Regardless of the nationality of your passport, you often need a visa before you can enter a particular country.

Airlines usually do not allow you to board a flight to a destination country that requires a visa before arrival. The reason for this is that if you are refused entry, they are obliged to fly you back to where you came from at their own cost. It may be inconvenient and even embarrassing (not to mention the cost of canceling bookings) if you cannot get past the check-in desk, but that’s better than spending hours flying to a country, only to be turned back!

All countries, via their respective embassies and diplomatic missions abroad, publish requirements for entry that apply to citizens of different countries. The information is freely available elsewhere too. Although it’s not always easy to find, there’s really no excuse for not knowing the requirements for visiting a particular country or region before you complete other travel arrangement.

See below the easiest ways to get that information and also apply for multiple visas before you book your ticket.

It’s not all ‘doom and gloom’, either. Some popular tourist destination countries offer a free entry stamp or a visa-on-arrival which may require payment of a fee. Others, depending on your nationality, will require visa application before you travel.

Visa application used to (and may still) involve a personal visit to the local Embassy or Consular Office of one or more countries, located in capitals and some major cities. Postal applications are sometimes possible too. However, due to the internet and digital communications, some countries now offer electronic online entry application – the quickest and most convenient way of obtaining entry authorization e.g. Australia (ETA). Visit www.eta.immi.gov.au and see how to apply.

The USA (ESTA) for UK citizens wishing to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (not an actual US Visa) has been compulsory since January 2009. It is currently free and valid for two years. However, from September 9, an ESTA will cost £9 in the UK – $14. Those who already have them are not affected, but new applicants can still get them free (and valid for 2 years) by applying before Sept 9. Visit www.esta-uk.org.

In some countries there are also specialist agencies that provide passport and visa services for citizens and those of other countries. In the case of Europe and most of the EU, it’s possible to apply for a Schengen Visa – a single visa which can cover up to 25 countries. See more below.

You can avoid potential problems and delays by doing your visa research at the same time as you are planning your trip or vacation.

Here are some easy ways, not only to obtain visa information, but to get them issued in good time. You can choose whether to apply yourself or have the process done for you for a modest service charge. This is especially useful if you intend visiting several countries, as it will save a considerable amount of time and inconvenience.

For United States, Canadian or United Kingdom (British) residents wishing to travel anywhere, PassportVisasExpress.com provides a full service; they can also process applications for the initial issue or renewal of a US Passport for those who are entitled to one.

On the PVE website, select the country you are in now, your passport nationality or citizenship, and the country or countries you want to visit – either as a tourist or on business (there are different visas) to get a quick answer.

Travelers anywhere can apply for a Schengen Visa to enter one or more of 25 countries in the European region, but not the whole of the EU as the Schengen Zone excludes the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania.

There’s more detail about passports and visas for different countries within and outside Asia on the Retire-Asia Passport & Visa Page.