Can I trust visa agency websites?

Use them to understand the general process, but never pay them a fee to 'check' requirements. Go directly to official government sources to confirm what they tell you.

What if my transit involves changing airlines?

If you have to pick up your bags and re-check them, you are technically entering the country. You must check visa requirements for that transit country.

How to verify your visa requirements before booking a flight

Always cross-reference your specific passport country with the destination's official government embassy website. Never rely on third-party visa aggregator sites, as they often contain outdated information or prioritize paid services you may not need.

Check the IATA Travel Centre. Go to the IATA Travel Centre website. It is the database airlines use to check if they should allow you on the plane. Enter your nationality, destination, and transit points to get the most reliable baseline data.
Visit the official government site of the destination. Search for '[Country Name] Ministry of Foreign Affairs' or '[Country Name] Immigration Visa'. Look for a page ending in '.gov' or the official national domain. This is the only source that will tell you exactly what you need to provide.
Verify your passport validity requirements. Check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned date of departure. Many countries will deny entry if you have less than 6 months, even if you are only staying for a week.
Consult your own country's State Department page. Look at your home country's government travel advice page (e.g., travel.state.gov for US citizens). They provide practical notes on whether you need a visa, an e-visa, or a visa-on-arrival, and warn you about sudden policy changes.

Can I trust visa agency websites?: Use them to understand the general process, but never pay them a fee to 'check' requirements. Go directly to official government sources to confirm what they tell you.
What if my transit involves changing airlines?: If you have to pick up your bags and re-check them, you are technically entering the country. You must check visa requirements for that transit country.