Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Home Country's Embassy
Knowing where your home country's embassy is located is one of the most crucial things to remember when going on a trip abroad.
There are many reasons why visiting an embassy may come in handy, including emergencies, such as getting a passport or an emergency visa, needing protection from your government and wanting them involved in a legal situation, or in case of simpler issues, like extending your stay abroad.
What is an Embassy?
An embassy is a group of diplomatic representatives from one country in another country or an international organization. They are usually located in the capital city of the host nation but may be found elsewhere.
Thus, an embassy can be called a diplomatic mission and is responsible for maintaining relations between the two countries, managing visits for higher-ranked officials, dealing with any issues that travelers may have, and taking care of travelers' safety.
Some countries, especially bigger ones, have additional institutions - consulates, located throughout the country. Consulates are mainly responsible for handling visa or passport-related issues but are not always available.
How to avoid the need to apply for a visa at an Embassy?
Sometimes visiting an embassy is not exactly necessary and there may be easier ways to deal with particular issues, e.g., handling a visa prior to your trip.
The best way to avoid making any embassy visits in case of the visa application process is to take advantage of the electronic visa system available in many countries.
eVisas are offered as an alternative to regular visas to help foreign travelers in exploring other countries without the need for complicated embassy visa application processes.
eVisas are still issued by the government of the foreign country to be visited and act as an official document authorizing one's travel abroad. But the main difference between a regular and electronic visa is the difficulty of the application process.
Electronic visas are available entirely online after following three simple steps. Usually, the only document required to apply is a valid passport. What's more, most eVisa applications are approved within 72 hours and later on, delivered to the applicant via email!
How to get an eVisa?
There are two ways in which travelers can obtain an eVisa. The first one is to use the official government website of the country they plan on visiting. However, governmental websites may not be the most intuitive and user-friendly.
That is why, there is a second option - using an eVisa agent.
Using a good eVisa agent takes off from the stress of visa handling since you let professionals take care of the whole process. Moreover, the application forms are offered in a much clearer form, in multiple languages!
Check if the country you plan on visiting offers an eVisa option and skip the complicated embassy processes while traveling.
Top 5 Reasons to Know your Home Country's Embassy While Abroad
Emergency Situations
As a traveler, you should always have your embassy in mind. Embassies are there for a reason and can help you in many different situations while traveling abroad.
If something were to go wrong they will be able to assist you so it's good to have their number on hand just in case!
Embassies are there to help their citizens in emergency situations when they are away from home. If you have an accident or if your wallet is stolen, chances are that someone at the embassy can help you.
Getting Arrested and Knowing Your Rights
Getting arrested while abroad is a nightmare that no one wants to experience, whether you are guilty or not.
When you're arrested overseas, make sure to contact your home country's embassy. They may have connections with local law enforcement officials who could provide valuable assistance in getting released from custody as quickly as possible.
Moreover, embassy officials will make sure that you know your rights applicable within the country you're visiting and will instruct you on which steps should you take next.
Lost Passport
If you're traveling abroad and lose your passport, embassy help might be the best way to get home.
The first step to take when losing your passport abroad is contacting your nearest embassy or consulate by phone or email. They'll tell you what steps to take next. It's important that you do this as soon as possible because it can take a long time for new passports to arrive in the mail.
They may also, in some cases, issue a temporary passport to help you get back home as quickly as possible.
Visa Extension
Extending your visa while abroad may be necessary for a number of reasons, from an emergency situation to simply wanting to stay abroad a little longer than first planned.
Visa extension for non-essential reasons is not always available; however, some destinations do allow it. If you should find yourself in a situation where you need to extend your visa, make sure to contact your home country's embassy and ask for further details of the process and the documents required for submission.
Any Issues That Arise While Abroad
Embassies are generally the first place you should seek help or information while staying abroad.
Any issues that may arise while on your stay, from non-urgent to emergency situations, the embassy and its officials are ready to help you.
Before any international travel, check the address of the nearest embassy within the country you plan on exploring and write down its contact information – phone number and email address. Travel smart!