Do I need a Visa?
**We will try to continually update this post to ensure all the information is accurate and up to date. However, since visa information can change at short notice, we do advise you to confirm the entry/exit requirements with your local embassy prior to your departure.**
Do I need a visa? What type of visa do I need? What supporting documentation do I need? How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
These are just some of the questions that arise when you’ve booked a Globetrotting holiday overseas.
A travel visa is an official government document that temporarily authorises you to be in the country you are visiting. Depending on your nationality, in many countries you’ll require a visa to gain entry.
It can get very confusing navigating the tricky waters of customs and immigration, and here at Globetrotting we’re all about making your travel as simple, easy and hassle free as possible – you’re going on a holiday, after all, and want to be able to enjoy every moment!
So, in an effort to make things a little clearer and simpler for you, we’ve compiled this alphabetical list of the various visa requirements required for each country in our holiday portfolio for Australian/New Zealand, US and UK residents. And if you’re from another country, don’t worry, we can still help. Just send us an email at info@globetrotting.com.au and we’ll put our super-sleuth hats on and find out what you need to do.
So let’s get stuck into it, shall we?
ARGENTINA
Rides: The Patagonia Trail, Sierras Chicas.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Australians do not require a visa to enter Argentina for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Ensure that you bring with you a valid, undamaged passport.
US passport holders: US citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Make sure you have a valid passport and that it is not damaged, as you may not be allowed to enter Argentina and could be sent back at your own expense.
UK passport holders: UK citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist unless you are on an Emergency Travel Document. Once you are in Argentina, you are given a 90-day stay in the country.
AUSTRALIA
Rides: Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, Howqua River Ride, The Kimberley Ride, The Special Edition Kimberley Ride, The Shoalhaven Ride, The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride, The Margaret River Ride, Cradle to Coast Ride.
NZ passport holders: Most New Zealand citizens are granted an electronic Special Category Visa (SCV) upon arrival in Australia. All you need to do is present a valid passport and a completed Incoming Passenger Card (handed out to you by the flight attendants) to the customs officer.
US passport holders: You must have a valid US passport and a visa to enter Australia. Most US passport holders travelling to Australia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This is an electronic visa and can be obtained online for a small fee. You can apply for this here.
UK passport holders: Citizens of the UK need a visa to travel to Australia. The following types of electronic visitor visas are available:
- eVisitor direct from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection (there is no visa application charge or service fee for this).
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via your travel agent or airline. There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of $20 AUD applies.
BOTSWANA
Rides: Okavango Delta.
Australian/NZ passport holders: You will need to obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. Other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so be sure to contact your nearest high commission, embassy or consulate of Botswana for up-to-date information. Emergency passports are also accepted in Botswana, but you must obtain a visa before you enter. Visas issued on arrival are valid for 30 days and are available for free to passport holders from most Commonwealth countries, all EU countries, the USA and countries in the Southern African Customs union.
US passport holders: You will need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity to stay in Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. If you have a temporary travel document, however, you will need a visa to travel. Visas issued on arrival are valid for 30 days and are available for free to passport holders from most Commonwealth countries, all EU countries, the USA and countries in the Southern African Customs union. Contact the Embassy of Botswana to find out more.
UK passport holders: All visitors entering Botswana must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. Most visitors can obtain tourist visas at the international airports and borders. Visas issued on arrival are valid for 30 days and are available for free to passport holders from most Commonwealth countries, all EU countries, the USA and countries in the Southern African Customs union.
BRAZIL
Rides: Canyons & Waterfalls, Pantanal.
Australian passport holders: Before you enter Brazil, you need to apply for a visa. Contact your local embassy for further info on how to apply. Tourist visas are valid for arrival in Brazil within 90 days of issue, and then for a 90-day stay in most cases. The length of the stay and the associated fee depends on your nationality, so make sure you apply well in advance. Brazilian consulates will never provide expedited visa services under any circumstances, so it’s important to plan ahead. You’ll generally need to present one passport photograph, proof of travel and a valid passport.
When you arrive in Brazil you must fill out an entry/exit card. Immigration officials will keep one half, and you keep the other. When you leave Brazil, the second half of the entry/exit card will be taken by immigration officials. DO NOT lose your card while in Brazil, as this could cause hassles and needless delays when you leave.
US passport holders: Again, before you enter Brazil, you’ll need:
- A valid U.S passport
- A Brazilian visa obtained before travelling to Brazil – visit the Embassy of Brazil for current visa information.
Tourist visas are valid for arrival in Brazil within 90 days of issue, and then for a 90-day stay. The length of the stay and the associated fee depends on your nationality, so make sure you apply well in advance. Brazilian consulates will never provide expedited visa services under any circumstances, so it’s important to plan ahead. You’ll generally need to present one passport photograph, proof of travel and a valid passport.
When you arrive in Brazil you must fill out an entry/exit card. Immigration officials will keep one half, and you keep the other. When you leave Brazil, the second half of the entry/exit card will be taken by immigration officials. DO NOT lose your card while in Brazil, as this could cause hassles and needless delays when you leave.
NZ/ UK passport holders: Luckily for you, citizens of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and New Zealand do not need a visa. Regardless, when you arrive in Brazil you must fill out an entry/exit card. Immigration officials will keep one half, and you keep the other. And when you leave Brazil, the second half of the entry/exit card will be taken by immigration officials. DO NOT lose your card while in Brazil, as this could cause hassles and needless delays when you leave.
CANADA
Rides: Chilko Lake Ride, Whistler Wilderness Ride, Rocky Mountains Ride.
Australian/New Zealand/UK passport holders: Before you leave, you need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which you can apply for online. It can take several days to process, so make sure you apply well before your departure date. To do so, you’ll need your passport, credit/debit card (you need to pay $7 CAD for your eTA after you complete the form) and read the help document before you apply.
US passport holders: You do not need to apply for an eTA and can enter the country with a valid US passport or a valid Canadian visa.
FRANCE
Rides: The Camargue Ride, Bordeaux Wine Trail, The Loire Valley & Castles, The Champagne Ride.
Australian/NZ passport holders: France is part of the Schengen Area, along with a number of other European countries. This allows you to enter France without a visa, as long as you’re visiting for tourism purposes and not staying more than 90 days.
US passport holders: Make sure you have your normal passport, not an emergency passport, as these aren’t accepted as a valid transfer document. You can visit France for up to 90 days without a visa, but you may be required to demonstrate sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return ticket.
UK passport holders: You do not need a visa if you are staying for under three months. Be sure that you have a valid passport for the duration of your trip.
ICELAND
Rides: Touch of the Highlands Ride, Wilderness Expedition.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Iceland is a party to the Schengen Convention, which means you are able to travel and stay in Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa. However, this could change at short notice, so make sure that you check for up-to-date information via your closest Icelandic embassy or consulate before you leave.
US passport holders: You must have a passport valid for the proposed duration of your stay, but you do not need a visa if you are staying less than 90 days.
UK passport holders: You do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay, so make sure to check before you leave that you have at least six months left.
IRELAND
Rides: Castle & Estate Ride, Cross Country in Tipperary.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days for tourism purposes. On arrival, immigration authorities may request to see additional documentation such as details of accommodation bookings, return flights and contacts in Ireland. Have these on hand so that it doesn’t affect you too much if you are stopped.
US passport holders: You can visit Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days. Although it’s not required, just to be on the safe side, make sure you have at least six months left on your passport. The Irish immigration have a tendency to refuse entry or give limited-stay grants when people fail to demonstrate their onward travel intent to officials when entering the country. That being said, having evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland and a return airline ticket will go a long way.
UK passport holders: No visa required. Irish officials accept emergency travel documents as well as normal British passports, but make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
ITALY
Rides: The Dolomites.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Italy is part of the Schengen Area, along with a number of other European countries. This means you can enter without a visa, as long as you’re visiting for tourism purposes and not staying more than 90 days.
US passport holders: A valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket are all you’ll need for stays of up to 90 days.
UK passport holders: No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
KENYA
Rides: Maasai Mara.
Australian/NZ/UK passport holders: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand require visas to enter Kenya, as well as a passport with two blank pages and at least six months’ validity, and in some cases, proof of yellow fever immunisations. Single journey visas (at a cost of USD $51) are valid for entries within 90 days from the date of issue. They are available via application at your nearest Kenyan High Commission or Embassy, at the ports of entry, and online through www.evisa.go.ke. There are plans to move to online-only visa applications in the near future. Multiple-entry visas must be applied for prior to travelling to Kenya. For other types of visa, apply at your nearest Kenyan High Commission or Embassy.
US passport holders: All visitors are strongly encouraged to get visas via the online system, although single journey visas are also still available upon arrival at international ports of entry and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (there are plans to move to online-only visas in the near future). Multiple-entry visas must be applied for prior to travelling to Kenya. US citizens must have a passport with two blank pages and at least six months’ validity, proof of yellow fever immunisations and a visa. Obtain the latest information on visas, as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements, from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulates General in LA and New York City.
MONGOLIA
Rides: Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides.
Australian/NZ passport holders: You will need to acquire a visa before you enter Mongolia. The requirements and information can change at short notice, so check out the Mongolian Embassy for up to date information: http://mongolianembassy.org.au/visa/
US passport holders: You do not need a visa if you are staying less than 90 days and have a passport with at least six months’ validity after your date of arrival. If you are staying longer than 30 days, you’ll have to register with the Mongolian Immigration within seven days of your arrival – if you don’t register in time, you may be fined. If you plan to come into Mongolia overland through Russia or China, you’ll need to research Chinese and Russian travel restrictions and obtain all the necessary visas before coming to Mongolia, as it is becoming difficult to obtain visas at the Chinese or Russian embassies.
UK passport holders: You will need a visa to enter Mongolia. Visas are usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. You can find out more via the Mongolia Immigration Agency and the Mongolian Embassy. If you arrive in Mongolia and find out that you have accidentally obtained the wrong visa, the Mongolia Immigration Agency may ask you to pay for the correct visa or even deny you entry, so make sure you get the right one to start with.
All travellers, regardless, who are visiting the Darhat Valley (Reindeer People, Tsagaan Nuur, Renchinlhumbe) and Western Mongolia (Eagle Hunters, Olgii) MUST send a colour scan of their passport face page to Globetrotting so that we can send it onto Boojum Expeditions (your local outfitter in Mongolia) via email attachment. This is necessary to obtain the border permits required for these regions. We urge you to get a scan made and, when you send it to us, send it also to a web-based email program (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo) and to a friend or family member. In the event that you lose your passport while travelling, you can retrieve the scan and provide it to the nearest embassy, which will facilitate getting a temporary passport.
MOROCCO
Rides: The Sahara Ride, Atlantic Explorer.
Australian/NZ/UK passport holders: Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom citizens do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for stays of up to three months. Additional visa information is available via your nearest consulate or embassy (Embassy of Morocco Australia/New Zealand, or Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco, London). When entering Morocco, make sure that your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulty when leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp.
US passport holders: You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. You do not need a visa if you are staying less than 90 days, but do check the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York for the most current information.
NAMIBIA
Rides: Namib Desert Safari, Kalahari Desert Safari.
Australian/NZ passport holders: You do no need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You will need to present a passport with at least six months’ validity and proof of yellow fever immunisations, or you may be denied entry.
US passport holders: For tourists spending less than 90 days in Namibia per calendar year, no visa is required. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required and it’s recommended that you ensure it has at least six blank visa pages left. Check the Embassy of Namibia’s website for the most recent information. You will also need proof of yellow fever immunisations, or you may be denied entry.
UK passport holders: Although British nationals can enter Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without a visa, there have been cases where visitors have only been given permission to stay for periods much shorter than 90 days, sometimes only 7 or 10 days. Before leaving the immigration desk in the airport arrivals hall, check that you have been given permission to stay in Namibia for the duration of your intended visit and that you have been given a correctly dated entry stamp by Namibian Immigration officials, as this will be checked on departure.
NEW ZEALAND
Rides: Glenorchy Back Country Ride,Twin Coast Adventure, The River Valley Ride.
Australian passport holders: You do not need a visa or an NZeTA to visit New Zealand. You will need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL), which costs NZD$35.
US / UK passport holders: You do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to three months, however your passport must be valid for at least three months past your intended departure date from New Zealand. Please note that from October 1 2019, foreign visitors who do not have either a visa or Australian citizenship and passport will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) in order to enter New Zealand. You can request an NZeTA either online or on the NZeTA app. Online requests cost NZD$12, while in-app requests cost NZD$9. You will need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL) at the same time – this levy is compulsory for all visitors and costs NZD$35. Processing takes between 10 minutes and 72 hours.
PORTUGAL
Rides: Costa Azul, Alentejo Coast, Kingdom of the Lusitano.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Portugal is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 25 other European countries. As a result, you can visit Portugal for a holiday without a visa for up to 90 days.
US passport holders: US citizens can enter Portugal for tourism purposes without a visa for 90 days or less. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. You will also need to show that you have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
UK passport holders: You can stay in Portugal for up to three months without a visa, as long as you have a valid passport.
SPAIN
Rides: Dressage in Spain, Catalonia, Andalusia, Andorra Trail, Bandit Trail, Catalan Coast Trail.
Australian/NZ passport holders: Spain is part of the Schengen Area, along with a number of other European countries. This means you can enter Spain without a visa, as long as you’re visiting for tourism purposes and not staying more than 90 days.
US passport holders: A valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket is all you’ll need for stays of up to 90 days.
UK passport holders: You don’t need to worry about a visa either, if you’re staying 90 days or less – just make sure your passport is valid for at least the duration of your stay.
SUMBA, INDONESIA
Rides: The Sumba Ride.
Australian/NZ passport holders: The Indonesian Government allows visa-free short visits (30 days or less) for citizens of Australia and New Zealand travelling to Indonesia. You can’t extend your stay if you enter Indonesia visa-free. If you are spending more than 30 days in Indonesia, you will need to apply for a visa from an Embassy of Consulate of Indonesia or on arrival for US $35. Visa requirements and entry conditions change regularly, so be sure to contact your nearest Embassy for up-to-date information.
US passport holders: US citizens with a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity are eligible for an Indonesian visa upon arrival. Visas cost US $35 per person and are valid for a maximum of 30 days.
UK passport holders: You don’t need a visa to enter Indonesia for visits of up to 30 days. Visa-free visits can’t be extended or transferred to another type of visa. For a list of airports, seaports and land border crossings for entering/exiting Indonesia under this visa waiver scheme, and more information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London or your nearest Indonesian embassy.
TANZANIA
Rides: Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride.
Australian/NZ/US/UK passport holders: As well as a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival with at least two blank pages, you will need a visa to enter Tanzania. Single-entry tourist visas are valid for three months. To apply, you will need to contact your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate. Visas can also be obtained on arrival at your point of entry, and will need to be paid for in cash with US dollars. Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice and Tanzania will soon introduce an online visa application form. The latest information can be found via your nearest Embassy or Consulate.
UNITED KINGDOM
Rides: The Scottish Borders Ride, The Thirlestane Castle Ride, Trans Wales Trail.
Australian/NZ passport holders: If you’re visiting the UK for less than six months and your stay is strictly for tourism purposes, you don’t need a visa. Ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity and, just in case, be ready to provide proof of sufficient funds for your trip and a return ticket.
US passport holders: American citizens visiting the UK for tourism don’t need a visa for stays of less than six months. Ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity and, just in case, be ready to provide proof of sufficient funds for your trip and a return ticket.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Rides: Shell, Wyoming, Big Horn Cattle Drive, Helena, Montana, Pacific Coast Ride, The Yellowstone Ride.
Australian/NZ passport holders: If you are on holiday in the US for less than 90 days, you won’t typically need a visa if certain conditions are met under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, you DO need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) BEFORE you depart (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/) and ensure that you have an e-Passport with an embedded microchip.
UK passport holders: Again, since the United Kingdom is part of the Visa Waiver Program, UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
If you are a citizen of a country not mentioned above, please check your visa requirements with your local embassy well in advance of your departure date.
Additionally, if you have travelled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1 2011, you are not eligible and can’t enter the US under the VWP. Find out more here.
Whew! There you have it! We hope you’re feeling a lot more confident about your riding holiday preparations now. If you have any further questions or want to chat to us about any aspect of your trip, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@globetrotting.com.au.