Introduction

Thousands of people travel across different countries virtually every day. One might travel for tourism, conference, academic course, business, journalism, etc. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to understand that to travel for a transitory visit to a foreign country; one should get a travel visa.

It’s crucial to understand what the procedure is to get it done right and in one go? How to obtain the application form? How to fill the application form correctly? What documents need to be annexed with the application? What things to keep in mind so as to ensure one’s application doesn’t get rejected? So on and so forth. Here are a few tips which can make one’s application process simpler, expeditious, and hassle-free.

1. Prior Planning

If one plans to visit a foreign country, it’s better to apply for a travel visa well in advance. Though some countries promote visas on arrival, most countries accept visa applications at least 90 days before the date of travel. One can even opt for Priority Visa Service available in few countries for different visit visa applications depending upon the embassy. These services prioritize particular applications in every queue of the decision-making process in an embassy. For instance, in the UK (United Kingdom), a decision is based upon the Priority Visa application made within five working days from the day one submits his biometric details.

2. Check Permitted Activities Under A Travel Visa.

Travel visas of different countries are subject to the rules and regulations of those respective countries. Activities permitted by one country are not necessarily allowed by another country. Visit visa activities might include work, tourism, studies, etc. Thus, it’s necessary to ensure what activities are permitted under a visit visa before making an application for that visit visa.

3. Fill The Application Form Accurately.

In India, one can obtain a visa application through the Government of India’s official website indianvisaonline.gov.in or the nearest visa office or visa centre authorized by the government. Application form includes

1) Passport Type

2) Nationality

3) Port of Arrival

4) Date of Birth

5) Email-ID

6) Expected Date of Arrival

7) Visa Service

8) Gender

9) Country of Birth

10) Citizenship/National ID no.

11) Religious

12) Educational Qualifications

13) Passport Number

14) Place of Issue

15) Date of Issue

16) Date of Expiry

17) Applicant’s Address

18) Father’s Name

19) Father’s Nationality

20) Mother’s Name

21) Mother’s Nationality

22) Contact no.

It’s essential to fill in the details accurately. Apart from the government’s official website, other websites like www.vfsglobal.com provide the information required to apply for a visa well in advance. It’s important to consider that during peak season, the visa process can take longer than expected. If one has applied for a visit visa, but the decision has not been made, he can withdraw his application. The decision won’t be made. However, the fee paid is not refunded. Thus, the applicant can complete the application form as directed and even withdraw his application before a decision is made.

4. Attach The Appropriate Documents

Few documents are prerequisites for issuing a visa. Documents might differ from different laws to different jurisdictions. In India, the Bureau of Immigration has given a list of documents to be submitted to get a visa. This list can also be found on the official website of the Bureau of Immigration, i.e. boi.gov.in; the list includes,

1) Passport

2) Recent passport-size coloured photograph

3) Proof of residence

4) Proof of profession

5) Proof of financial soundness

The passport must have a minimum validity of six months as of the date of submission of the application. The passport should have 2 blank pages and a copy of the passport first 4 pages, and endorsement of extension of validity, if any, should be annexed—one recent passport-size coloured photograph. Proof of residence can include a copy of a National ID card or utility bills like electricity, water and telephone. Proof of profession should consist of Certificates from the employer and students' identity cards from their educational institutions. Proof of financial soundness must include a copy of an international credit card or updated bank statement showing sufficient balance to finance travel in India. One of the major reasons why documents get rejected is providing false information, and one should provide accurate Information and genuine documentation.

5. Appointments

In some countries, applicants have to schedule an appointment with their respective Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit visa applications. VAC checks if the form has been accurately filled and the documents attached are appropriate. It’s recommended that one be present at the Visa Application Centre 15 minutes before the appointment to avoid missing his slot.

6. Check Visa Status

Once the application is filled and the documents are submitted, one can track his visa progress via checking it online on the government’s official website indianvisaonline.gov.in. If one has applied from an agency, he can inquire there. One can even track the online progress of his visa through VFS global’s online tracking service. When the passport is ready for collection/delivery, its status is updated. (Only for VFS applicants)

7. Other Tips

Even after filling an application form and submitting documents, one should be prepared to answer more questions if required. One can be asked for more information or to give an interview or undergo a medical examination before one’s application is considered and the decision is given. One has to comply with additional demands as non-fulfilment may lead to rejection of the application. One must convince the authority that he doesn’t intend to dwell in their country by extension of his period. There might be some other tips one would need, and for that, he can hire an immigration advocate. Immigration advocate can take care of the process as he is competent, professional and legally authorised.

Conclusion

So one should keep the said points in mind while making a travel visa application. For a convenient and hassle-free trip, one should plan the visa application well in time to avoid the hustling at the eleventh hour. The chances are that one visa can also be declined if the officers don’t seem to the application fit. It is also important to note that visa application fees are non-refundable, and hence, non-acceptance can dig a hole in your pockets.

Get the application form and fill it accurately, attaching the appropriate documents. Schedule appointments and reach the Visa Application Centre beforehand. Keep track of visa status and comply with other additional requirements as instructed by the visa authority. Lastly, do not forget to check the permitted activities under the obtained travel visa.

Author: Shweta Singh