The word "voucher" reminds many of the privatization of state property that took place in the 90s of the last century. After the decision was made to divide state property, the entire adult population of the country received vouchers, which were subsequently exchanged for shares in various enterprises. Some of them made a profit and increased the capital of their owners, some companies went bankrupt and simply did not bring any benefit to people. However, those vouchers are a thing of the past, today the word “voucher” is more associated with tourism.
Indeed, when compatriots began to travel to non-CIS countries and book tours through firms operating in Russia, they needed a document confirming the payment for accommodation in the hotel, so that in the future, on its basis, the Russian partner company and the hotel abroad could make mutual settlements …
Today, those vouchers that can be issued to you in a travel company are, for the most part, a nominal document. Their first priority is to remind you where, when you will live and how you will get there. Thus, two vouchers (for transfer and accommodation) are handed over to the organizers in the country where you arrived, and the third copy is left to you. Most hotels adhere to the booking system, and therefore they know about the arrival of the guest long before he arrives. Therefore, in most cases, a voucher is not required, you just need to present your passport. Thanks to the ubiquity of the Internet, it is now possible, without using the services of travel agencies, to book rooms in hotels around the world on your own. At the same time, some foreign hotels adhere to the traditions of the past and, in response to the booking, they can send you a voucher, which you then present to them.
Until recently, a voucher was required to obtain a visa for the country where you are traveling. However, now, in order to obtain a visa, you can present not only a voucher, but simply a printed letter with a booking confirmation or a copy of a voucher from a travel agency. At the same time, it is enough to simply express a desire to go to some countries and you can get their visa without providing any supporting documents.
