Giving up your passport to obtain a foregin visa

[your_dreamguy]

Hello,

I am currently working for a regional that does a lot of flying to Mexico and Canada.

I am trying to set some trips up in the next few months to countries that require US Citizens to obtain visas.

My worry is that some of the consulates that require processing of a visa are asking to hold your passport for a week to two weeks. Is there anyway around this? I would hate to be called for a trip to Mexico or Canada with my passport in hands of a foreign consulate for processing.

I know an option around this is to get a travel agency to do the work for you or to ask for fast service from the consulate. However, this usually requires an extra $100-$200.

Do you guys have any other ideas?

Thank you.

 

[TundraT]

Two Passports

Check with your company. Mine wrote a letter requesting the issuance of a second passport. This way one can be sent for the visa while you travel with the other one. I think the second one has a shorter expiration date compared to a standard issued one.

 

[cargoflyr69]

I've heard that there is a "transportation industry exemption" where if you go direct to the country's consulate/embassy and tell them you are an airline pilot, they will process you visa on the spot... So i've been told anyways. I plan on going to Chicago and trying this with tactic for a china visa myself...