While visa forms generally require precise, formal information, some countries take a slightly different approach. Their immigration applications may surprise you with some unexpected questionseven downright funny.
In this article, we invite you on a fun journey through some of the world's most curious and/or humorous visa questions.
Surprisingly funny visa questions
Be prepared for the diversity of topics that countries include in their visa policies. Here are some of the most surprising questions:
Australia
"Have you visited a farm in the last six weeks?"
Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. As an island nation with a unique flora and fauna, it strives to avoid the introduction of foreign pests and diseases. A person who has recently visited a farm could unwittingly introduce soil or plants into the country, which could carry harmful organisms.
Canada
"How did your previous relationship end?"
This question may seem strange, but it's actually designed to help determine the legitimacy of a current relationship if someone is seeking to immigrate for marital reasons. By asking about past relationships, officials can obtain information that helps them assess whether a relationship is genuine.
Congo
"Have you visited a traditional healer in the last 14 days?"
This question is designed to assess potential health risks. Traditional healers often use herbal remedies or practices that may not conform to Western medical standards. This information could help identify potential health problems in the visa applicant.
Mexico
"Describe your moustache/beard".
This question may be used for identification purposes. It is a way of gathering information about the physical appearance of the person applying for the visa.
Middle East
"How many wives do you plan to take with you?"
This question reflects the cultural norms of the Middle East, where polygamy is legal in some countries. It is used to check whether a person complies with local marriage laws.
UNITED STATES
"Which side of the bed does your wife sleep on?"
It may seem a strange question, but it's one that's asked when spouses apply for visas. The American authorities use this question to assess the authenticity of the conjugal relationship.
"Are you coming to the United States to practice polygamy?"
This question is asked because polygamy is illegal in the United States. It is a way of ensuring that the visa applicant complies with the country's marriage laws.
"Have you ever been directly involved in a human organ or body tissue transplant?"
This question aims to identify individuals who may have been involved in illegal or immoral activities related to organ transplantation.
"Are you the spouse, son or daughter of a person who has been involved in terrorist activities, including providing financial assistance or other support to terrorists or terrorist organizations, in the past five years?"
This issue is part of the United States' stringent security measures to prevent terrorist activity.
"Have you ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted or otherwise participated in genocide?"
This issue is part of the United States' efforts to prevent the entry of people involved in serious crimes against humanity.
Japan
"Have you ever been a member of a Mafia organization?"
Japan has a long history of fighting organized crime, particularly Yakuza groups. This issue aims to identify and deny entry to people associated with these organizations.
Russia
"Do you have any professional skills, training or experience in chemical, biological or nuclear engineering?"
This question is probably linked to national security concerns. Russia would like to identify people who have skills that could be used for nefarious purposes.
England
"Are you a nobleman, an aristocrat or a member of a royal family?"
This question could be used to identify people who might have diplomatic obligations or be subject to different immigration rules because of their status.
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