Visa policy of Sanama
The visa policy of Sanama regarding foreigners is usually based on a principle of mutual reciprocity. Any country that offers visa-free travel to Sanaman citizens will be granted the same to Sanama. Sanama may also grant visa-free access to citizens of states deemed of importance to the Sanaman economy or for other pressing reasons. Other nations that do not offer visa-free travel but are considered stable and friendly are included in the visa on arrival scheme. Citizens from these countries that meet certain defined and basic standards are allowed to apply for an automatic visa on arrival. Citizens from all other countries are required to apply for and be granted a visa before entering Sanama.
| Scheme | Number of nations |
|---|---|
| Freedom of movement | 8 |
| Visa-free travel | 22 |
| Visa on arrival | 3 |
| Pre-approved visa required | 13 |
| Travel prohibited | 0 |
Regulations
Citizens from visa-free travel countries always have an obligation to provide for themselves while in Sanama.
Citizens from a visa on arrival country must, before going through immigration, obtain the proper visa.
Citizens from visa required countries must obtain a visa prior to travelling to Sanama at a Sanaman embassy or consulate.
Entry may be denied any foreigner based on the following criteria:
- The traveller transported prohibited goods,
- The traveller engaged in criminal activity, such as trafficking,
- The traveller is deemed to be a threat to national security,
- The traveller is blacklisted, or
- The traveller refused to answer one or more questions from immigration officers.
Types of visas
- Private visa: For visit by invitation from residents in Sanama. The resident vouches for the visitor. Either visitor or resident is responsible for providing for the visitor. Such visas are issued for up to 90 days and may not be immediately renewed.
- Tourist visa: Only for leisure travel, up to 90 days, may not be immediately renewed. Applicant must show that they can provide for themselves during their stay, as well as a valid departure ticket.
- Business visa: Commercial visa of a temporary nature. Issued for a set time and precludes permanent employment.
- Cultural visa: For athletes and artists attending a specific event, issued for the duration of that event. Proof of support and a valid departure ticket must be presented before issuing.
- Refugee visa: Issued to people fleeing from war, persecution or natural disaster. Can be granted on arrival if the applicant can reasonably show that they could not apply in the departure country.
- Vanic visa: Issued to defectors from lands affected by the Vanic Taint. Must show a reasonable fear of persecution due to non-compliance with Vanic culture, or having suffered sexual, mental or physical abuse due to Vanic culture. Requires a 30 day quarantine after being granted. Valid for one year and usually leads to long-term residency.
- Student visa: Issued to students at a Sanaman institution for the duration of their studies. Upon completion of studies, the applicant can either apply for residency provided they can show a signed employment contract in the studied field, or leave the country.
- Temporary worker visa: Issued to applicants that can show a signed employment contract in a qualified field. After the visa expires, the applicant can apply for long-term residence or a renewed visa, or leave the country.
- Asylum visa: Issued to people who have suffered or reasonably fear persecution due to their political activities or opinion, religion, sexual orientation or gender expression. Is initially issued for a period of two years and if the conditions remain after the initial two years, the person gains permanent residency.
- Spouse visa: Issued to the spouse of a legal resident or citizen. The resident or citizen is to provide for the spouse until they can provide for themself.
- Relative visa: Issued to minor children or parents that require assistance, of a legal resident or citizen. The legal resident or citizen must provide for the relative.
- Marriage visa: Issued for three months to persons intending to marry a Sanaman citizen.
- Diplomatic visa: Issued to bearers of diplomatic passports. Can be permanent or temporary. If permanent they still only apply for the duration of the diplomatic passport.
- Courtesy visa: Issued to people that do not qualify for diplomatic status, but are still entitled to special treatment.
Foreign relations
It is the policy of the Foreign Relations Committee to recognise all nations that are members of the Micras Cartography Society. That recognition allows any nation to open an embassy and consulates in Sanama, with some geographical restrictions and a requirement to present letters of credence to the Chairpersons of the Foreign Relations Committee. Even countries whose citizens are denied entry can open missions, by sending a communique naming the diplomats appointed. The diplomats are then issued diplomatic visas. All previously unrecognised members of the MCS were recognised by the Committee in 1702. The default position of the Committee is a state of peace, unless otherwise declared.
General travel restrictions
Visitors to a land affected by the Vanic Taint are prohibited entry for 30 days after their departure from said land. Any sign of being infected by the Vanic Taint will lead to quarantine and deportation.
