I Messed Up my Visa

I haven't totally messed it up yet, but I'm getting close.

For the love of God please apply for your visas on time because I ALWAYS mess this up.

So here's my rant about this situation:

Let me preface this with a reminder that I have ADHD and one of the biggest issues I face is "time blindness." Time blindness is a common trait in those with ADHD where we have a complete lack of awareness of time and an inability to track time passing. On top of this, I have a very short "time horizon." While most adults can conceptualize the future up to 12 weeks ahead, I, and many others with ADHD, struggle to think further than the next week.

You can see how a visa application for a trip 3 months away could be an issue...

In early July, I got my acceptance to VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussels) and I knew I had to start figuring out my visa ASAP because I didn't really have much time. But, it's a different system from what I am used to here in Prague, so I did some research. I don't know how long that took, but by the time I figured it out, it was the end of July.

At this time, I successfully got my visa application submitted online and I thought I was golden. I knew I needed it sent in by the end of July so I thought I was right on the ball with this. I let myself think that for two more weeks. Without realizing time was passing, I had a huge moment of panic when I remembered I still had to turn in documents.

Anyway, I got even more confused with documents (since I'm from the US, I assumed that I needed an FBI background check but nope, just a Czech police check), but I finally finished gathering documents this week, made my appointment, THEN realized I need the documents translated. :,)

That's where I'm at now. Waiting for my documents to be translated, hopefully by Thursday, then I'll turn in the application and hope it gets approved in three weeks

Let's be real, that's probably not going to happen. So, here's my plan:

1. Manifest my Belgian visa is approved by September 15th

2. Apply for an extension of my Czech residency under the purpose of "Seeking Employment" that recent graduates here are permitted (with that visa in processing I am legal to be in the Czech Republic)

3. If September 15th approaches and neither visas are approved, apply for a bridging visa (a temporary visa that lets me leave the Czech Republic while my residency is in processing) so this way I have some sort of EU residency or visa to get me started in Belgium

4. When my visas are approved, I'll make a trip back to Prague to pick them up

5. Go back to Brussels and meet the Belgian authorities to make it all official

Now I just need to get a hold of my landlord, buy health insurance, deposit money, get my diploma, and take new passport photos so I can get my Czech residency going... Wish me luck.

Edited by Sophia Pedigo

Emergency Second Passport

In the event that your travel date is approaching and your visa still hasn't been approved, you can apply for an emergency second passport.

Not just anyone can apply to have two passports, it's actually usually illegal. But, if you meet certain criteria, an exception will be made for you.

This passport will have limited validity, usually one or two years (mine was issued for four years. I don't know why - possibly because they wanted it to last for my entire degree? not entirely sure, but I appreciate it!) It will also have fewer pages than a normal passport. Otherwise, it acts the same as a normal passport.

What are the requirements?

The Department of State specifies four situations when it is allowed.

1. "A foreign country will deny a visa or entry to you because your passport has stamps showing travel to certain countries."

2. "You need multiple visas on an ongoing basis because of frequent international travel."

3. "You need a U.S. passport for urgent international travel but your application for a foreign visa is delayed or cannot be processed in time for your travel."

4. "When you need a special validation for travel to a restricted country or area."

Mine was issued because of the 3rd situation. My visa was still processing, but my travel date was in less than 3 weeks. I guess school was considered "urgent travel," so the Department of State allowed it.

Also, I almost had a second passport issued when I lived in Malaysia because of situation 2. The Malaysian government required that I hand in my passport to cancel my visa a month before leaving. However, at the same time, I had to be applying to renew my Czech visa. (It ended up working out that I didn't need it, but I'll make a post about that mess of a situation another day.)

Customs & Immigration

This is totally legal, but when you're going through immigration in the airport and they ask you your purpose of travel, they could be thrown off when you say to study because you don't have a visa (it's illegal to study in a university abroad without having a visa).

There are two options:

1. This is totally legal, so just tell the truth. When they ask where your visa is, refer them to the last page of the passport where there will be a stamp that says, "This passport expires [date] and was issued by the Department of State under 22 CFR 51.2.B." Explain that it was issued because your student visa is still in processing, but your studies start soon. I would keep on hand your confirmation of visa submission, confirmation of study at your university, and any other official documents that they might ask for. And tell them that once your visa is approved it will be mailed to you and you will check in with the foreign police after its arrival.

2. I probably shouldn't give this advice, but you can lie. Sometimes it's just easier to say you're a tourist visiting for less than 90 days. Usually, it's no questions asked and they let you go. But, lying to the immigration police is illegal so, pick your battles.

Getting the Visa Once it's Approved

Once your visa is approved, you are only allowed to pick it up in the specific embassy or consulate that you applied in or from your address in your home country. Unfortunately, they will not mail it to you abroad.

Again there are two options here, both legal this time.

1. Have a family member (or maybe a close friend if you tell the embassy/consulate in advance) pick up the visa and mail it to you. Mailing a passport is kind of sketchy, but this is the cheapest option. I recommend sending it with a really secure service (I used DHL) and have it overnighted.

   1. Also, don't miss the package! It will more likely get lost if you do. I spoke to my university reception and they agreed it would be okay if I sent it there since it was important documents. Since someone is always sitting at the reception desk, it was very unlikely that the delivery would be missed.

2. Go back to your home country to pick up the visa and passport. This is the safest option so I guess if you have the money for it, go for it. But, overnight shipping with DHL is $90 and a round trip flight is about $500, so it's up to you.

How can I apply?

The Department of State has detailed information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book.html

Edited by Sophia Pedigo

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Global Peace Index & Safety Abroad

One of the biggest concerns people have with traveling in a foreign country or moving abroad is safety. Especially when you're solo, your safety should always be a top priority. One thing that always gives me peace of mind when choosing where to live or traveling solo is the Global Peace Index.

On one of my favorite solo trips in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Global Peace Index

The Global Peace Index is a report by the Institute for Economics & Peace that measures peace in 163 countries. The study analyzes ongoing domestic and international conflict, measures of societal safety and security, and measures of militarization.

If you want to read more about the study and see the full results, click here.

Below are two graphics. The first depicts the world peace ranking, and the second depicts the global terrorism index.

Edited by Sophia Pedigo