Visa FAQ's

  1. Do members of my sister city need transit visas?
  2. Where can I find travel insurance?
  3. What can one do to prepare for the U.S. visa application process?
  4. What kind of documentation is necessary to obtain a US visa?
  5. How do I find out what the immunization requirements are for a specific country?
  6. Can Sister Cities International assist with the visa process?
  7. Should I contact my congressional representatives if I am having unusual difficulties?
  8. Is there an appeals process?

  1. Do members of my sister city need transit visas?
    In order to have access to any airport's international zone during brief stopovers, citizens of the following countries must obtain an airport transit visa for all European Union countries:
    AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, ETHIOPIA, ERITREA, GHANA, IRAN, IRAQ, NIGERIA, PAKISTAN, SOMALIA, SRI LANKA.

    Citizens of the following countries might need this type of visa only for some European Union countries, therefore they must check with the Embassies or the Consular Offices of the European Union countries they have to transit:

    ALBANIA, ANGOLA, CUBA, EGYPT, GAMBIA, JORDAN, GUINEA, GUINEA BISSAU, HAITI, INDIA, INDONESIA, IVORY COAST, LEBANON, LIBERIA, LIBYA, MALI, ROMANIA, SENEGAL, SIERRA LEONE, SUDAN, SYRIA, TOGO, TURKEY.


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  2. Where can I find travel insurance?
    Travel insurance is available through our website in the Marketplace. International participants traveling on J-1 visas as part of a federally funded grant are awarded travel insurance through the State Department. Participants should check with their grant manager for more information.

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  3. What can one do to prepare for the U.S. visa application process?
    When applying for visas for tourism, business, or study at an American educational institution, you will be required to demonstrate strong ties to a residence outside the U.S. The officer must be certain that you are "coming back" to your home country in a timely fashion. You should bring documentation that would convince the officer that your stay in the U.S. will be for a brief period - see below for suggestions. Each applicant must determine which of these documents would be most helpful in his/her case.

    It should be noted that the fact that a friend or relative, either in the U.S. or abroad, is extending an invitation and paying for the trip, does not change the factors evaluated in determining whether the applicant can overcome the presumption of intent to immigrate. Therefore, a friend or relative, even a U.S. citizen, cannot help an applicant qualify for a visa; the applicant must be evaluated on his or her own account.


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  4. What kind of documentation is necessary to obtain a US visa?
    • Documents explaining the purpose of your trip. You must be able to demonstrate that there is a legitimate reason for your travel, that the expense of your travel is reasonable, given your circumstances, and that your circumstances/experience correspond with your proposed purpose of travel. You may be asked to show a letter of invitation explaining how long you will be visiting, who will pay for your expenses, and proof that your sponsor can afford to host your visit.
    • Documents showing financial ties to your home country. Job letters; pay slips detailing your salary. Bank statements sometimes are helpful. Other evidence of financial holdings may be helpful. You need to show that you can afford the trip, and that your financial ties are sufficient to compel you back to your home country after your visit. In the absence of strong financial ties, you may need to demonstrate exceptionally strong family and social ties.
    • Documents explaining your family ties to your home country. Marriage certificate. Birth certificates of your children. Evidence of your spouse's employment.
    • Documents explaining your social ties to your home country. This may be a letter or certificate proving membership in an organization, such as a club or church. Perhaps you can provide proof that you are a community leader who can only be away from home for a temporary period of time.

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  5. How do I find out what the immunization requirements are for a specific country?
    Detailed health information can be obtained from your local health care provider or by contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-877-394-8747 or www.cdc.gov.

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  6. Can Sister Cities International assist with the visa process?
    Sister Cities International staff has little sway over the visa process. We are able to send letters of support or make inquiries as to the status of your visa, however, we cannot directly influence the decisions of the Consular Affairs Officers. In countries where grant funded programs are implemented, Sister Cities International makes a special effort to keep the Public Affairs Officers up-to-date on grant related activities.

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  7. Should I contact my congressional representatives if I am having unusual difficulties?
    Sister Cities International recommends that you contact your Senators or Representatives if you are having unusual difficulty in obtaining visas. From time to time, Congressional intervention can move along the process, however, it does not guarantee you will receive your visas. Be sure to document the entire visa process, including copies of all forms sent to the embassy or State Department, letters of support, other supporting documentation used during the interview process, e-mails and brief descriptions of telephone conversations (including who you spoke with, date and time). The more information your congressional representative has, the greater the chance his or her intervention will be successful.

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  8. Is there an appeals process?
    The most frequent reason for visa denial is that the applicant has not proven sufficient ties to the home county. Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. If you have been denied a visa for this reason, you are eligible to reapply, provided you can show further documentation of home country ties. Visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_denials.html for more information about the appeals process.

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