Even unpaid foreign travel frequently necessitates a work visa. To prevent issues at customs, experts encourage tourists to be open and honest about the reason for their journey.
Explaining the reason for a trip to customs can be difficult for frequent travelers, particularly if the visit involves any work-related activity.
This problem arose recently when a travel journalist was questioned about the purpose of his trip to Canada.
This situation, which is typical of foreign workers, emphasizes how important it is to distinguish between work and leisure travel when crossing international borders.
Honesty at customs is crucial, according to Antoinette-Hannan Leon of the passport and visa website itseasy.com. “Lying in any foreign country is never a good idea,” she says, adding that border officials have thorough records of the travel reasons linked to visas that are issued.
Instead of a tourist visa, a work or business visa is usually needed for even unpaid labor, such as attending conferences or business meetings.
Countries are becoming more explicit about these differences, and some even provide specific remote work permits, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, tourists who attempt to exploit a tourist visa for work purposes may face fines or limited admission if they fail to disclose their job plans at customs.
If they have the appropriate visa, travelers can frequently still take in the sights while on business excursions. “It’s okay to obtain a business visa and then enjoy the local attractions,” Leon says, adding that being open and honest with border officials reduces travel anxiety. A crucial pre-trip step for U.S. travelers is to check travel.state.gov for country-specific visa requirements.
