After the passport, which serves as an identity document, the visa, which is equivalent to a residence permit, is undoubtedly the most frequently requested travel document for international travel.
Many countries are now helping to facilitate international mobility by issuing fully dematerialized visas known as "e-visasSome countries even adopt a visa exemption policy for a more or less significant number of nationalities worldwide. Other countries give priority to their own security, opting to impose visa requirements on the vast majority of their foreign visitors. So which countries do you need a visa to visit?
Why is a visa essential for visiting certain countries around the world?
Whether in the form of a stamp affixed directly to a traveler's passport, or as an electronic document (PDF), a visa is an official document issued by the competent authorities of a country to some or all foreign travelers wishing to enter their territory. The visa authorizes the latter to enter a given country and stay there for a limited, pre-defined period of time, in accordance with the legislation in force in that country.
While a visa is required to cross certain borders, it is by no means a guarantee of safety.. The border control authorities of certain countries may refuse admission to their territory to foreign visitors in possession of a valid visa. Closely linked to national security, visas are used to regulate irregular immigration and prevent any event likely to threaten a country's political, social and/or religious stability.
Many countries do, however, offer visa-free travel to facilitate the international movement of people. In other words, they authorize certain travelers, under certain conditions, to visit and stay on their soil without presenting a visa on arrival. Visa exemptions are generally the subject of unilateral, bilateral or even multilateral agreements.. Some countries even issue visas valid for an entire free circulation zone, rather than just a single country, as is the case with countries in the Schengen (European Union).
The Schengen area: between open and closed borders
Within the European Union (EU), the Schengen area comprises 26 countries that have abolished border controls between them. It guarantees the free movement of people without customs formalities. However, this policy of abolishing borders has also made it more difficult to control migratory flows, and raised security fears in some member states.
Challenging the principle of free movement within the Schengen area
Faced with these challenges, some countries have chosen to temporarily re-establish border controls, particularly in the context of the 2015 migration crisis. Several countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Sweden and Denmark, reintroduced border controls with some of their neighbors. These measures have contributed to making transit from third countries into the Schengen area more complicated, particularly for asylum seekers and irregular migrants.
Visa requirements for entering the Schengen area
Although freedom of movement is a founding principle of the Schengen area, it is not open to all foreign travelers without a visa. In fact, nationals of many countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa to stay for up to 90 days on the territory of these member states. This requirement mainly applies to citizens of countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. On the other hand, nationals of certain countries benefit from a visa-free regime, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Israel.
Other countries that impose restrictions on visa-free travel
Beyond the Schengen area, other countries around the world have chosen to close their borders to visitors without the appropriate visa. These include :
India: a rigorous visa policy
India is a country with strict visa regulations. Foreign tourists must obtain an electronic visa before entering India. This is compulsory for nationals of most countries, including EU and Schengen countries.
Brazil: visa requirements for certain travellers
Brazil also imposes a fairly strict visa policy on certain foreign travelers. While nationals of European Union member states are exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourist stays, this is not the case for American, Canadian, Australian or Japanese citizens. They must first apply for a visa to enter Brazil.
Russia: borders closed to visitors without visas
Finally, Russia is another example of a country with strict procedures for foreigners entering its territory. All non-Russian travellers are required to have a visa to enter the country. The process of obtaining a visa can be lengthy and costly, making it more difficult for foreign tourists to enter Russia.
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