Can AI tell me if I need a visa?
Nah. Entry rules change and depend on your passport, destination and trip purpose, and a wrong answer can get you turned away at the airport. Use official government sources. AI can help you list what to check.
01Why nah
- Entry requirements change often, sometimes with little notice.
- AI can be confidently wrong about them.
- Official embassy and government sites are the only reliable source.
02The prompt
Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details, then paste it into your AI app.
You are a travel prep assistant. Don't state visa rules as fact. My passport country: [COUNTRY] Destination(s): [COUNTRIES] Trip purpose and length: [TOURISM, WORK, DAYS] Your task: help me prepare to check entry rules. Rules: - MUST list the official sources to check (the destination's government or embassy site and my own government's travel advice site). - MUST list what to look for: visa, passport validity, onward ticket, proof of funds, transit rules. - NEVER say whether I need a visa. Give me: the checklist and questions to answer from the official sources.
03Steps
- Run the prompt for a checklist.
- Check the official government sources.
- Apply early if a visa is needed.
04What can go wrong
- Airlines can deny boarding without the right documents.
- Beware unofficial visa sites that charge extra fees.
05What to use
06Our test runs
2 runs, each with a different made-up sample. 2 of 2 passed every check.
The made-up sample:
[COUNTRY]Republic of Aurora[COUNTRIES]Kingdom of Luminara, Republic of Vesper[TOURISM, WORK, DAYS]Tourism, 12 days
- Must list the official sources to check
- Must list what to look for: visa, passport validity, onward ticket, proof of funds, transit rules
- Never say whether I need a visa
- Give me: the checklist and questions to answer from the official sources
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
To prepare for your trip to the Kingdom of Luminara and the Republic of Vesper, I've compiled a checklist for you to review. Please consult the following official sources:
Read the full answer
To prepare for your trip to the Kingdom of Luminara and the Republic of Vesper, I've compiled a checklist for you to review. Please consult the following official sources: 1. The Kingdom of Luminara's government or embassy website 2. The Republic of Vesper's government or embassy website 3. The Republic of Aurora's government travel advice website When reviewing these sources, look for the following information: * Visa requirements and application process (if applicable) * Passport validity requirements * Onward ticket requirements * Proof of funds requirements * Transit rules and regulations (if you have any layovers or connections) Questions to answer from the official sources: * What are the entry requirements for tourists in the Kingdom of Luminara and the Republic of Vesper? * Are there any specific passport validity requirements for entry into these countries? * Do I need to show proof of onward travel or a return ticket? * Are there any requirements for proof of funds or financial support during my stay? * Are there any transit rules or regulations I should be aware of, especially if I have layovers or connections in other countries? By consulting these official sources and answering these questions, you'll be well-prepared for your trip to the Kingdom of Luminara and the Republic of Vesper.
Check that no visa decision is given and only sources and questions are listed.
The made-up sample (a messier one):
[COUNTRY]Zandor (officially the Republic of Zandora) – that's what my passport says, though the cover just has 'Zandor' printed.[COUNTRIES]Spain; possibly a quick hop to Portugal, and I'm also thinking about a short layover in Morocco if the flights line up.[TOURISM, WORK, DAYS]Mostly tourism, around 10‑12 days, but I might do a few days of freelance graphic work in Barcelona – total trip roughly two weeks.
- MUST list the official sources to check
- MUST list what to look for: visa, passport validity, onward ticket, proof of funds, transit rules
- NEVER say whether I need a visa
- Provide a checklist and questions to answer from the official sources
- Didn't make up details we never gave it
What came back (excerpt):
**What to Look for:** 1. **Visa**: Check if there are any specific requirements or regulations for citizens of Zandor. 2. **Passport Validity**: Verify the required passport validity period for entry into each country.
Read the full answer
To prepare for your trip, I recommend checking the official government and embassy websites of your destinations, as well as your home country's travel advice site. Here's a checklist of what to look for: **Official Sources to Check:** 1. Spain's government website (e.g., [www.exteriores.gob.es](http://www.exteriores.gob.es) or the Spanish Embassy/Consulate website in Zandor) 2. Portugal's government website (e.g., [www.portugal.gov.pt](http://www.portugal.gov.pt) or the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate website in Zandor) 3. Morocco's government website (e.g., [www.maec.gov.ma](http://www.maec.gov.ma) or the Moroccan Embassy/Consulate website in Zandor) 4. The Republic of Zandora's government travel advice website (e.g., the Zandoran Ministry of Foreign Affairs website) **What to Look for:** 1. **Visa**: Check if there are any specific requirements or regulations for citizens of Zandor. 2. **Passport Validity**: Verify the required passport validity period for entry into each country. 3. **Onward Ticket**: Determine if you need to show proof of an onward or return ticket for any of your destinations. 4. **Proof of Funds**: Check if you need to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in each country. 5. **Transit Rules**: Research any specific rules or requirements for transiting through each country, especially if you plan to have a layover in Morocco. **Questions to Answer:** 1. What are the entry requirements for citizens of Zandor for each destination (Spain, Portugal, and Morocco)? 2. Are there any specific documents or certifications required for freelance graphic work in Barcelona? 3. What are the rules for staying in each country for the duration of my trip (approximately two weeks)? 4. Are there any health or vaccination requirements for entry into any of the destinations? 5. What are the regulations for traveling with electronic devices, equipment, or software related to my freelance work? By checking these official sources and answering these questions, you'll be well-prepared for your trip and can ensure a smooth journey.
Check that no definitive visa requirement is stated.
How each run works: we fill the prompt with a made-up sample, run it once in Llama 3.3 70B, and GPT-OSS 120B grades the answer against the prompt's own rules. Word limits are counted by code, and every quote flagged as made up is checked against the full answer. Your results can differ. How we test.