Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well. Today, let's talk about an important topic for avid travelers and those looking to explore new countries: building a strong travel history. If you're aiming for visas to big destinations like the USA, Europe, Canada, or the UK, having a solid travel history can significantly improve your chances. These countries' visa officers often prefer applicants who have a record of international travel, as it shows you're a genuine tourist. Starting with countries that offer easier visa processes can help you build this history. Here are some countries with valuable sticker visas that you should consider for 2024.
Why Travel History Matters
When applying for visas to major countries, your travel history plays a crucial role. Visa officers look for evidence that you've traveled internationally and returned to your home country, proving that you're a tourist and not a potential immigrant. A strong travel history shows that you have explored other countries and adhered to their visa conditions, making it more likely that you'll respect the terms of a visa from the USA, Canada, or Europe.
Countries to Build Your Travel History
To start building your travel history, consider visiting countries that offer sticker visas. Sticker visas are valuable because they are physically printed on your passport, showing visa officers your travel record at a glance. Here are some countries with accessible sticker visas for Pakistani passport holders:
- Thailand
- Visa Requirements: Bank statement with a balance of around Rs. 300,000, passport, account maintenance certificate, flight and hotel reservations.
- Visa Fee: Approximately Rs. 9,000.
- Process: Apply through any travel agent or directly at the embassy.
- Cambodia
- Visa Requirements: Apply for a visa at the Cambodian embassy in Thailand.
- Visa Fee: $50.
- Process: Obtain the visa in 1-2 hours.
- Laos
- Visa Requirements: Apply at the Laos embassy in Thailand.
- Visa Fee: Similar to Cambodia.
- Process: Visa issued within a day.
- Vietnam
- Visa Requirements: Invitation letter from Vietnam, available through travel agents.
- Process: Apply at the Vietnamese embassy in Thailand.
- Uzbekistan
- Visa Requirements: Simple documentation.
- Process: Easy application for Pakistani passport holders.
- Kazakhstan
- Visa Requirements: Similar to Uzbekistan.
- Process: Easy to obtain with basic documentation.
- Turkey
- Visa Requirements: Normal visa application process.
- Process: Turkey is currently issuing visas to Pakistanis without much hassle.
E-Visas: Less Valuable for Travel History
While some countries offer e-visas, these are less valuable for building a strong travel history as they don't leave a visible stamp in your passport. Countries like Malaysia and Singapore have switched to e-visas, which are only stamped upon arrival and do not provide the same impact as sticker visas. Similarly, Dubai's e-visa holds little value in this context.
Plan Your Travel Wisely
For those looking to build their travel history without spending exorbitant amounts on visa agents, traveling to these countries can be a smart investment. Instead of paying large sums for a European visa, use that money to visit multiple countries with sticker visas. This not only creates a robust travel history but also gives you the satisfaction and experience of being a true tourist.
The Path to Major Destinations
Once you've established a travel history by visiting these countries, you can then confidently apply for visas to larger destinations like Europe, the USA, Canada, and the UK. A well-traveled passport demonstrates to visa officers that you are a responsible and experienced traveler, increasing your chances of visa approval.
Final Thoughts
Creating a travel history is a step-by-step process that pays off in the long run. By visiting countries with accessible sticker visas, you build a solid foundation that makes it easier to secure visas for bigger destinations. Travel smart, enjoy the journey, and pave the way for more significant adventures ahead.