Quote:
Originally Posted by Bilbo1967
No, you don't always need a visa to visit the US.
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People often confuse a 'visa' with an 'entry stamp.' Everyone must get an entry stamp in their passports 'on arrival' when visiting most other countries than their own (unless there are territorial agreements such as when an American vists Canada, Mexico, or even Saipan or Guam.) When an American visits Japan, no visa is required. The entry stamp in the passport allows them to stay for
a limited number of weeks. Should they need/want to have a
longer period of visitation, THEN a visa is required. The visa might give extended stay permission anywhere from six months to three years, depending upon the visa obtained.
Entry requirements are not always reciprocal between countries. A Japanese citizen tourist
may enter Thailand and get an entry stamp on arrival that will grant them roughly three weeks stay in the Kingdom. A Thai citizen tourist, on the other hand,
is required to obtain a visa (good for thirty days only) prior to arrival in Japan.
Stitchawl