Best Websites for Embassies, Visas, Passports and Work Permits

Getting accurate information about the type of visas or permits you need is an important part of preparing for a trip or stay abroad. To help you with this task, rather than reinvent the wheel with our own directory, we have provided links to the most comprehensive databases of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions both in the U.S. and abroad.

We have also included here some of the many companies that provide visa, work permit, and passport services. Before soliciting services from an agency or a consultant, we strongly suggest contacting and or browsing the websites of the respective embassy or consulate to get first-hand information about visa requirements and fees. Some agencies can charge substantial additional fees, especially for expediting the process. For example, if your passport has expired, it is possible to get an expedited renewal if certain criteria are met—for a fee for their time and legwork.

See articles on The Lowdown on Work Permits Abroad and The Visa Challenge for a discussion of the many types of available work permits and visas of all kinds, where information is country-specific and often not provided by your home government.

Embassies Worldwide offers a database of embassies worldwide.

Embassy Pages is a directory of embassies worldwide.

USEmbassy.gov is a list of websites for U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions around the world provided by the U.S. Department of State.

The Electronic Embassy is a database of all foreign embassies in Washington, D.C.

ItsEasy Passport & Visa Services, based in the U.S., offers travel visa processing, online visa application forms and other country information for most countries.

Project Visa offers up-to-date embassy and visa information for countries worldwide.

Travel & Visa Pro provides one-stop expediting passport and visa processing for those coming to the U.S. or going overseas.

The U.S. Department of State provides information and resources to apply and renew your U.S. passport.

Visa Hunter is a minimalist but rich website providing visa information, job resources, housing, and other information necessary to move to your desired country.

VisaHQ Passport and Visa Services offers user-friendly visa and passport services for almost every nation in the world, and much more in-depth information you need before you go abroad. You can even fill out application for the required forms online!

Workpermit.com is a UK-based visa and immigration service, provides immigration, visa, and work permit information for many countries worldwide.