VISA SERVICES CANADA

VISA SERVICES CANADA holidays

2011-12-22T11:15:00.002-05:00

Our office will be closed from 24 December 2011 until 02 January 2012.

We have given all staff a full week of holiday this season due to the closures of both embassies and couriers for many of the days over the week between Christmas and New Years.

Full staff will be available on Monday 2 January.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

VSC

Suriname - now visa-on-arrival

2011-12-22T11:13:00.001-05:00

Great news for the holidays: Suriname, once one of only three countries in Latin America to require visas of Canadians prior to travel, has changed their policy.

Suriname now offers Visa-On-Arrival to Canadain nationals with Canadian passports who are visiting as tourists or on business.

Merry Christmas.

Russian Holidays

2011-12-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

Happy holidays from Russia, where due to an historical anomaly of having the Julian calendar run shorter than the Gregorian calendar used by most places, Christmas and New Year fall two weeks later than in the west.

So Russian holidays start early and run long. The Russian foreign ministry will be closed from 31 December 2011 through at least 9 January 2012. This means no vouchers, invitations or telexes will be processed by the Russian government.

The Russian Embassy and consular offices in canada will also be closed for extended holidays. Now is definitely NOT the time to try for Russian visas.

Just so you will know, the Julian calendar has 365 days, whereas the Grgorian caendar has 365.25 days, or a leap year every four years. The Julian calendar has been fixed to the Gregorian so it no longer shifts every four years.

Click here for Russian forms.

Angolan Holidays

2011-12-02T13:52:00.002-05:00

When we think of Christmas and New Years, we naturally think of Angola!

Well, maybe not, but beware, the Angolan Embassy in Canada is closing for another annual extended holiday.

The Angolan Embassy will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2011 until Monday 09 January 2012.

Angola regularly takes three working weeks to issue an ordinary visas, and all applicant must have a police clearance certificate and fingerprints, and both documents must be translated into Portuguese.

Click here for Angolan visa forms.

Kenya closed for a month

2011-12-02T13:50:00.001-05:00

The Kenyan High Commission in Canada is closed from today, 2 December 2011 until Tuesday 03 January 2012. Yes, they are closed for one month.

Canadian nationals with Canadian passports can legally get Kenyan tourist and business visas at Nairobi International Airport upon arrival.

Saudi Arabia slows Canadian visa processing

2011-12-02T13:45:00.002-05:00

Saudi Arabia slows Canadian visa processing
Embassy Magazine, 30 November 2011

Click here for the full article.

Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Canadian visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of Saudi visas to Canada. (Blog note: this should read "Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Saudi visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of visas to Canada.")

The Saudi mission in Ottawa says officials brought the issue up to Canadian authorities. "The Kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to apply the principle of reciprocity in order to send a clear and strong message to our friends in Canada that the current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue, hoping that they will understand and value the relationship the two countries share."

The Saudi decision, which went into effect Sept. 1, means processing of Canadian visa requests takes between 30 and 45 days. A message alerting Canadians to the change appears on the Saudi embassy website. "[T]he waiting period for issuing a visa to Canadian citizens wishing to enter the Kingdom has been prolonged to meet the same amount of time it takes Saudi citizens to obtain a visa from the Canadian embassy in Riyadh," wrote the spokesperson, who did not give their name.

But the added delay is already having an impact on some Canadians, said one director of a company that helps facilitate the visa process, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the situation. "The Saudis were very blunt; they said this is retaliation," said the director. "We used to be able to get visas same day—walk in at 10, pick it up at 2, at the Saudi Embassy." "The international oil companies are redeploying their Canadians elsewhere, oil fields that can use Canadian specialists but don't have the Saudi problem. And then they'll put in, say, Brits, people who've worked in the North Sea, because it doesn't take as long."

Saudi Arabia isn't the first country to retaliate against Canada using visa policy changes. Its neighbour in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, slapped new visa requirements on Canada last year during a dispute with Canada over landing rights at Canadian airports for its airlines.

Brazil increasing wait times

2011-11-08T16:32:00.002-05:00

Yes, Brazil has given official notification that as of 15 Nomber 2011 they intend to increase the processing times for visas for people in Ontario and Manitoba.

Up until this week, resdients of Ontario and Manitoba have had the fastest Brazilian visa processing in the country. But as of next week that time will increase to 15 working days according to the Brazilian consul general in Toronto.

This will have no effect, for bettr or for worse, on the already abysmal processing times of up to a month experienced by Western Canadians.

So apply early!

Click here for Brazil visa forms.

Sri Lanka introduces E-visas

2011-11-07T14:35:00.003-05:00

Sri Lanka will require all foreigners to acquire visas prior to travel starting in the new year (01 January 2012).

The Government of Sri Lanka is rolling out a new on-line visa system. All foreigners will be required to apply on-line to get approval for a tourist or business or visit visa.

The new prices are:
US$50. for a visas valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
US$75 for a visa valid for a stay of 31-90 days.

Applicants will apply and pay all fees on-line directly to the Sri Lankan government computer system. Th3 exact computer address has not yet been announced, but we will get it for you as soon as we can do so.

Once you have applied and paid, you will receive an electronic reference number which you print and take to Sri Lanka. At the airport upon arrival you will hand over the reference number and your passport. The immigration officials will then confirm you are registered and place the paper visa in your apssport.

Eid closures - 7 November

2011-11-07T14:28:00.003-05:00

It is the Islamic holiday of Eid, and the following embassies are closed:
Iran, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and most other Arab or muslim countries.

Russia is closed for a national holiday, and India is closed for a religeous holiday.

UK closes visa office in Canada

2011-11-07T14:26:00.002-05:00

Although Canadians do not need visas to visit the UK on business or tourists trips, stuents and various other categories of travellers do need UK visas. Until last month these visas were issued in Ottawa by the UK High Commission to Canada.

Due to severe budget cuts in the UK, the High Commission in Ottawa was forced to close their visa processing office in October 2011. All visas for people in Canada are now processed in the United States. After biometrics processing in Canada, you must ship the sealed package to the UK visa office in the USA. There is no longer an office in Canada. Please allow a couple of months for processing due to the massive backlog and reduced staff numbers.

Tanzania -- New Price

2011-10-20T14:44:00.004-04:00

After years of price stability, the Tanzania government has directed a modest price increase for visas.

As of 01 November 2011 a basic single-entry tourist visa will cost $80. The old price was $75, so the new price represents a mere 6.6% increase.

And remember, most flights to the safari region on Tanzania and Kenya land at Nairobi airport in Kenya, so you will need a visa for Kenya.

All visa forms for both Tanzania and Kenya require the full name and address and contact details of one hotel or safari lodge at which you intend to stay.

Click here for Tanzania visa forms.

Be kind to cats & dogs

2011-09-14T12:16:00.002-04:00

When you travel abroad, and especially in the third world, you are likely to see domestic animals such as cats & dogs which are not well cared for. Consider a donation to a local animal shelter in your destination. They are usually very easy to find on-line.

We take care of our friends because they take care of us.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

2. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

3. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments; but I have only YOU.

4. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

6. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to.

7. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

8. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.

9. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

10. Let my last memory be of your kind face, gentle voice and of your loving arms holding me.

We thank the Turks & Caicos RSPCA "Potcake Foundation" for the quote.
Click here for the Potcake Foundation.

NIGERIA - no fast service

2011-08-25T12:55:00.002-04:00

As of today the Nigerian High Commission is temporarily suspending fast visa processing. For the next two weeeks at least there will be regular service only. This means it will take ten working days to get a Nigerian visa.

Click here for Nigerian visa forms.

MYANMAR changed its name ?

2011-08-25T12:50:00.002-04:00

Myanmar has officially changed its name from the "Union of Myanmar" to the new "Republic of the Union of Myanmar".

Now most people would not think this was much of a change, or even care at all. But the military government cares, and this means something to vis applicants.

The Myanmar Embassy is forbidden from accepting any visa application form which does not have the word "Republic" in the letterhead. The forms have stayed exactly the same with the exception of the addition of the word Republic to the name. All applicants using the form without Republic will be rejected.

Click here for the new Republic of the Union of Myanmar visa application forms.

BRAZIL - not so fast

2011-08-19T13:28:00.002-04:00

The promise was there. The Brazilian foreign ministry and the Brazilian consulate in Vancouver said visas would now be issued within days instead of a month. And at first it seemed to work. Now, the evidence is of backsliding. The Brazilian office responsible for BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan is going back to processing in up tp three weeks.

Apply early.

Click here for Brazil visa applications and instructions.

SAUDI ARABIA - now FIVE WEEKS

2011-08-19T12:59:00.012-04:00

Well, our government has annoyed another dictatorship, and that regime has retaliated against visa seekers.

The Saudi regime has taken issue with the Canadian policy of taking weeks and sometimes even months to grant visas to Saudi subjects. So as of 01 September 2011 they are changing their processing time from the usual 24 hours to an astonishing four to six (4-6) weeks. Yes, you read it here first: the Saudi Embassy in Canada will hold Canadian passports for an average of one month before issuing a visa.

Now in my opinion a country wracked with religious issues, and religious police who execute two people per week, and high numbers of under-employed indoctrinated young men needs to be watched very carefully. It is the duty and obligation of the Canadian government to scrutinize all Saudi applicants. After all, it is not Belgians committing atrocities against Western nationals in the name of their god.

Despite the inconvenience it will cause to some Canadian businessmen and oil workers, I encourage our often spineless tory government in Ottawa to keep standards in place and to not cave into the house of Saud on this one.

Click here for Saudi visa details.

INDA - sign it twice

2011-08-19T12:54:00.002-04:00

Yes, you read that headline correctly. The new Indian visa application form has TWO places for signatures: one on the first page at the upper-right beneath the photograph box where no one would look; and the other at the end of the second page where you would expect to find it.

If the form does not bear two original ink signatures, it will not be processed and a visa will not be issued.

So sign both pages, please.

Click here for India visa application forms and instructions.

CHINA - get it right the first time

2011-08-19T12:51:00.004-04:00

Applying for a Chinese visa has not been this difficult for three years.

The new four page extended Chinese visa application form now has to be filled in VERY carefully. No pen amendments are allowed. Blank spaces must be filled in with "N/A'. If you make an error or ommission, start again and type everything. The only pen ink allowed on the paper is your signature.

Click here for Chinese visa application forms and instructions.

CHINA -- new forms

2011-08-11T09:27:00.003-04:00

Fortune Cookie says: "Old Chinese form is no good - use the new longer Chinese visa application form for best results!"

The Embassy of China in Ottawa has introduced a whole new and better visa application form, and a totally new supplemental application form for ALL applicants.

Starting now you must use the new forms (a total of six pages in Chinese and English), and all answers must be typed on the form on-screen, then printed and all pages signed in black ink.

The new form is far better in that the questions are clearer, and the space allotted for answers is larger and easier to use. Most of the longer form is taken up with the questions from the old form, but with better spacing for ease of reading and answering.

The downside is that it has gone from 2 pages to six pages. So start typing now for your visa to China.

Click here for the new Chiense visa application package.

AUTHENTICATION & LEGALIZATION

2011-08-09T14:42:00.004-04:00

Visa Services Canada is proud to provide full "Authentication & Legalization" services to all Canadians at home and abroad, and to legal residents.

If you have documents from Canada which you need to use in a foreign country, we at VSC will get then notarized, stamped by the Canadian Government, then legalized by the foreign embassy and returned to you. This includes items such as birth certificates, diplomas, various educational certificates, police clearances, and fingerprints.

We can even get documents officially translated before being legalized.

Basic A&L services cost $100. for the first document, and $50. for each additional document.

We will even ship them anywhere in the world, such as directly to a prospective employer or immigration office.

Click here for Authentication & Legalization forms and details.

TANZANIA -- DELAYS POSSIBLE

2011-08-09T14:39:00.003-04:00

Be prepared to wait for Tanzanian visas for the rest of the summer. Staff changes at the High Commission may means the normal 7 working day processing of visa applciations could stretch to weeks.

Apply early, but remember that you must LEAVE Tanzania within 90 days of the issue date of your visa.

Click here for Tanzanian visa application forms.

BRAZIL -- now FASTER

2011-08-09T14:35:00.003-04:00

BRazil is getting better and better.

In the past people in Western Canada were treated very poorly, and often had to wait a month for a visa, while people in Winnipeg and Eastern Canada got visas in a few days.

The Brazilian Government has moved to fix the problems in the Vancouver consulate, and they are now stating visas should be done in 10 days at most. This is great news, and we hope they will continue to meet this service commitment.

Of course people in Western Canada still have to provide a lot of extra documentation not called for in the east, but the service has become faster.

Click here for Brazilian visa application forms.

INDIA -- now ON-LINE

2011-08-09T14:32:00.002-04:00

India has gone high-tech. As of 25 July all Indian visa applciations MUST be made first on-line, then in person (or by courier).

The new Indian visa application computer system was apparently rolled out without any field testing and without notice to the visa community. It still does not function properly, and for the first week business visa seekers were locked out.

Visa Services Canada moved quickly to provide all new forms and new instructions regarding the Indian on-line system Please visit our India page for full details and the new forms and links to the Indian computer.

Click here for Indian visa forms.

Welcome to SOUTH SUDAN

2011-07-08T13:52:00.004-04:00

Visa Services Canada is pleased to extend our greetings to the new nation of SOUTH SUDAN.

On Saturday 9 July at noon, the largest country in Africa will be partitioned into the existing Sudan (in the north), and the new republic of South Sudan in the south. The capital city, Juba, will ring out with the new national anthem and the new flag will be raised on the tallest flagpole in Africa. At the same time as the partition, South Sudan will join the United Nations as the 193rd member of that body.

Visas will be available soon.

Click here for South Sudan visa information.

CANADA DAY HOLIDAYS

2011-06-29T15:11:00.001-04:00

We are closed on Canada Day, and will re-open after noon on Monday 04 July 011.

Have a great Canada Day long weekend.

CHINA - new visa forms coming

2011-05-31T11:13:00.003-04:00

This is just a warning to people planning a China trip: the Chinese Embassy is talking about instituting a new and much longer application form with far more detailed questions. It could go from being a 2-page form to being a 4-page form. We will keep you posted.

Click here for the Chinese application package.

KAZAKHSTAN - new requirements

2011-05-31T11:10:00.001-04:00

The Kazakh government lets in Canadians without a formal invitation, but they are requiring far more details about your trip as of this week.

Both business and tourist travellers are now required to provide a hotel booking confirmation for their time in Kazakhstan, ans well as a very detailed letter about what they will be doing in Kazakhstan.

Click here for Kazakhstan visas.

ANGOLA - photos, police & notaries

2011-05-25T14:02:00.002-04:00

Effective immediately, the Angolan government requires all Canadians applying for any type of Angolan visa to have a full police records check and fingerprints forms.

And to make it even more difficult and time-consuming, the police and fingerprint documents must be translated into Portuguese and notarized and authenticated by DFAIT.

And they also now want four (4) passport-style colour photos with each application.

At this point pretty much the only people going to Angola go as employees of oil companies.

Click here for Angola visa forms.

KENYA - new visa fees

2011-05-25T09:53:00.003-04:00

As of Canada Day, 01 July 2011, the Kenyan High Comission in Ottawa is charging new and higher prices for visa. The rules will also be changing to become more strict. Most people will face a price rise from the current $32. to the new $52.

New visa fees:
C$52.00 For Single Entry (Tourist/ Visitor/ Business),
C$103.00 For Multiple Entry (Tourist/ Visitor/ Business),
C$21.00 For Single Transit,
C$42.00 For Double Transit.

Russia may want Russian

2011-05-10T14:29:00.003-04:00

WARNING:
The following information is not confirmed.

The Russian Embassy in Canada has mentioned to us and to several others that Russia is seriously considering requiring Canadian applicants for Russian visas to fill in the Russian application form in the Russian language and Russian cyrillic alphabet.

This is in retaliation for actions taken by the current Canadian government under Harper against Russians applying for Canadian visas. Canada now requires Russians to use either English or french, but not Russian.

So the Russians, having first retaliated by imposing the new long 2-page form, are now set to impose the use of Russian language answers.

This may happen at any time. Be warned.

Ghana closed by fire

2011-03-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

A massive fire in an Ottawa hardware store which spewed toxic smoke and gasses is having an effect on Ghana.

The Ghana High Commission in Ottawa shares a building with a hardware store which burned on Wednesday 16 March 2011, causing a large evacuation of nearby residents and road closures.

Although Ghana has two building sites, they are currently not responding as they were evacuated from the current consular office with no notice.

This means it could be several days before Ghana resumes issuing visas.

Click here for Ghana visa form.

Rwanda visas

2011-03-04T18:59:00.002-05:00

Canadian need visas to visit Rwanda for any purpose.

Since the Rwandan genocide and the Canadian response, the government of Rwanda has let Canadians in without visas as a form of thanks.

Well, it seems that Rwanda is on the growing list of countries abused by Canada's current government, and has retaliated: visas are now mandatory.

Visas cost $70 and take seven working days to process. So if you are going to see the gorillas in the mist, or study the genocide, apply now.

Click here for Rwanda visa details and forms.

Russian visa revolution

2011-02-26T19:11:00.002-05:00

The Russian Embassy consular office in Ottawa is instituting many changes right now, and the process has become confused.

Due to the Canadian government unveiling a new visa application form in Russia asking for a lot more detail of military service, the Russians have retaliated by requiring Canadians to fill out the long-form (2 page) visa form normally reserved for the arch-enemies of the Cold War, the USA and UK. They want to know if you have experience with weapons of mass destruction.

Please read the new and constantly-changing instructions carefully, and check again before sending the forms. Please feel free to call to confirm the requirements immediately before shipping your passport to us.

Click here for Russian visa forms and requirements.

Great news - Dubai & UAE

2011-02-26T19:06:00.002-05:00

Here is the news you have been awaiting for months: the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is issuing visas to Canadians, is processing some visas in as little as one week. Officially the embassy says it takes up to a month for a visa to be authorized and issued. However, we have been getting visas in quick time

The secret is to provide the full air or cruise ship ticket showing entry and exit. This helps make the authorization process easier and quicker. All applications are being referred to Abu Dhabi for decision, and all the Embassy does is print and stamp the final visa document once directed to do so by the home government.

So make it easier for them to say yes by providing a full ticket.

Click here for UAE visa forms and requirements.

Brazil gets slower, and faster

2011-02-26T19:00:00.003-05:00

Brazil is getting both slower and faster, but it all depends on where you live.

If you live in BC, Alberta or Saskatchewan, then Brazilian visa processing times have gone through the roof. It is now taking at least a month, and sometimes more than five weeks to get a normal tourist visa for a Canadian passport out of the Brazilians.

For those lucky enough to be from Manitoba or Ontario, the visa processing can be as fast as one week, but is usually about 7 working days. People in the east usually get visas in just under two weeks. People in Ottawa get visas in exactly two weeks.

Be warned, the Brazilians still require you to show an airline or cruise ticket in and out of their country in order to secure a visa. However, this does not apply if you live in the west. People in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan are being told not to buy a ticket until after they have secured a visa.

Click here for Brazilian visa forms and requirements.

Libya is off the visa map

2011-02-26T18:51:00.002-05:00

As you all know by now, Libya is engaged in a civil war between the pro-Khaddafi forces and mercenaries around Tripoli, and the opposition forces in the rest of the country.

This is not a good time to be setting out for Libya. Many of our clients have had to evacuate from the country, and some of our oil & gas worker clients are stranded in the desert.

Making the visa problem even more bizarre is that there are now essentially two Libyan government. Embassies are either pro- or anti-Khaddafi, depending on whether of not the staff have gone over to the opposition, as has happened in many Libyan diplomatic offices. Under Khaddafi, their embassies are called "People's Bureaus", but I do not think that will last much longer.

I suspect the new Libyan flag, which is really the pre-1969 Libyan flag, will soon be flying in Ottawa when the staff goes over to the opposition, of Khaddafi is dead.

Click here for Libyan visa forms and requirements, but be aware that the requirements and forms could change with lightning speed as new forces take control.

Egypt is open to tourists

2011-02-26T18:48:00.003-05:00

Travel to Egypt is already picking up since the departure of Mubarak.

Egypt is still a relatively safe destination, as the military remains in control of the tourist sites and areas with a heavy concentration of tourists. In fact, the military is still in control of the whole country.

This is a great time to get cheap flights and even cheaper hotels and resorts and special travel deals and totally personalized tour services.

This past week the Egyptian Embassy staff even asked us what we thought they could do to encourage more tourists. We are working on this one!

Click here for Egyptian visa forms and requirements.

India - utility bills?

2011-02-04T15:52:00.002-05:00

I know this is going to sound strange, but it is true.

The Indian Embassy in Canada is now requiring untility or telephone bills for people who live in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, YT and NWT in order to process their visa applications.

The exception is if your passport was issued in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, YT or NWT.

For safety sake it is best to provide the utility or telephone bill showing residence in one of the three provinces or two territies.

Click here for the Indian visa forms.

Egypt - not today

2011-02-04T15:47:00.002-05:00

Lots of our recent customers who acquired Egyptian visas have been cancelling their journeys left right and centre.

Now is not the time to travel Egypt.

Before considering travel, pelase read the official travel warnings.

Click here for Canadian travel warnings to Egypt.

Russian HIV/AIDS tests required

2011-02-04T15:28:00.002-05:00

The Russian Embassy in Canada is demanding that all applicants seeking a multi-entry visa or who will stay for 90 or more days, have a new valid HIV test certificate showing them to be clear of HIV/AIDS.

Even though the official written requirements say this is only necessary for stays over 90 days, this is not what they want when the visa application is submitted.

So be safe, and get the HIV certificate for any multi-entry or long-term visa.

Click here for the Russian visa and voucher forms.

U.A.E. Dubai visa available

2011-02-04T15:23:00.002-05:00

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) in Canada is really issuing visas to Canadians. The wait of nearly two months for solid information and a decision by the government on what it would let the emabssy do in Canada fianlly resulted in a limited visa service for Canadians.

If you are flying on Emirates Airlines or Etihad Airways, you must get your visa from these airlines. Their websites have electronic visa application pages.

If you are on a cruise, or entering by some other airline, you must have a visa prior to travel.

Be warned, the UAE Embassy is taking three weeks to process a visa. The only good news is that you can keep your passport: they only need a colour copy of the passport in order to issue a visa document.

Click here for the U.A.E. Dubai visa forms.

Madagascar now FREE

2011-02-04T15:21:00.001-05:00

Yes, you read it correctly. Madagascar is now offering free visas for tourist stays of up to thrity days.

You still need to have the visa placed in your passport before travel, but the Madagascar government is giving them away in the hopes of attracting more tourists.

Click here for the Madagascar visa forms package.

Remember those less fortunate

2010-12-31T10:00:00.004-05:00

We at Visa Services Canada get a lot of emails from people in the third world who are truly desperate to escape grinding poverty, war and oppression.

As you know, we do not acquire Canadian visas for foreigners to come to Canada. VSC helps Canadians and others go abroad. Many companies dealing in Canadian visas are very unscrupulous, and we will have nothing to do with this type of operator.

Here is a sample email which we received this morning from Kashmir:

"we are living in earthquake place Azad Jam mu Kashmir Bagh. Kashmir is not Independence country. one park by capture Pakistan and second part capture, India government, and my family wanted there which iz peaceful country. Canadian people's and government are very good manners. Canadian living standards are best. there education and living standard are best. this time i and my family live in difficult crises, problems. u know earthquake came in two hundred five but our government and Pakistan government have not supported to the people. this time more people are living in tent at village. we want two government of Canadian sport to us for visa. i and my family wanted to went Canada and also wanted to do work in Canada. i am very thank 2 Canada government and people's of Canada."

Whether or not the email is legitimate, there is no doubt that millions of people around the world are barely surviving, and doing so in terrible circumstances.

So when you travel, remember there are about three billion people who could never do so, and they need your help.

Happy new year 2011.

U.A.E. visas in Canada

2010-12-22T13:23:00.003-05:00

The Embassy of the UAE in Ottawa announced on 21 December 2010 that they will issue visas to Canadian regular passport holders. Canadian citizens on tourist and business journeys should have their visas arranged by the airline or hotel or travel company inside the UAE. The visa can then be received at the airport upon arrival in the UAE. It must be arranged beforehand by an office in the UAE.

But some of you will want to apply for a visa at the embassy, so here it is.

The UAE Embassy also announced the jaw-dropping prices: a short-stay visa, valid for only 30 days, costs $250. and a long-tern stay valid for up to 90 days costs $500. The big multi-entry visa valid for six months costs a whopping $1000. !

Applications to the embassy are accepted only by Canada Post mail (Priority Courier or Xpresspost or registered).

The embassy stresses that Canadians should pre-arrange visas through either of the two national airlines, or through a hotel or agent in the UAE. They are still not saying anything about cruise ships, and cruise companies are confused about the changing rules.

Click here for the form and instructions.

Kenya closed for 2010

2010-12-16T15:06:00.002-05:00

For those of you wishing to get a last minute visa for Kenya in order to see the great migration - forget it. Kenya is no longer taking visa applications this year.

Yesterday, 15 December, was the last day the Kenyan High Commission would accept visa applications until they re-open on 5 January 2011.

Until then, Canadians are allowed to acquire a visa-on-arrival in Nairobi, Kenya.

UAE visas from Emirates Airlines

2010-12-16T15:01:00.003-05:00

Canadians flying on Emirates Airline can apply for paperless electronic tourist, visit and transit visas on-line through Emirates Airlines.

You must have an Emirates Airlines booking reference number; a digital image of your passport; and a digital passport photograph in order to apply.

Click here for the on-line visa application from Emirates Airlines.

U.A.E. visas for cruise ships

2010-12-14T14:22:00.004-05:00

The UAE Embassy in Ottawa informed me today by email that Canadians on cruise ships need their visas sponsored by a travel agent from inside the UAE.

Canadian sailing on international cruis ships through the UAE need to have a visa pre-arranged by their cruise ship company port agent in the UAE. Please call your agent or your cruise line visa & documentation office to ensure they have arranged visa support for you, and that this visa support is linked to your passport number.

U.A.E. visa news - here at last!

2010-12-14T13:23:00.004-05:00

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ON VISA ISSUANCE FOR CANADIANS.

1. The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Ottawa will issue visas for official visitors only.

2. Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, travel agencies and hotels in the UAE are able to issue the following visas to Canadian citizens:
•Visit visas
•Tourist visas
•Transit visas (Issued by the above mentioned airlines)

Translation: The Embassy of the UAE in Ottawa cannot and will not issue visas to Canadians on regular passports. These visas have to be arranged before entry by either an airline or hotel or travel agent in the UAE. The visa should then be available for pick-up at the airport in the UAE.

Click here to read the official annoucement of the UAE Embassy.

UAE - no news

2010-12-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

There is still NO NEWS on the visas for the UAE.

With a mere three weeks to go until the visa deadline (02 January 2011), we were hoping for full details of the requirements and prices: but so far, nothing.

We suspect the UAE may impose a visa-on-arrival scheme for Canadians, as there is probably too little time to get a visa printer and hire and train staff and issue the hundreds of required visas in the next few weeks.

Kenya closing early

2010-12-10T09:09:00.003-05:00

The Kenyan High Commission is closing early for their Christmas and New Year holidays.

Kenya will accept the last visa application of 2010 on Wednesday 15 December 2010. If you do not apply by that day, you cannot apply until Tuesday 4 January 2011: three weeks later. Processing takes 6-7 working days.

Click here for Kenya visa application forms.

Visiting the UK High Commission

2010-12-09T16:01:00.003-05:00

This morning I had the great honour and pleasure of having breakfast in the High Commission of the United Kingdom here in Ottawa. We were hosted by Sir Anthony Cary, the outgoing high commissioner. After breakfast he took us to see the UK's visa processing centre overlooking central Ottawa. There a large staff process nearly 20 000 visas per year. Summer is their busiest time, with lots of students applying for visas in order to attend UK universities. During the rest of the year their visa officers are usually reviewing applications from non-Canadians who need a visa to travel on the passport of their home country. UK visa rules will be changing in the new year, as will prices.

Canadians do not need a visa to visit the UK as tourists or on business.

Visa Services Canada does not do visas to the United Kingdom. This is due to the fact that the UK visa application process is totally automated and electronic. There is no paper form. Clients pay electronically, and apply electronically. Then clients make an appointment through the UK website for a visit to a UK biometrics office near them. This is all done on-line.

Click here for UK visa details and electronic application forms and electronic payment, as well as information on biometric scanning.

Angola's long holidays

2010-12-09T15:48:00.002-05:00

The Angolan Embassy told us today that their annual long Christmas holidays would probably start on or even before 22 December 2010, and they would re-open after 3 January 2011. This is a two week holiday, so apply right now or be prepared to wait until the new year. Nothing will happen fast.

Click here for Angolan visa forms and details.

More Cambodia charity donations

2010-12-08T15:45:00.003-05:00

Another charity-minded person has donated to the Cambodian non-governmental organization "Life and Hope Association" through our offices.

Mr. RW donated $250 to buy one tonne of rice for orphans and vulnerable children in Cambodia today. His donation was sent straight on to Somnieng, the head of LHA in Siem Reap who will be able to buy the rice directly from the rice mill in town.

Click here and look at the last page to see how you too can help.

India requires your utility bill

2010-12-08T10:32:00.003-05:00

In another strange twist of the visa world, the Indian consular office responsible for people who live in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, YT, and NWT demand that people lviing in this region provide a copy of their utility bill showing they live in one of the named provinces or territories. Since not everyone is named on the utility bill, we suspect a copy of the provincial drivers license will be sufficient.

Even more confusing is that this rule, to show proof of residency in the above places, only applies if your Canadian passport was issued outside of BC, AB, SK, YT or NWT.

Click here for an Indian visa form and details.

Jordan raising prices

2010-12-08T10:26:00.003-05:00

The Royal Jordanian Government, which has kept visa prices very low for years, has announced a dramatic 100% price increase effective 01 January 2011.

Visas will go from the current $22 each to the new $44. each for single entry and are valid for only one month. Double entry visas will be $62. Multiple entry visas will be $122.

Click here for Jordan visa forms and details.

No news from the UAE on visas

2010-12-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

There is no news on the visas for the UAE.

With only three weeks to go until the visa deadline, we were hoping for full details of the requirements and prices: but so far, nothing.

We suspect the UAE may impose a visa-on-arrival scheme for Canadians, as there is probably too little time to get a visa printer and hire and train staff and issue the hundreds of required visas in the next few weeks.

Ethiopia is moving ?

2010-12-08T10:15:00.003-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Ethiopia has made the bizarre decision to move their embassy out of the capital city. Strangely the embassy will be moved away from Ottawa where it is in direct contact with the Canadian government and development agencies and the diplomatic community, over to a small office in Toronto so that it can be closer to the Ethiopian ex-pat community. The move will make it more difficult to acquire visas due to the upheaval and lack of trained staff.

Click here for an Ethiopian visa form.

Holiday Closing Dates

2010-12-03T14:14:00.002-05:00

Visa Services Canada will be closed from Friday 24 December through Tuesday 28 December 2010 inclusive. There is no courier delivery in or out on 25-28 December.

Libya - Translations Over?

2010-12-03T14:08:00.002-05:00

The unofficial word is that the Libyan Government, and the Embassy of Libya in Ottawa, will no longer require an official translation of Canadian passports in an official stamp from Passport Canada.

Imposed several years ago after an unfortunate incident at a customs post, the requirement from Libya was that all Canadian passports had to have a stamp from Passport Canada, and the passport had to be translated into Arabic. Only then would a visa be issued.

I have been informally notified by the embassy that they are no longer looking for the translation page.

Non-Canadians may still have to get translations.

Click here for Libyan visa form.

Brazil - Slow in Vancouver

2010-12-03T14:05:00.003-05:00

Anyone living in BC, Alberta or Saskatchewan who wants to travel to Brazil for any purpose needs to be prepraed to live without their passport for at least a month.

The Brazilian consular office responsible for that region of Canada has a firm policy of using 15 working days (three working weeks) to process a tourist or business or conference visa. Business travelers used to get the work done in 12 days, but not any longer. This is all the more annoying for people in Western Canada as those in the rest of Canada can generally get visas in 4-10 working days.

Click here for Brazilian visas.

Kenya - new prices for 2011

2010-12-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

Kenya has announced that it will increase visa prices back up to the original prices. Right now a basic visa to Kenya has been costing $32. This was a sale price. Kenya lowered the prices in order to attract more tourists, and the visa sale lasted for more than a year. As of 01 January 2011 the price will be $64 for a regular single-entry tourist visa.

Click here for Kenya visa forms.

UAE Update

2010-12-03T14:01:00.002-05:00

There is no news on the visas for the UAE. Today is the national day of the UAE, so everything is closed.

With only four weeks to go until the visa deadline, we were hoping for full details of the requirements and prices: but so far, nothing.

We are starting to think the UAE may impose a visa-on-arrival scheme for Canadians, as there is probably too little time to get a visa printer and hire and train staff and issue the hundreds of required visas in the next few weeks.

No news on UAE visas

2010-12-01T10:59:00.002-05:00

There is no only one month to go until the United Arab Emirates (UAE) begins requiring all Canadians to have visas to enter the UAE.

The bad news is that the home ghovernment in Abu Dhabi has still not decided what to do, and no instructions have been given to the UAE Embassy in Ottawa. The embassy is still not allowed to issue visas, and there are no set requirements yet.

So with on month to go, there is still no news. And with the UAE national holiday starting later this week, there will be nothing until at least early next week.

New Russian regulations

2010-12-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

As of December 2010, the Russian Embassy regulations require persons to apply in person if possible, or at least to apply directly to the Russian consular office directly by courier. This means no third party such as a visa service is allowed to submit your application to Russia, or receive your passport and visa from the Russians.

Visa Services Canada will still assist you in getting vouchers for travel, and can help with your visa application package. However, it will be submitted to the Russians by courier, and will be returned to you the applicant directly from the Russian consular office. Due to Russian regulations we will not be able to conduct a post-visa quality control check.

Should you wish us to handle the visa process for you, we will of course continue to provide this service for as long as possible.

Click here for Russian visa application forms.

Those wishing to apply to the Russians directly must to so through the consular offices of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada. Please check with the Russian office for the correct address for your application.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada
52 Range Road
Ottawa, ON, K1N 8J5
Tel: (613) 236-7220
Fax: (613) 238-6158
Website: http://www.rusembassy.ca/
E-mail: ruscons@rogers.com

We hope to have regular Russian visa service back up in no time.

Myanmar visa problems

2010-11-09T08:58:00.002-05:00

Myanmar stopped issuing visas-on-arrival a few months back and reverted to issuing visas at the emabssy in Ottawa. A few weeks ago the emabssy was instructed to stop issuing visas pending the installation of a new computerized visa production machine. So no visas were being issued, and the date for the machine being operational kept being pushed back. Now visas are again being issued, but there is a tremendous backlog, and only people about the get on the aircraft in the very near future are being issued with visas.

Click here for Myanmar visa forms.

Remembrance Day

2010-11-09T08:56:00.001-05:00

Visa Services Canada will be open on Remembrance Day 2010 in Ottawa, as Ontario has not declared this a holiday. We will have regular courier and postal service, and be open to assist visa seekers. Be warned however that many fo the embassies will be closed some or all of the day out of respect and due to most High Commissioners and Ambassadors being at the national ceremonies in Ottawa.

Visas for the U.A.E.

2010-11-09T08:37:00.003-05:00

As of 02 January 2011 Canadians will need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE Embassy in Ottawa just made the announcement, and people are scrambling to get details. However, the emabssy says it still has no firm details.

Here are the four types of visas a Canadian will be able to acquire:

Tourist Visa
This special category of visit visa is available for individual tourists from Eastern and Western Europe who are not entitled to be issued with a visa on arrival, as well as visitors from Thailand, South Africa and China. The Tourist Visa, which must be sponsored by hotels and tour operators, entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable.

Entry Service Permit
An Entry Service Permit (14-day stay permit) is available to businessmen and tourists. The permit must be sponsored by a company or a hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. The visa is non-renewable and is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and the duration of stay is 14 days from date of entry, exclusive of arrival and departure days.

Transit Visa
Those flying to or from Europe or the United States, Asia or Africa and passing through UAE airports can obtain a special 96-hour Transit Visa. The visa must be sponsored by an airline operating in the UAE and the traveller must have a valid ticket for onward flight. There is no charge for this visa.

Multiple Entry Visa
This is an excellent option for business visitors who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable local company. The Multiple Entry Visa is valid for six months from date of issue; each visit should not exceed 30 days in total. The visitor must enter the UAE on a single entry Visit Visa and obtain the Multiple Entry Visa while in the country. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months per visit.

More Information regarding visas will be added soon.

Click here for U.A.E. visa forms.

Chinese Holidays

2010-09-27T15:41:00.003-04:00

Happy Chinese Revolution Day.

This year the Chinese embassy and consulates in Canada will be closed on Friday 01 October and Monday 04 October 2010 for celebration of the annual national holiday celebrating the 1949 revolution which brough Mao and the CPC to power and exiled the Koumintang to Formosa.

Click here for Chinese visas.

World Tourism Day

2010-09-27T15:37:00.002-04:00

HAPPY WORLD TOURISM DAY.

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on 27 September. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

The theme this year is Tourism & Biodiversity, and the annual meeting is being hosted by China.

Ramadam and slower service

2010-08-11T12:45:00.001-04:00

We extend greatings to our Muslim customers on the occassion of Ramadan year 1431.

Please note that due to the fasting and other religeous requirements of the faith, many embassies will have shorter working hours. This means visas will be delayed during Ramadan which ends on about 16 September 2010.

Please budget extra processing time when applying for a visa at any Muslim or Arab country during the Ramadan period.

Libya's fast service

2010-08-10T10:57:00.001-04:00

The Libyan embassy has a new consular officer in charge of visas, and the fast service option is gone. All visas are now processed in regular time.

The good news is that regular processing has dropped from 11 working days down to a week or less.

Click here for the Libya visa application.

BLACKLISTING

2010-08-10T10:43:00.002-04:00

Yes, you can be blacklisted.

Consular offices can and do blacklist applicants, especially those who have been caught using the wrong type of visa for their actual purpose of travel. They also blacklist people who are rude. This means you cannot get a visa from that country anywhere int he world, sometimes for years to come.

We recently saw this at an unnamed African country which said it was blacklisting a returning worker for being exceptionally rude on the telephone and in writing.

So be nice, and you will probably get a visa.

Egypt and the Two Photographs

2010-08-10T10:38:00.004-04:00

Egyptian visas are in high demand, and there are new requirements.

The Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa has recently acquired a visa printing machine to replace thier old rubber stamp. This has increaed processing time from same-day to five working days! Yes, computerization has increased the time required by 400%.

Egypt also requires TWO (2) colour passport photographs with each application.

Click here for the Egyptian visa application form.

Russian AIDS/HIV tests required

2010-08-10T10:35:00.002-04:00

The new consular officials at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa are now firmly and strictly following the rules on AIDS/HIV tests.

All applicants staying for more than 90 days, and all applicants seeking a one year visa, are REQUIRED to provide their current AIDS/HIV test in order to secure a visa.

This does NOT apply to regular tourists and others on short-stay single entry visas.

Click here for the Russian visa application form.

Pakistan Visa Delays due to Flooding

2010-08-10T10:33:00.001-04:00

The Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa advises that there is a singificant delay in issuing visas right now due to the national emergency (flooding) which is dislocating millions of people.

Please expect a four-to-six WEEK delay in issuing work visas. Regular visas are also experiencing delayed processing.

Click here for Pakistan visa application forms.

Meeting Passport Canada

2010-07-20T07:58:00.006-04:00

This past week our team leader met with senior officials from Passport Canada. What an eye opener that was.

We had proposed a meeting to discuss diplomatic and special or official service visas for government and military clients. The reason was due to our team having seen the poor attitude and abysmal service from the government clerks and drivers who are currently tasked with visiting the embassies and high commissions to get visas on behalf of the government. Direct witnessing and feedback from embassy workers shows that the Canadian government staff are not viewed as being professional or courteous. Another set of events which brought the special visa issue to our attention is that fact that civil servants from a wide range of departments and agencies, as well as military officials, have come to us for visas and visa advice.

The response by Passport Canada to this information was both shock and outright denial.

Passport Canada officials had no idea civil servants and military staff were looking for visa services outside of the government. This they quickly noted and vowed to investigate. One official immediately assigned blame to renegade managers in various departments. There was no consideration that perhaps poor service by Passport Canada could be driving away their in-house clients.

But the most bizarre response to the information was the outright denial that there were any such problems. One senior official demanded 'where is your data?', and followed by stating that they had 'never heard a complaint' about this before.

That must be the ultimate weasel excuse: I never heard that complaint before. Are you asking the right people? Are you looking in the right places? Are you listening when issues are exposed? Judging from the reception this information received by some senior officials, Passport Canada is not necessarily receptive to negative information. My team was told that such stories were only anecdotal, and that there was no numerical data to back up the assertion of a problem at the face-to-face level in the embassies.

In the real world of customer service in the private sector, it is said that for every complaint you hear, another fifteen customers said nothing but were unhappy and will probably never come back. In the world of Passport Canada, one senior official repeated no less than four times during the meeting that they had a 98% approval rating from Canadian passport-seeking clients. This was strange as the CEO of Passport Canada says the approval rating is only 96%. Well, when you have a total monopoly, you can afford to blow off the complaints of the other 2% even though they amount to 87 500 people, or 175 000 people at the CEO's 4%. These figures are based on the number of passports issued in the last year for which there is an annual report.

My team did learn that Passport Canada has an entire division of people tasked with providing diplomatic and service visa support to the government, and that this group has about 20 permanent staff and takes on extra staff during peak periods. Now this group has to process an estimated 2000 civilian special visas per year, or about 100 visas per person per year, or two visas per person per week. Since the military visas are done as a group for single countries, they would not even qualify as individual cases in the business world, but simply be done as a single group.

How can this even be possible? How can an organization do so few visas with so many staff? What are Canadians getting for their tax money and for their passport fees?

In the private sector this work is done by fewer than five people.

Why can my team do this job with a fifth of the staff, and without alienating the embassy workers, while the government seems to need a bloated and inefficient group?

Over the years Passport Canada has had a significant number of senior officials posted in to try to fix what has historically been a somewhat dysfunctional agency. This is not going to change any time soon. Making the situation worse is the unwillingness of some senior staff to listen to outside criticism and to accept offers of assistance.

Canadian taxpayers and the Canadian government and military deserve better.

GUESS the LOCATION

2010-07-14T10:39:00.010-04:00

We have a new game for you: it is called "GUESS THE LOCATION".

Look at the photo below, then try to guess where it is. Simple.

After a week we will post the correct answer.

Challenge yourself and your friends.

Yes, it is in fact MILAU FRANCE. Thanks for playing.

BRAZIL - New Prices

2010-07-13T12:20:00.003-04:00

Brazil has once again announced new prices for visas.

The really great news is that the prices are actually lower than before. This was a bit of a surprise.

Tourist visas are now $106.25 each.

Business visas are now $100. each.

Click here for Brazil visa applications.

Russian service back to normal

2010-07-13T12:14:00.003-04:00

Now that the G8 and G20 meeting disasters are over in Toronto, things are back to normal with the Russian Embassy.

This means processing times for rush service are back down to 24 hours.

So now is the time to go to Russia!

Click here for Russian visa forms.

Wow, what a great ship & trip

2010-07-13T12:09:00.003-04:00

Last week we sailed on Cunard's QUEEN MARY 2 for a long weekend cruise from New York to Halifax and Boston. The service was even better than two years ago. Our butler, Julian, was the best we have ever experienced; the wheat-free food even better than before. Halifax was great, and the fourth of July fireworks all over Boston were amazing. Once again, Cunard has done it all.

Click here for Cunard and great ships.

Holiday closures - July 2010

2010-06-18T08:41:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends and Clients

In honour of our Canadian and US staff, Visa Services Canada will be closed during the Canada Day and the US national holiday long weekends, from Thursday 01 July through Tuesday 06 July 2010 inclusive. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday 07 July at 08:30 AM.

This means that any rush jobs MUST be in our office no later than Monday 28 June.

Happy Canada Day, and happy US Independance Day.

Russian visas take longer in June

2010-06-12T22:01:00.003-04:00

The Russian Embassy is temporarily closing their Toronto consulate due to the disruption caused by the bad planning of the Canadian government for the G8 and G20 meetings in late June.

All Toronto consular work will be done at the embassy in Ottawa. The Russian Embassy has therefore decreed that due to the extra work, fast service will be three (3) working days, and slow service will be at least ten (10) working days until July.

If you are rushing to Russia, apply soon.

Click here for Russian visa application forms.

EGYPT now 3 days, plus more photos

2010-06-08T11:13:00.004-04:00

The Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa has announced a big change in visa processing requirements. Effective immediately you now must have two (2) passport-style colour photographs.

The bad news is that processing will now take three (3) working days, instead of the old same-day service we have come to love.

Remember to list your hotel on the application along with its full address.

Click here to apply for an Egyptian visa.

Russian visa times get longer

2010-05-27T12:19:00.002-04:00

It will take longer to get Russian visas as of 15 June 2010.

The Russian Embassy told me today that due to their closing two offices in Canada, the number of visas being processed at the embassy would rise, and processing times would get longer.

Regular processing will be at least ten (10) working days; while fast processing will be about three (3) working days. At the moment there is no possibility of same-day or 24 hour processing come mid-June. However, that could change as the new application processing load becomes clearer to the staff. Stay tuned!

Click here for Russian visa application forms.

VSC donates part of profits to NGO

2010-05-26T11:24:00.002-04:00

We at Visa Services Canada are pleased to support the Life & Hope Association in Siem Reap, Cambodia. LHA helps orphans and vulnerable children, and landmine victims.

Every year VSC donates some of its profits to aid LHA in its good works.

The Venerable Somnieng Hoeurn will be visiting the Ottawa and the USA this June as part of a lecture tour and fundraising journey. We at VSC are pleased to host Somnieng during his Ottawa stay.

Click here to view the LHA website.

Myanmar - Visa upon arrival

2010-05-11T16:24:00.004-04:00

The Government of Myanmar annouced that as of May 2010 Canadians would be allowed to buy a VISA-UPON-ARRIVAL at the two main international airports in Myanmar.

Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six more months.

Tourist visas (US$30.) will be valid for a stay of up to 28 days and CANNOT be extended in the country. Business visas will be valid for 70 days, and cost US$40.

You have to show your complete entry and exit airline ticket in order to qualify for this visa. In addition, you must have two (2) passport-style photos to present at the immigration post in the airport. You also have to have at least US$300. in currency as a tourist or a business traveller.

Most people are advised to continue to apply for a visa prior to travel. This is the safest way to travel, and having the visa in your passport will avoid being denied boarding on the international flight to Myanmar.

Click here for the Myanmar visa applciation form.

Qatar Requires a Visa

2010-04-14T11:18:00.002-04:00

Qatar, the tiny Gulf state, is about to require visas for Canadians.

The Embassy of Qatar states: "Visas upon Arrival to Qatar will no longer be granted effective May 1st, 2010".

This means that Canadians, European, and US citizens will no longer have the privilege of getting their tourist visas upon arrival at the port or airport in Qatar as of 01 May 2010.

Click here for Qatar visa forms.

Cuba & Health Insurance

2010-03-31T14:24:00.003-04:00

Cuba wants you to have medical health insurance.

As of 01 May 2010, the Cuban government requires Canadians visiting Cuba for holiday or business or family reasons to have proof of full travel medical health insurance coverage.

Please take your insurance card or policy with you when you travel to Cuba.

The insurance policy should be taken out at the home country of departure. Travelers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could take out a policy of insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina.

Persons not having proof of medical insurance will be required to purchase insurance at the airport from the Cuban company ASISTUR.
ASISTUR
Alarm Central 24 hours a day:
Phones (53 7) 866-8527, 866-8339, 867-1315.
Fax (53 7) 8-66-80,
e-mail: asisten@asistur.cu; seguros@asistur.cu

For more information you can visit www.cubatravel.cu or Asistur insurance company at www.asistur.cu

Enjoy!

Nigeria Offering FAST Service

2010-03-29T10:46:00.005-04:00

In a move which will delight business clients and oil workers, the Nigerian High Commission in Canada is once again offering fast processing of visa applications.

The usual processing time remains 7 working days, but the Nigerian consul will sign visas within 48 hours for an extra payment of $65.

This move will be greeted with open arms by people who need their passports for daily use, and cannot afford to be without for two weeks.

And remember, when applying for a Nigerian visa, you need a lot of documents! If all the documents are not in order, then the Nigerians will not be giving fast service.

Please click here for the Nigerian visa application form and detailed requirements list.

Dual Citizens Beware

2010-03-10T12:16:00.002-05:00

The Canadian Government has issued the following warning about dual citizenship.

Dual citizenship occurs when a person is the citizen of more than one country. Canadian law permits dual citizenship: you can remain or become a citizen of another country and still be recognized as a Canadian.

But dual citizenship (also called dual nationality) is not legally recognized in all countries and can lead to serious difficulties for Canadians when they are in the country of their second citizenship. It can also create problems in third countries if there is any confusion over what citizenship was used to obtain entry.

There are also risks and problems associated with having more than one citizenship.

RECOGNITION: The most important of these is that your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your second citizenship. The authorities of that country may not recognize Canada's right to provide you with consular assistance. There could also be problems in other countries, especially if you used the travel document of the country of your second citizenship to gain entry. In such circumstances, the local authorities could decide that Canada does not have the right to provide consular assistance.

MILITARY: Many countries still have compulsory military service. If you are a citizen, and you meet other conditions, you may be legally required to register for military service and to respond to call-up orders. This legal obligation may exist even if you do not reside in the country of your second citizenship. Your obligations could be enforced even if you're just visiting at some point in the future.

TAX: Taxation arrangements between countries are complex. If you hold dual citizenship, you may have obligations in both countries. These obligations should be discussed with your financial and/or legal advisers.

MARRIAGE: Canada recognizes the legality of marriages performed in other countries. However, marriages performed in Canada may not always be considered legal in other countries. Similarly, divorce and child custody documents issued by Canadian courts may not be recognized.

CHILD ABDUCTION: Many international child abductions involve parents and children who have dual citizenship. If the abducting parent carries a second passport, Canadian authorities may encounter difficulties in preventing the abduction. The Government of Canada cannot prevent another country from providing passport services to Canadian parents or children who are also citizens of that country. You or your lawyer can request that a foreign diplomatic or consular mission not provide passport services for your child. To do so, provide the mission with a written request, along with a certified copy of any court orders dealing with custody or foreign travel by your child. Inform the foreign diplomatic or consular mission that you have also sent a copy of your request to Consular Services of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa.

USE YOUR CANADIAN PASSPORT: The Canadian government strongly encourages you to use your Canadian passport when travelling abroad, especially when entering the country of your second citizenship. Note that you cannot use a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship instead of a Canadian passport to travel abroad.

Click here for details from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

India Bans 2nd Entry Within 2 Months

2010-03-09T10:39:00.008-05:00

The Indian Government has issued new rules about when a tourist can re-enter India on a multi-entry tourist visa.

As of 2010 anyone using a tourist visa must be out of India for at least two months before being allowed re-entry. This means that a person visiting south Asia on a multi-country itinerary cannot simply hop in and out of India regularly. They must leave India and remain out of India for at least two (2) months before they can legally re-enter the country.

The reason for what seems like a rather draconian policy change is in fact the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. These were apparently facilitated by two US citizens who used Indian multi-entry visas to come and go repeatedly while planning the attacks and providing logistics for the attackers.

Acording to Wikipedia "In October 2009, two Chicago men were arrested and charged by the FBI for involvement in terrorism abroad, David Coleman Headley (real name: Daood Sayed Gilani) and Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Headley, a Pakistani-American, was charged in November 2009 with scouting locations for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Headley is reported to have posed as an American Jew and is believed to have links with terrorist outfits based in Bangladesh. In December 2009, the FBI charged Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed, a retired major in the Pakistani army, for planning the terror attacks in association with Headley." "Indian investigators were surprised at how easily Headley had obtained a visa to enter India, a process that is extremely difficult for Pakistani nationals. Headley's U.S. passport, his new Christian sounding name, and the fact that the passport and his visa application made no mention of his prior name or nationality, made it easy for him to obtain an Indian visa from the Indian consulate in Chicago. He also falsely stated on his visa application that his father's name was William Headley and that his own name at birth was Headley, a claim that was difficult to refute since the U.S. passport, unlike the Indian one, does not provide the father's name, and does not require endorsements on name changes by the passport holder."

So the actions of some US citizens who probably helped the attackers while using tourist visas and repeatedly and quickly entering and re-entering India have led to the ending of quick re-entry for all tourists. This also explains why the Indian visa application form asks for details about parents and their nationalities at birth.

Lesson: when planning your Indian and South Asian itinerary, remember to have all of India done in one visit, then exit the region through another country.

VSC Charity in Cambodia

2010-03-09T09:58:00.005-05:00

We at Visa Services Canada are pleased to support the Life & Hope Association in Siem Reap, Cambodia. LHA helps orphans and vulnerable children, and landmine victims.

VSC uses some of its profits to aid LHA in its good works.

Recently LHA had to take over a faultering orphanage on the edge of Siem Reap. I have personally been to this orphanage and know that LHA will continue the good works here.

The photo, taking in early March 2010, shows the orphans holding a thank you sign in recognition of the recent donation to the facility.

Cameroon visa scam at passport control

2010-02-10T15:37:00.003-05:00

Today some past clients wrote to us with a story of their time in Cameroon. The following scam should be a warning to all travellers: make and keep copies of your passport and your visas.

"Our trip went very well, due in a large part to your efforts. Douala (Cameroon) went OK, but another entire set of bureaucrats in another city, Garoua, did not. They demanded that I surrender my passport to go to another room and when they returned they had peeled off the visa (revenue) stamp and told me the visa was not valid because it had no
stamp. I was able to produce a copy of the visa, provided by you, indicating that the stamp was there. That did seem to slow them down, but money seemed to be the lubrication required to get the wheels of government to move." J.H. 10 Feb 2010.

Panama visa update

2010-02-05T11:47:00.004-05:00

The Embassy of Panama has just told me that they have now received official word from the immigration and passports directorate of Panama regarding Canadian passport holders. The great news is that they DO NOT require visas, despite the law requiring visas now that tourist cards have been abolished.

So as of now Canadian citizens, using Canadian passports, can freely enter Panama by airplane or cruise ship for a stay of up to 90 days, WITHOUT getting a visa.

PANAMA REQUIRES VISAS !

2010-02-02T15:24:00.004-05:00

Canadians going to Panama by air or on a cruise ship are now required to have a visa in their passports prior to travel.

As of January 2010, Canadians have to get visas for Panama. This is due to a change in Panamanian law which was supposed to make tourist travel easier. Panama abolished the "Tourist Card" formerly available at airports and on cruise ships. However, Canada is on a list of countries whose citizens require either a tourist card or a visa. With the abolition of the tourist card, Canadians now must have a Panamanian "stamped visa".

Canadian citizens must apply for a visa with the proper visa application form; an original valid passport, plus a copy of the passport; a colour passport photo; a copy of the air ticket, or cruise ticket (booking confirmation form); a hotel reservation (not for people on a cruise); and a visa fee of US$35. Visas are issued in about a week.

Click here for the Panamanian stamped visa application form.

Cambodia - please give generously

2009-12-05T08:06:00.005-05:00

We at Visa Services Canada support a charity in Cambodia, and we want to share this charity with you in the hope you will help.

Every year VSC gives a few tonnes of rice to the LIFE AND HOPE ASSOCIATION. The rice is purchased locally in Cambodia, so the money goes to rice farmers and local producers, as well as the food going to needy locals.

The LIFE AND HOPE ASSOCIATION in Siem Reap (the home of Angkor Wat) Cambodia is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-political organization, established in 2005 by the Young Monks of Wat Damnak, Young Khmer Youths and generous friends. These people saw the urgent needs of orphans, vulnerable children, poor children, street Children, (also called Rubbish Children and beggar children) etc, who are living miserable lives. LHA is dedicated and committed to alleviate the poverty and ignorance of Cambodians and to encourage their equal treatment in Cambodian society by providing physical and moral support.

LHA works with several active villages in and surrounding the Siem Reap and Bakong District, with aim to alleviate poverty/difficulty of poor families, especially Cambodian Children by supporting them with basic needs such as foods, clothing, school supplies, health services, education, accommodation etc.

To see their organization and works, please visit their website here:
Life and Hope
Wat Damnak/LHA

LHA is run by the Venerable Hoeurn Somnieng. Somnieng (pronounced "som-nyang") is a 31 year old senior Buddhist monk who has become something of a celebrity. You can see him and the work of LHA on YouTube.com

If you are visiting Angkor Wat, and staying in Siem Reap, why not visit our monk, Somnieng, and have him show you what they do for the vulnerable and poor. LHA is located in Wat Damnak in Salakomreuk Commune, Siem Reap/Angkor. Practically, this means they are just the other side of the river from old town (the tourist centre) of Siem Reap. In fact, Somnieng is probably only a 15 minute walk away from your hotel. You can call Somnieng at Tel: (855)92 929 962, or email him at somnieng2002@yahoo.com

All of the money you give goes to the works of the charity. We at VSC have seen with our own eyes that the money is spent directly on the works and food, and not on the charity itself.

RICE
A tonne of rice, grown and bought locally in Siem Reap, costs about $250. This is distributed by the monks to needy families and vulnerable children. Without the provision of the basic food, many would starve, and none would go to school.

FOOD SUPPORT
LHA divided food support groups into two kinds:
1: Very poor children and disabled people, which costs $5 per month per person, and provides 17kg of rice, 2 bottles of soy sauce and 2 tins of canned fish.
2: Special very poor children who could not go to school at all without LHA support, which costs $18 per month. This includes 35–50kg of rice, 10 bottles of soy sauce, 10 tins of canned fish, 1kg of oil, 1kg of salt, and other items.

Maybe giving food or rice isn't your style of giving. Perhaps you think charity would be better directed to education or housing. LHA has a number of projects to suit every taste in giving.

HOUSING
$1000 buys a wooden-house, 4.5m x 5.30m, for unfortunate families. The family and the monks build the house in 2-3 days.

SCHOOLING
Send a child or adult to school. Education is the road out of poverty.
Childhood Education:
$40 a year (primary school children)
$75 a year (grade 7 – 9)
Adult Education:
$125 a year (grade 9 – 12)
$425 a year (University)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Having the tools to go to school is important, and this cost $9 per year per child. It includes a school uniform, school bag, school-books, two pens, pencil, erasers, sharpener, pencil-case, drawing paper, colour pencils, ruler, and other items.

SEWING TRAINING CENTRE
Sewing is an extremely important aspect of the Cambodian economy, both formal and informal. Learning to sew can mean a person can secure a regular job, and will have a skill other than rice farming. LHA runs a training centre, and can always use sponsors, or even the money for a new sewing machine.

We at VSC urge you to give generously to LHA. They are really working hard to improve the lives of so many needy people who often live on less than $2. per day.

Ven. Hoeurn Somnieng, Executive Director
Life and Hope Association
Wat Damnak 0211 (Buddhist Temple)
Wat Damnak Village, Salakomreuk Commune
Siem Reap, Angkor Province, Cambodia

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KENYA CLOSED 16 Dec 2009 - 6 Jan 2010

2009-12-04T13:06:00.002-05:00

The Kenyan High Commission in Ottawa will be closed for almost three weeks starting on Wednesday 16 December 2009. The visa office will re-open on Thursday 07 January 2010 for all your visa needs.

The Kenyans advise travellers to acquire their visas at the Nairobi International Airport upon arrival. This is safe as the temporary closure of the high commission is known at the airport.

New fee for Viet Nam

2009-10-13T14:53:00.002-04:00

Basic tourist and business visas for Viet Nam just got a little more expensive.

As of today the Embassy of Viet Nam in Canada is charging $93 for a simple visa, good for a single entry.

The prices for other visas remain the same as before.

Click here for visas to Viet Nam.

World Tourism Day

2009-09-25T10:37:00.003-04:00

Happy World Tourism Day from myself and all the staff at Visa Services Canada.

The theme this year is Celebrating Diversity, and the 2009 hosts are various countries in Africa. The actual day is Sunday 27 September.

Click here for the World Tourism Organization, a UN body headquartered in Spain.

Pam.

Russian visas for UK & USA citizens

2009-09-21T16:56:00.002-04:00

Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain now have to apply for Russian visas using the "long form" application. As of today, 21 September 2009, the Russian embassy in Canada will only accept applications from UK citizens which are made on the same form as is already required of citizens of the Untied States of America.

Click here for Russian visa details and basic form.

Click here to contact us for the special "Long Form" for U.K. and U.S.A. citizens.