documents ready. Banks often charge you per copy of bank statement. Then there’s no refund if you get denied. And no not every embassy is required to give you a reason why you’ve been denied. Just a heads up to those who meet travelers from a third world country: they’re journey started way before they even arrived at your shores.
I’m a third world passport holder and what this article doesn’t mention is how much you have to spend per visa application. 120 to 200 USD plus whatever you spend getting the documents ready. Banks often charge you per copy of bank statement. Then there’s no refund if you get denied. And no not every embassy is required to give you a reason why you’ve been denied. Just a heads up to those who meet travelers from a third world country: they’re journey started way before they even arrived at your shores.
Hey Camotee,
Yes, I feel your pain. I did mention the non-refundable price for the visa under Planning a Trip section and from my experience, I never got told the reason why I got rejected or heard anyone got direct answers from the embassy so yes, I think it is a common practice.
Plus the people working at the embassy are not the most welcoming people which are ironic to me because they are the first people we will meet before our trip and that is not the kind of the first impression you would like of a country. :)
This is one of the best travel posts I read, and gives a great perspective for us "First world" passport holders. Bravo!
I have 2 passports (Swedish and US) and been traveling full time for almost 5 years now. However, I soon plan to do a lot of traveling with my Vietnamese girlfriend so your post was also timely.
Thanks a lot!
Andy
Dear Pete,
Thanks a bunch for this article. I would love to share my thoughts with you.
The thing is that I am European (just geographically, not EU-citizen), but still my Ukrainian passport is pretty weak and the willingness to travel too strong to resist. When I was 15 I made a journey to France, where I met 13 years old German boy. He asked me which countries I have been to and which of them I liked. I named more than 8 countries (for many Ukrainians by the time I have seen a lot and many people were jealous for me exploring the world) of Europe (it's easier to get the visa since it's Schengen). His reaction was shooking to 15 years old me, who was so proud of having more travels than any of my friends and family. He said: "Europe is boring and you haven't seen a lot. The countries you went to are European. I prefer the US, Australia or Africa". I knew that explaining to "spoiled" (sorry for this word) 13 tears old boy who was born with this possibility to travel without big challenge to get a visa, it would be time-wasting.
Now I'm 23 and I still have this story in my mind. Sure, I met more this kind of people in my life, but also I see how important is to explain to them that we just literally can't travel more or as free as they can. By the way, I still have seen just Europe, but of course, I dream about different countries. It's just not that easy...
Thanks for writing this article. It makes me feel that starting writing my own blog could be useful as well and I don't have to be scared to share my opinion. Hopefully one day the world will be open for us without criteria 'how strong your passport is'.
Happy to share this post on my FB to explain my "first world" passport holders friends how hard is to travel for some people.
Thanks a bunch for this article. I would love to share my thoughts with you.
The thing is that I am European (just geographically, not EU-citizen), but still my Ukrainian passport is pretty weak and the willingness to travel too strong to resist. When I was 15 I made a journey to France, where I met 13 years old German boy. He asked me which countries I have been to and which of them I liked. I named more than 8 countries (for many Ukrainians by the time I have seen a lot and many people were jealous for me exploring the world) of Europe (it's easier to get the visa since it's Schengen). His reaction was shooking to 15 years old me, who was so proud of having more travels than any of my friends and family. He said: "Europe is boring and you haven't seen a lot. The countries you went to are European. I prefer the US, Australia or Africa". I knew that explaining to "spoiled" (sorry for this word) 13 tears old boy who was born with this possibility to travel without big challenge to get a visa, it would be time-wasting.
Now I'm 23 and I still have this story in my mind. Sure, I met more this kind of people in my life, but also I see how important is to explain to them that we just literally can't travel more or as free as they can. By the way, I still have seen just Europe, but of course, I dream about different countries. It's just not that easy...
Thanks for writing this article. It makes me feel that starting writing my own blog could be useful as well and I don't have to be scared to share my opinion. Hopefully one day the world will be open for us without criteria 'how strong your passport is'.
Happy to share this post on my FB to explain my "first world" passport holders friends how hard is to travel for some people.
Best,
vladyslavna
Hi, Vladyslava
Thank you for your story! I know how it feels to be on that end. It sure seems like the world is not fair and it probably isn't but as you mentioned, if your will is strong, you will soon be everywhere in the world. :)
I had the same thought before I started traveling and then 6 years passed, I've been around and I gotta say, it does get easier. :) You will get used to the situation of getting a visa etc. and sooner or later you will learn the trick and be everywhere.
Don't worry, your opinion written from a third-world passport holder will be useful to Ukrainians and other Balkan countries that are in Europe but are not part of Schengen. They are probably in the same boat as us and if you write your Europe travel stories from your perspective, people will surely resonate with it. :)
Good luck with your blog and thank you for the share!
Good article,
I can totally feel you. Cuban passport is even worst than what I have. I wish there is a better way for us to travel the world without having to go through this every time we want to go somewhere. :/
Tessa
Try being Zimbabwean, passport rank 66:-( I've always said that any country worth visiting (including ones on my own continent ironically) require me to get a visa and it is always such a stressful and painful process. Many countries don't even have embassies in Zimbabwe so that makes it even harder! What sucks is that my grandmother was born in the UK and my ancestors can be traced in the UK all the way back to William the Conqueror but because my parents were born in Zimbabwe I am not entitled to a British passport! How ridiculous is that?!
Daniel Freeman
What we need is a world without countries and borders, just freedom for everybody. It´s stupid how they wanna tell you where you can go or where you can´t, I mean is your life, you should be able to go wherever you want to without asking anybody for permission. But reality is they own us.
Good luck and hope things change some day and everybody be treated equally no matter where they come from.
What we need is a world without countries and borders, just freedom for everybody. It´s stupid how they wanna tell you where you can go or where you can´t, I mean is your life, you should be able to go wherever you want to without asking anybody for permission. But reality is they own us.
Good luck and hope things change some day and everybody be treated equally no matter where they come from.
Thank you for the comments, Daniel. I wholeheartedly agree. I wish the world would be better for us third-world passport holder but it is what it is and we will just have to make the best out of it and stay optimistic that someday it will change. :)
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. Yes, I believe it is similar to you guys going to Russia whereas, for us Thais, we do not need a visa for Russia. :) It can be tough for us, even tougher for African passports and Palestinians as you mentioned, but I hope this article will help someone in the same shoe overcome such limitations, and be inspired to travel more despite the barrier. :)
I am Myanmar Passport holder, I can totally relate you, it is pain in the ass about visa applications to nearly every countries in the world. Governments should give the world traveller passport for those who travel :P
I am Myanmar Passport holder, I can totally relate you, it is pain in the ass about visa applications to nearly every countries in the world. Governments should give the world traveller passport for those who travel :P
Haha, I know right? It sure is a pain in the ass to have to deal with visa applications all the time. Imagine how many countries we would have been if all we need is a flight and just show up! :) Unfortunately, that is not the case for us and we just have to make the best out of it.
Judy
I know and feel your pain..i hold a South African passport. Recently I traveled to Bulgaria... What a process..
Any relatives in Europe I can claim so I can get a dual passport and make traveling easy..? 😅😅😅😅
Bart
Hi :)
Just to clarify- Schengen visa does not allow you to enter the european continent as it consists on 50is countries
The schengen visa however allows you to enter the european union
I know and feel your pain..i hold a South African passport. Recently I traveled to Bulgaria... What a process..
Any relatives in Europe I can claim so I can get a dual passport and make traveling easy..? 😅😅😅😅
Thank you for the comments Judy! Haha, yup! Would be nice to have a Western European passport for sure. Everything becomes much easier with powerful passport.
Just to clarify- Schengen visa does not allow you to enter the european continent as it consists on 50is countries
The schengen visa however allows you to enter the european union
many thanks
Hi Bart,
Yes, that what I referred to, Schengen visa only works in Schengen zone. Trust me, I know how difficult it is for me to travel to the Balkans or England since it's part of Europe but not part of the Schengen zone. We need separate visa for these countries, which makes it a pain to travel around the area.:)
Amr Tahditi
Nice article sir! We born with freedom,god gave us the earth to go where ever we want,but this bunch of humans "intelligence"" make it hard for us,may we all be free forever one day!
Nice article sir! We born with freedom,god gave us the earth to go where ever we want,but this bunch of humans "intelligence"" make it hard for us,may we all be free forever one day!
Yup I know the highs and lows of both Passports. I'm lucky with the "first world passport" & my partner having a Thai Passport.
It is frustrating the amount of paperwork but I have been lucky to get her 0 rejects sofar for her.
It definitely takes alot of planning and patience.
Good Article!
Michael
Nice read there. I would however classify your passport as second world. There is a third world after yours, then there is the worst of the worst group the 4th. This is where you have passports from countries such as Somalia, Iraq and Ethiopian.
You don't just need to apply to get a visa. You need special permission from the foreign affairs of many countries costing a fortune and months, before you are allowed to go through the application process.
Yup I know the highs and lows of both Passports. I'm lucky with the "first world passport" & my partner having a Thai Passport.
It is frustrating the amount of paperwork but I have been lucky to get her 0 rejects sofar for her.
It definitely takes alot of planning and patience.
Good Article!
Definitely. It takes effort every time we want to travel to these places but it's not impossible :) Glad your partner has not been rejected. It's a crushing feeling when you get one haha so best to prepare the paperwork and do the homework before applying for a visa.
Nice read there. I would however classify your passport as second world. There is a third world after yours, then there is the worst of the worst group the 4th. This is where you have passports from countries such as Somalia, Iraq and Ethiopian.
You don't just need to apply to get a visa. You need special permission from the foreign affairs of many countries costing a fortune and months, before you are allowed to go through the application process.
Hey Michael,
Yes, our situation has been improving over the years as more countries around the world are traveling to Thailand, tourism has established connections we didn't have before which helped a lot and it's only going to get better from here. That said, for us, Europe and the US are still a pain in the ass to get haha.
Yes, our situation has been improving over the years as more countries around the world are traveling to Thailand, tourism has established connections we didn't have before which helped a lot and it's only going to get better from here. That said, for us, Europe and the US are still a pain in the ass to get haha.
But doesn't most of Europe only need one visa (Schengen visa)? Which makes it easier to travel almost all of Europe?
But doesn't most of Europe only need one visa (Schengen visa)? Which makes it easier to travel almost all of Europe?
Hey Matthew,
Yes, the Schengen visa makes it a bit easier to travel around but only in the countries in the Schengen zone which exclude the UK, Ukraine, Belarus, and all the Balkans which makes up a huge area in Europe that we can't go. Plus, as I illustrated here, the visa process is crazy strict. I would have to prepare 90 days of booked accommodation before applying for Europe if I want the max duration visa (3 months valid). If I give them 10 days of accommodation, they will only give us 11 days valid visa.
This is something western travelers do not have to do when they are visiting countries in Asia or elsewhere (except maybe Russia or other closed-off countries like Turkmenistan). Usually, you would get the maximum duration by default when you apply for one. Not for the Schengen visa in this case.
HC
Thank you for sharing this. I can totally relate to this. I have Sri Lankan passport wity United Arab Emirates recidency. Recently i travel to Georgia. Even though we get on arrival visa because of UAE recidency, i prepaid all the documents for my own safety. Because there are some cases they reject people even though we hv on arrival visa. Traveling is not easy and privileged for everyone. So if you have the privilege, be greatful.
Bobby Gentle
I have the exception of having the USA and Vietnam passports.
The US passport is a godsend while the Vietnamese one is a piss.
Only good use for it is to travel to communist countries friends of Vietnam but adversaries to the US like Cuba.
Thank you for sharing this. I can totally relate to this. I have Sri Lankan passport wity United Arab Emirates recidency. Recently i travel to Georgia. Even though we get on arrival visa because of UAE recidency, i prepaid all the documents for my own safety. Because there are some cases they reject people even though we hv on arrival visa. Traveling is not easy and privileged for everyone. So if you have the privilege, be greatful.
Thank you for reading the article and for the comment! Yes, we do have to take a little more precautions when traveling than western passport holders. It's always better to be over prepared than under imo :)
I have the exception of having the USA and Vietnam passports.
The US passport is a godsend while the Vietnamese one is a piss.
Only good use for it is to travel to communist countries friends of Vietnam but adversaries to the US like Cuba.
Haha, I can definitely understand that. I wish I have a different passport to fall on though haha. The good thing with our third world passport is yes, you are right, it allows us to enter to places like Russia and Iran without the hassle of having a US passport. :)
Rachana
How have you get 3-months of leave to travel? I will be barely able to get a week off. I have thought of taking a break to travel but having employers letter seems like a huge hindrance. Such a catch-22 situation...
Any suggestions? If one can show sufficient funds...can letter from employee be done away with?
How have you get 3-months of leave to travel? I will be barely able to get a week off. I have thought of taking a break to travel but having employers letter seems like a huge hindrance. Such a catch-22 situation...
Any suggestions? If one can show sufficient funds...can letter from employee be done away with?
- A traveler with a weak passport
Hey Rachana,
Haha, I get that question a lot. Back then, I was doing freelance work which can be done remotely so I can travel for months at a time, as long as I have internet access, which I always have since I always invest in a local sim card whenever I arrive in a new country.
You can write up your own employer letter if you are not employed and use your family business instead. That's how I do it when I was freelancing. Wrote them myself. Describe what you do and just make sure to include the amount of money you are making per month that reflects in your bank statement. Doesn't have to be exact but similar range should be enough.
Thank you Pete this is really great but always sorry to hear about the situation. I hope one days these broken laws will be fixed but until then please don’t let it be the thing that deters you from exploring.
Hey Dan,
Thanks to your question a few months back that sparked an inspiration in me to write this article for those who don't know and for those who want to travel the world with what they have :) It's a shame but with enough patience, it is mostly possible :)
This is one of the best travel posts I read, and gives a great perspective for us "First world" passport holders. Bravo!
I have 2 passports (Swedish and US) and been traveling full time for almost 5 years now. However, I soon plan to do a lot of traveling with my Vietnamese girlfriend so your post was also timely.
Thanks a lot!
Andy
Thank you for the comment, Andy! Glad you like the article! Indeed, it is not very well-known to first-world passport holders what we have to go through so I hope this clears things up and also answer the question why we do not travel on a whim like our most backpackers. It is not as easy :)
I wish you the best of luck traveling with your girlfriend! Send her the article when it is time for her to apply for a visa. I'm sure the guide will help her somewhere along the line :D
Best,
Pete R.
I own a Cuban passport, and I can say for sure that it is tough to travel with these "weaks" papers :(
You have no idea how much is hard to travel with Iranian passport. it's even harder than yours.
but like you said the world is still beautiful.
Cannot agree more with you on this...sometimes it drives you nuts to figure out the process do the associated paperwork. Its high time countries regard tourists from the third world just like any other tourists instead of associating the baggage of "illegal immigration" every time and subjecting one's application to mindless scrutiny. I do remember that getting the "employer approval" was one such pre-requisite for the schengen. So if you're a self-employed wanderlust from the third world...you will have an even tougher time. But then the desire to see the world has to be stronger to sail through this
I can totally feel you. Cuban passport is even worst than what I have. I wish there is a better way for us to travel the world without having to go through this every time we want to go somewhere. :/
Of course not. I'm merely reflecting on my experience and I've talk to one Iranian in Yazd and she said it is not easy, culturally with parents/bf and the paperwork that requires it. At least I think you can go to turkey independently right? I met an Iranian couple in Van a long time ago traveling there.
Yes, I completely agree. There should be more research in making it easier for travelers to travel no matter where they are from and filter out people that plans to work and overstay. After all, travelers like us bring in profit, not take them out.
TBH I have no idea how it can improve for the better especially with what's happening around the world these days.
Turkey it's easy for us. except women, they should have permission from father/husband to get passport.
I have so much respect for your resilience, thank you for reminding me how lucky I am for having such a privilege and putting a spotlight on the ones who don't have it so easy. I hope things will change and get easier for everyone to travel in this world in better conditions, you're definitely raising awareness, keep travelling and inspiring the world.
I do share your pain man. I'm currently holding Thai passport but living the UK.
Crossing borders around here still needs those hard works.
Great post by the way.
Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, I talked to her and was completely surprised that they would need an approval. I found young Iranians very rebellious towards the government in terms of freedom and I think that's a good sign that they are still trying to have their voices heard. :)
I only wish bad politics didn't affect the people but it did. :/
Thank you for reading and the comments! :) I really hope it improves, or at least get the conversation going and raising awareness about it. :)
Thank you for the comments, Tron. Brexit does not seem to help much I presume. :/ Well if you stay there long enough without leaving the country you might get a UK citizenship. I think you have to be there for at least 8 years, and not traveling out of the UK too often. Dual passport would be the best option for you here.
I've often sort of wondered about this, because getting visas for me as a Canadian, while expensive and a pain in the ass, I don't have to do it very often. Some are granted multi entry without even asking, like China & Brazil, so that's great. But I imagine your experience is like me applying for my Russian visa, which cost a bunch of money, was really restrictive and a huge pain in the ass.
I feel bad for all the normal people like the OP that the barriers to entry are such, but even he knows and said why. I may take my country for granted, but ever since I started travelling, I've never taken my passport for granted, both physically or mentally.
I arrived in Ljubljana and a bunch of us entered the EU line because the signs weren't really lit up, so we got told to join the other line. 2 guys on Palestinian passports needed to join the line with me so I just let them go ahead of me and said "you guys get a raw deal as is, go ahead man". In my ignorance to world politics I guess, I wasn't even really sure that Palestinians has their own passports, maybe I never thought of it, maybe I thought they travelled on Israeli passports, but even just based on the the amount of papers they needed right away I looked at my hand that had just my phone and passport and thought "glad I'm not carrying their passport".
Completely agree with you! I'm originally from Venezuela and became Irish Citizen last year. Now I'm free to travel around the world, it is such a complete different experience with both passports. Currently I'm waiting for the visa of my venezuelan wife so she can join me here in Ireland, processing times are between 6-12 months.. Marriage doesn't give her automatic right for her to join me, Venezuelans are visa required to enter Ireland. We are just hoping the visa is approved quickly, as it is not easy to live so far from my wife..
I should disagree with you at this part.
I see new generation really interesting, they are fighting against mandatory, they are not in religion anymore.
I love their sprit.
but old generation was affected by politics.
generally I'm sanguine about all these changes.
Hey Brett,
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. Yes, I believe it is similar to you guys going to Russia whereas, for us Thais, we do not need a visa for Russia. :) It can be tough for us, even tougher for African passports and Palestinians as you mentioned, but I hope this article will help someone in the same shoe overcome such limitations, and be inspired to travel more despite the barrier. :)
Hey Luis,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope your wife get the visa on time soon! I only wish I have another passport to see what it feels like to travel without stress haha :)
Wow what an ordeal. A Thai buddy once said that in Thailand, if a project is really hard “Hey at least it’s not as tough as going to America.”
I am a US passport holder and didnt realize till a few years ago just how lucky I am.
It’s a wonder all the hassle never drove you to burn your passport. If I were a 3rd world passport holder, I might. I’d be like “to hell with intl travel!” Unfortunately illegal immigration is very real and alive.
One thing to consider is checking for developing countries bordering first world nations. For example, Mexicans living in border towns such as Tijuana, have a slightly easier time getting tourist visas to US than ppl further inland. They still must show all the docs, but it’s easier to convince the US consulate that a Tijuana -> San Diego trip really is just a visit.
Point is becoming legally resident in a developing border town would be easier than becoming such in the first world country.
Thank you, John! Haha, that is quite true in a sense. It's like going to a job interview for us getting the US visa.
It did prevent me from taking the first step to travel the world sooner but after I got used to it, it's pretty much something I know I need to do more than others and eventually accept it haha.
That's a good observation John, you are right. It means that you have a home to go back to and it's not hard to get back unlike immigrants who are miles away from home. Something to think about for me. :D
What 1st world country are u trying to visit?
I’m a third world passport holder and what this article doesn’t mention is how much you have to spend per visa application. 120 to 200 USD plus whatever you spend getting the documents ready. Banks often charge you per copy of bank statement. Then there’s no refund if you get denied. And no not every embassy is required to give you a reason why you’ve been denied. Just a heads up to those who meet travelers from a third world country: they’re journey started way before they even arrived at your shores.
Hey Camotee,
Yes, I feel your pain. I did mention the non-refundable price for the visa under Planning a Trip section and from my experience, I never got told the reason why I got rejected or heard anyone got direct answers from the embassy so yes, I think it is a common practice.
Plus the people working at the embassy are not the most welcoming people which are ironic to me because they are the first people we will meet before our trip and that is not the kind of the first impression you would like of a country. :)
Dear Pete,
Thanks a bunch for this article. I would love to share my thoughts with you.
The thing is that I am European (just geographically, not EU-citizen), but still my Ukrainian passport is pretty weak and the willingness to travel too strong to resist. When I was 15 I made a journey to France, where I met 13 years old German boy. He asked me which countries I have been to and which of them I liked. I named more than 8 countries (for many Ukrainians by the time I have seen a lot and many people were jealous for me exploring the world) of Europe (it's easier to get the visa since it's Schengen). His reaction was shooking to 15 years old me, who was so proud of having more travels than any of my friends and family. He said: "Europe is boring and you haven't seen a lot. The countries you went to are European. I prefer the US, Australia or Africa". I knew that explaining to "spoiled" (sorry for this word) 13 tears old boy who was born with this possibility to travel without big challenge to get a visa, it would be time-wasting.
Now I'm 23 and I still have this story in my mind. Sure, I met more this kind of people in my life, but also I see how important is to explain to them that we just literally can't travel more or as free as they can. By the way, I still have seen just Europe, but of course, I dream about different countries. It's just not that easy...
Thanks for writing this article. It makes me feel that starting writing my own blog could be useful as well and I don't have to be scared to share my opinion. Hopefully one day the world will be open for us without criteria 'how strong your passport is'.
Happy to share this post on my FB to explain my "first world" passport holders friends how hard is to travel for some people.
Best,
vladyslavna
Hi, Vladyslava
Thank you for your story! I know how it feels to be on that end. It sure seems like the world is not fair and it probably isn't but as you mentioned, if your will is strong, you will soon be everywhere in the world. :)
I had the same thought before I started traveling and then 6 years passed, I've been around and I gotta say, it does get easier. :) You will get used to the situation of getting a visa etc. and sooner or later you will learn the trick and be everywhere.
Don't worry, your opinion written from a third-world passport holder will be useful to Ukrainians and other Balkan countries that are in Europe but are not part of Schengen. They are probably in the same boat as us and if you write your Europe travel stories from your perspective, people will surely resonate with it. :)
Good luck with your blog and thank you for the share!
Good article,
I can totally feel you. Cuban passport is even worst than what I have. I wish there is a better way for us to travel the world without having to go through this every time we want to go somewhere. :/
Try being Zimbabwean, passport rank 66:-( I've always said that any country worth visiting (including ones on my own continent ironically) require me to get a visa and it is always such a stressful and painful process. Many countries don't even have embassies in Zimbabwe so that makes it even harder! What sucks is that my grandmother was born in the UK and my ancestors can be traced in the UK all the way back to William the Conqueror but because my parents were born in Zimbabwe I am not entitled to a British passport! How ridiculous is that?!
What we need is a world without countries and borders, just freedom for everybody. It´s stupid how they wanna tell you where you can go or where you can´t, I mean is your life, you should be able to go wherever you want to without asking anybody for permission. But reality is they own us.
Good luck and hope things change some day and everybody be treated equally no matter where they come from.
Thank you for the comments, Daniel. I wholeheartedly agree. I wish the world would be better for us third-world passport holder but it is what it is and we will just have to make the best out of it and stay optimistic that someday it will change. :)
I am Myanmar Passport holder, I can totally relate you, it is pain in the ass about visa applications to nearly every countries in the world. Governments should give the world traveller passport for those who travel :P
Haha, I know right? It sure is a pain in the ass to have to deal with visa applications all the time. Imagine how many countries we would have been if all we need is a flight and just show up! :) Unfortunately, that is not the case for us and we just have to make the best out of it.
I know and feel your pain..i hold a South African passport. Recently I traveled to Bulgaria... What a process..
Any relatives in Europe I can claim so I can get a dual passport and make traveling easy..? 😅😅😅😅
Hi :)
Just to clarify- Schengen visa does not allow you to enter the european continent as it consists on 50is countries
The schengen visa however allows you to enter the european union
many thanks
Thank you for the comments Judy! Haha, yup! Would be nice to have a Western European passport for sure. Everything becomes much easier with powerful passport.
Hi Bart,
Yes, that what I referred to, Schengen visa only works in Schengen zone. Trust me, I know how difficult it is for me to travel to the Balkans or England since it's part of Europe but not part of the Schengen zone. We need separate visa for these countries, which makes it a pain to travel around the area.:)
Nice article sir! We born with freedom,god gave us the earth to go where ever we want,but this bunch of humans "intelligence"" make it hard for us,may we all be free forever one day!
I hope so! :D Maybe one day!
Yup I know the highs and lows of both Passports. I'm lucky with the "first world passport" & my partner having a Thai Passport.
It is frustrating the amount of paperwork but I have been lucky to get her 0 rejects sofar for her.
It definitely takes alot of planning and patience.
Good Article!
Nice read there. I would however classify your passport as second world. There is a third world after yours, then there is the worst of the worst group the 4th. This is where you have passports from countries such as Somalia, Iraq and Ethiopian.
You don't just need to apply to get a visa. You need special permission from the foreign affairs of many countries costing a fortune and months, before you are allowed to go through the application process.
Definitely. It takes effort every time we want to travel to these places but it's not impossible :) Glad your partner has not been rejected. It's a crushing feeling when you get one haha so best to prepare the paperwork and do the homework before applying for a visa.
Hey Michael,
Yes, our situation has been improving over the years as more countries around the world are traveling to Thailand, tourism has established connections we didn't have before which helped a lot and it's only going to get better from here. That said, for us, Europe and the US are still a pain in the ass to get haha.
But doesn't most of Europe only need one visa (Schengen visa)? Which makes it easier to travel almost all of Europe?
Hey Matthew,
Yes, the Schengen visa makes it a bit easier to travel around but only in the countries in the Schengen zone which exclude the UK, Ukraine, Belarus, and all the Balkans which makes up a huge area in Europe that we can't go. Plus, as I illustrated here, the visa process is crazy strict. I would have to prepare 90 days of booked accommodation before applying for Europe if I want the max duration visa (3 months valid). If I give them 10 days of accommodation, they will only give us 11 days valid visa.
This is something western travelers do not have to do when they are visiting countries in Asia or elsewhere (except maybe Russia or other closed-off countries like Turkmenistan). Usually, you would get the maximum duration by default when you apply for one. Not for the Schengen visa in this case.
Thank you for sharing this. I can totally relate to this. I have Sri Lankan passport wity United Arab Emirates recidency. Recently i travel to Georgia. Even though we get on arrival visa because of UAE recidency, i prepaid all the documents for my own safety. Because there are some cases they reject people even though we hv on arrival visa. Traveling is not easy and privileged for everyone. So if you have the privilege, be greatful.
I have the exception of having the USA and Vietnam passports.
The US passport is a godsend while the Vietnamese one is a piss.
Only good use for it is to travel to communist countries friends of Vietnam but adversaries to the US like Cuba.
Thank you for reading the article and for the comment! Yes, we do have to take a little more precautions when traveling than western passport holders. It's always better to be over prepared than under imo :)
Haha, I can definitely understand that. I wish I have a different passport to fall on though haha. The good thing with our third world passport is yes, you are right, it allows us to enter to places like Russia and Iran without the hassle of having a US passport. :)
How have you get 3-months of leave to travel? I will be barely able to get a week off. I have thought of taking a break to travel but having employers letter seems like a huge hindrance. Such a catch-22 situation...
Any suggestions? If one can show sufficient funds...can letter from employee be done away with?
- A traveler with a weak passport
Hey Rachana,
Haha, I get that question a lot. Back then, I was doing freelance work which can be done remotely so I can travel for months at a time, as long as I have internet access, which I always have since I always invest in a local sim card whenever I arrive in a new country.
You can write up your own employer letter if you are not employed and use your family business instead. That's how I do it when I was freelancing. Wrote them myself. Describe what you do and just make sure to include the amount of money you are making per month that reflects in your bank statement. Doesn't have to be exact but similar range should be enough.
I hope this helps. :)