Are you planning to visit the USA or Los Angeles specifically? Then you should definitely visit the famous Hollywood. Close to 10 million foreigners applied for American tourist visas to visit this place. So, if you also want to explore this place then must apply for this visa right after you get your flight tickets. However, there are a few more things that you will need to plan for before you begin this trip.
So, make sure you have a proper plan ready regarding the places that you should visit when planning for this trip. This way you will be able to ensure that you have witnessed all sides of Hollywood and do not miss out on anything.
What Will You Need to Visit Hollywood?
Well, you will have to meet a few requirements if you want to visit Hollywood or even enter the USA. Some of the things that you will need are:
Your Passport:
Anyone who wants to visit the USA to explore Hollywood needs to have a valid passport in their name. This is one of the most basic pieces of documents that you will need for your trip because you will even need this for booking a flight and boarding a plane. So, make sure your passport is in your name and up to date.
To enter the United States, there should be a remaining validity of a minimum of 6 months in your passport after your departure from the USA. Make sure it has at least 2 blank pages for stamps when you enter and leave the country. Also, the passport should be undamaged and easy to read.
Your Visa:
A tourist visa is basically a travel permit that is necessary for all foreign travellers. This shows their eligibility and allows them to explore Hollywood freely. This is exactly why every person who visits the place needs to apply for an American tourist visa in time. That is of course, if they are not on the visa waiver list of America.
Where Can You Apply?
However, when it comes to American travel visa applications, there are basically two ways in which you can do it. Both of these ways work a little differently but they are capable of offering you a visa. There are two ways of submitting American travel visa applications: through the embassy and through online portals.
The embassy is the more traditional approach to visa application while the latter is done digitally. That being said, knowing the basics of both methods makes it easier for you to make a better choice.
Through The Embassy
An American travel visa application method involves physically visiting the embassy situated near you. From there you will have to carry on with the rest of the process. The steps of the process that you will have to carry on are:
- Visit the US embassy and find the counter from where you can get the application form.
- Fill out all the areas on this form and avoid making any mistakes during the process. Remember to check the spelling of your name, address, and ID numbers before you submit the form.
- Attach copies of documents required for the application process. The list of the documents includes printed copies of the first page of your passport, bank statements, and a few other supporting documents related to your travel purpose. Also, add 2-3 copies of your recent passport-sized photographs with the form. However, you should remember to check the guidelines of the US Immigration Department regarding the same.
- Pay the amount for the fee of your American travel visa application. This can be paid through both a debit and credit card. However, the amount might vary a little based on the country that you are applying from.
Via Online Portals
The online method to apply for an American tourist visa is way more convenient than the traditional method. This comes with a few simple steps that lead you up to the visa.
- Visit the Immigration website of the USA or the portal of any reputed visa application site.
- Click on the right application form made for an American travel visa application. Remember to fill in the entire form with all accurate details related to yourself and your visit. Plus, you should fill in all the mandatory sections and avoid making any kind of mistakes.
- Add scanned copies of the necessary documents for the process. You will basically have to add scanned copies of documents like passports, bank statements, recent photographs, and other supporting documents like return flight tickets, travel itineraries, and hotel bookings.
- Pay the fees of applying for an American tourist visa through an authorized debit/credit card. Using anything else other than that may increase the chances of fraud and other risks.
- The approval letter for the American travel visa will be sent to you on the email ID that you have provided on the application form. After that, you will have to get a few printed copies of the letter and bring them with you at the airport during the time of boarding. This will prevent confusion at the airport.
In general, it just takes a few minutes for the visa to be approved. However, in some cases, people do face some delay which can be extended to 72 hours. So, it is better to apply for the visa well in advance.
Both of these will be capable of offering you a visa that stays valid for 2 years starting the date of its issue that is of course while your passport stays valid. However, the maximum stay-up period on this is 90 days. This means you will have to return to the United States again if you want to use the full validity of your visa.
Places That You Should Visit While Exploring Hollywood
There are a few places that all people should visit when they are trying to explore the real charm of Hollywood. These are some of the main places that have played a big role in framing the way the industry works. Some of these places include:
Paramount Studios
This one is one of the oldest studios in Hollywood as the other ones of its time do not exist anymore. Most of the famous retro Hollywood movies have been shot in this studio. So, this is definitely a must-visit for all movie buffs. One of the most iconic movies that have been shot in this place is The Godfather.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is the same place where the first-ever Academy Awards or Oscars were held. This is exactly what makes this place so iconic that people apply for American tourist visas to see the place with their own eyes. Surely, this place has lost the fame that it once held but it is still a must-visit for anyone who calls themselves a true Hollywood fan.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Inaugurated in the year 1927, The TCL Chinese Theatre has been the premiere ground for many famous movies. This is one of the most visited places in the entire Los Angeles, which is why you should definitely visit this after you get your visa approved. On top of that, the concept of red carpets first started with this theatre, thus making it even more iconic.
Hollywood Sign
Well, a tour around Hollywood is definitely incomplete without visiting the famous Hollywood sign. This place is so iconic that even Hollywood celebrities pay a big buck to own a house around this area. So, remember to bring in your camera or use your phone to click a picture standing in front of the sign. However, you should not try hiking the hills and climbing on the sign as that can get you into some trouble.
Hollywood Heritage Museum
The Hollywood Heritage Museum is the place where some of the most iconic set and production pieces from some of the old Hollywood movies are. This place has shown related to the history of the industry which really helps you understand how much things have changed over the years. So, you should definitely visit this place after you get your American travel visa application approved.
Hollywood Hills
This is one of the most famous places in the area where people like to take a horse ride or just hike for in-depth exploration. This place is the home to many top celebrities in the industry. So, you can easily take a tour around the place and see their houses from the outside. This will help you take a glance at the mansions where the stars live.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
You can visit this place if you want to pay your respects to the stars of Hollywood who have left us. This is definitely a star-studded cemetery in every sense. From Harry Chandler to Douglas Fairbanks, this has become the resting ground for many people. We understand that this place might not be the first choice for most people, however, it is still worth a visit.
Ready to Take a Hollywood Tour with Your American Travel Visa?
Visiting the USA to witness the true magic of Hollywood will definitely be an experience that you will remember forever. This will help you to know the industry even more so that you can become a bigger Hollywood fan than you are today. So, remember to apply for an American tourist visa early and book your flight tickets for this trip. Moreover, you should also visit all the places that we listed to have the best tour.
However, if you face any difficulty during the tour or trip as a whole then you can contact the emergency number of the USA, 911. On the other hand, for any issues regarding your visa application process, you should contact the Helpdesk, right away.
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