Trying to apply for a visa can seem like a challenging process, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can navigate it successfully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the visa application process, from determining your visa needs to acing the interview and beyond.
With realistic expectations and thorough preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the visa application process successfully.
Before you apply for a visa, you need to know what it actually is. A visa is an official document, usually in the form of a stamp or a sticker on a passport, which is needed to enter, stay, and perform activities in the territory of a country.
Without the proper visa, you may be denied entry at the border or face legal consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to understand and follow the visa application process carefully. Visas are important because they:
Applying for a visa in person can be lengthy and stressful. It requires arriving early at application centres, waiting in long queues, and dealing with potential document issues. Additionally, keeping track of the opening and closing times of visa centres consumes time and energy.
The eVisa system streamlines the application process, allowing you to apply for a visa from home. Immigration laws may vary from country to country, resulting in distinct travel requirements, but the visa types and application procedures are quite alike.
The following are the steps to apply for a visa online:
First of all, you need to check for the type of visa you need (student visa, tourist visa, medical visa, business visa, or work visa). Depending on the category of visa you need, you will have to attach all the relevant documents required to apply for the visa to support your application.
Pro Tip: Make sure that your visa application aligns with your intended visa category. All the necessary documents must be in English or certified English translations.
Make sure to completely fill out the form and sign the online visa and immigration application form of the country that you are applying for.
Pay your visa application fee using a credit or debit card online, and don’t forget to download the e-slip of the payment, which you need to attach to the application. Only pay the right IBAN of the given embassy online, and don’t get trapped by fraudulent websites or internal links.
Schedule an appointment at the respective Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your application. You’ll get a confirmation email after booking that includes your appointment letter.
Completed applications must be uploaded along with the scanned official documents required as per the visa category. Some common documents required to apply for a visa for all categories of visa, which you need to attach to the filled application, are:
Upon submission of the application and documents, you will get an invoice/receipt with a reference number for your application.
Upon application submission, you will receive a reference number/invoice receipt, against which you can check the status of your passport.
As soon as the decision on your application has been made, you will be notified through email. After this, you can download the eVisa from the email.
Have you ever confused ETA with an eVisa? Well, you are not alone then! An ETA is a digital travel document used for short-term visits, allowing travellers to visit a country by electronic registration instead of a traditional visa. However, an eVisa is an electronic visa: a digital alternative to a traditional visa, which you can get through email before travelling.
A comparison of an ETA and an eVisa is given below, catering to your travel application needs.
| ETA | E-VISA | |
| Category | Pre-travel authorization | Visa Permission |
| Permission | No guarantee of entry | Guarantee of entry at the border |
| Must be used with | Passport | Passport |
| Applied to | Visa Exempt Countries | Eligible countries |
| Validity | 1-5 years | 30-60 days |
| Entry | Multiple | Single/Multiple |
| Pre-Boarding | Required | Required |
More countries are adopting this ETA system for business travel procedures, but mainly, these countries use the ETA system:
Applying for a visa can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few important steps to keep in mind before you submit your application to enjoy a hassle-free journey ahead. While heading to a visa office for an in-person submission can be a struggle, the online application system is super convenient and saves you a lot of time.
Or you can have services from Reservation Points, which can take care of all your travel processes. Happy travels..
Almost all visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance of the visa. The Schengen Area has a visa validity period of 90 days
Most categories of visa applications require duly filled and signed visa application forms along with:
– Passport
– Latest passport-sized photograph
– Supporting documents like proof of financial means and invitation letters, etc.
We recommend applying for your visa online after checking your eligibility for a specific visa type to avoid any time travel issues.
Identify the correct visa type, visit the embassy website, register an account, complete the online application, pay the fee, and submit your application, or you can apply online with Reservation Points.
These are the different types of visas:
Student visa, medical visa, work visa, relative visa, tourist visa and business visa, catering specific needs of travellers within a country.
Not all countries issue a visa on arrival to travellers. You should check your documents required for that specific country before travelling.
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