Travelling Tips for Autistic Travellers on Managing Visa Requirement Countries

As someone who’s traveled to many countries, I know that immigration is a process we face every time we enter a new country—or even when we revisit one. For travelers on the autism spectrum, this process can be tedious and anxiety-inducing. And when you’re aiming to visit over 100 countries, visa requirements add even more complexity.

Understanding Visas

A visa is a document you may need to enter a country legally for a set period. It can be obtained either on arrival or purchased in advance online or through the country’s embassy. Here are four common types of visas:

  1. Tourist Visa: For leisure and sightseeing.

  2. Business Visa: For work or business-related travel.

  3. Transit Visa: For short-term stays while en route to another destination.

  4. Student/Study Visa: For those pursuing educational courses.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport type. For example, as a Canadian passport holder, I can enter 175 countries without needing a visa or by obtaining one on arrival. But if you have a passport from a country with fewer entry privileges, getting a visa can be more complex.

Three Ways to Obtain a Visa

  1. eVisa: Apply online through the official government website, pay the fee, and print it out to show at immigration. (Example: Vietnam)

  2. Visa-On-Arrival: Go to the “Visa on Arrival” line at immigration, pay the fee, and get your passport stamped.

  3. Visa from an Embassy/Consulate: This can be the most involved process. It may require an in-person appointment, extensive paperwork, and even an interview, which can be nerve-wracking, especially for autistic travelers.

    Note: Use Global Passport Index and click on the “compare” tab. It will provide you with three tabs and click on “passport” and click on the country of your passport. For example, I would click on “Canada” and it will outline all the countries which are visa-free (in green) for Canadian passport holders.

An example of an issued e-visa allowing me to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. In this case, it is multiple entry, meaning I can visit Saudi Arabia more than once for a full-year.

For instance, applying for a Russian tourist visa required an appointment and numerous documents, including a formal invitation letter, travel insurance, bank statements, and more. Sometimes, embassies even require your physical passport for several days, which can be unsettling if an emergency arises.

Getting visas is a hassle for any traveler but can be especially challenging for those with autism. Here are some tips to make it easier:

Pro Tips for Managing Visa Requirements

Pro Tip #1: Choose Visa-Free Countries When Possible
A simple but effective tip is to travel to countries that don’t require a visa. If you’re from Canada, the USA, the UK, the EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or New Zealand, you can enter most countries without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. This can greatly simplify your travel experience.

Pro Tip #2: Apply in Advance
While you may be able to get a visa on arrival, the lines can be long, and the wait can cause unnecessary stress. If an eVisa is available, apply for it online ahead of time, and bring a printed copy. Though there may be an extra fee, the saved time and reduced anxiety can be well worth it.

Bonus Tip: Print two copies of your visa—one to keep with your passport and one in a separate travel folder.

Pro Tip #3: Practice Patience and Calmness
Applying for a visa can be a lengthy process, with approvals sometimes taking several days. The best thing to do is to stay calm and patient, even if it feels overwhelming. Try to focus on your upcoming adventure rather than the wait.

Personal Experiences with Visas

A Nerve-Wracking Visa Application
Years ago, I applied for a visa to Vietnam through their embassy in Ottawa. I was in my mid-20s and wasn’t sure if I’d need to send in my passport or travel to Ottawa in person. I felt a lot of anxiety over these uncertainties, which can be common for autistic travelers. Thankfully, I was only required to mail my completed application and was granted a visa a week later.

Note: Visa requirements can change quickly, so it’s always best to double-check entry requirements for your nationality before traveling.

The Easiest Visa Experience
Recently, I applied for a Saudi eVisa and was granted the visa almost instantly after filling out the application and paying online. I was pleasantly surprised at how efficient and stress-free the process was!

Should You Print Your eVisa?

The answer is yes! Even though digital copies are often accepted, some countries require a printed visa to present to immigration officials. I recommend printing two copies—one for your passport and one for a travel document folder.

Final Thoughts

Navigating visa requirements can be a stressful process, especially for travelers on the autism spectrum. However, with a bit of planning and some of the strategies outlined here, you can reduce anxiety and make the process smoother. For autistic travelers just starting out, my advice is to stick to visa-free destinations to save time, money, and stress, making for a more enjoyable and accessible travel experience. Safe travels!

Let me know if you'd like any further refinements or if there are specific areas you want me to focus on more!

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