Easiest way to get visas??? Before or During?
 

Hi, I am a Colombian who is planning to travel from San Francisco to Colombia summer 2005. I have a Colombian passport and hold a resident card, green card, for the U.S. What do you guy recommend, should I get my visas before leaving for the trip, or is there any way I can get a visa at the border of each country??

Thanks for your help, any advice is well received.

Hi Micha,
Visa regulations are in a continuous state of flux. With a Colombian passport you must follow the rules applying to citizens of Colombia. This is what you do: Get the telephone numbers of the nearest consulates of the countries you are planning to pass through. Call up the Consulate and speak with the consul or the person in charge of visas. Do not settle for the receptionist. Tell him/her about your status and ask about the regulations concerning a land entry. Rules differ for air, sea, or land entry. Start the process early. I find it desirable to purchase all necessary visas before leaving home. Don't count on it that you get the correct answer from the consul. For Venezuela I was repeatedly told that visas are not necessary for Canadians. Which is totally false. Canadians arriving by air can purchase the visa at the airport of arrival. But if you cross the land border between Colombia and Venezuela, for example, you have to be in possession of a visa beforehand. Not possible buying it at border. So enquire, practice double kill, and save yourself costly frustrations.

Hi Werner,
Thanks for your help, I will make sure I get in touch with the consulates of the countries and find out everything.