The travel industry is seeing an exceptional rise in demand for both domestic and foreign locations as the Diwali festival season approaches, despite hefty hikes in airfares and accommodation costs. Furthermore, with leisure travel on the rise, it’s time to reconsider an often-overlooked part of foreign trip planning: the visa application process.
So, if you are planning an overseas trip for the approaching Diwali holiday and need vital information to guarantee a smooth and stress-free visa application process, you have come to the correct page. Below are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a visa:
- Get an Early Start on Your Visa Application: Just as you’d reserve the best seats for a blockbuster movie, being proactive about your visa application is a smart move. Many countries accept visa applications up to 180 days before your intended travel date. Begin the process well in advance, considering the specific requirements of your chosen destination and the appropriate visa category. By giving priority to your visa application, you lay the groundwork for a hassle-free and stress-free journey.
- Budget for Visa Processing Timelines: The time it takes to process a visa can vary significantly from one country to another. You can often find this information on the official websites of the countries you plan to visit. Being well-informed about these timelines gives you an advantage, especially if you start the process well in advance. It’s essential to remember that visa processing times might get longer during peak seasons. Therefore, applying early is a wise choice to avoid last-minute surprises that could disrupt your travel plans.
- Understand the Role of External Service Providers: Companies like VFS Global, which specialise in visa outsourcing, do not influence visa decisions or the issuance/validity of visas. These service providers follow the guidelines provided by the respective governments, which include collecting visa applications, and fees, and enrolling biometrics as required by the government.
- Consider all Expenditures, Including Visa Fees: When planning a trip abroad, it’s crucial to factor in all expenses, including the cost of applying for visas. Informed travellers who follow the guidelines provided by the government of their intended destination should budget for two primary expenses: the visa fee (paid to the destination country’s government) and the service fee paid to specialists like VFS Global.
- Clarity on Documents Required: If you are unsure about which documents to submit, you can typically find a checklist of the necessary paperwork for visa applications on each country’s official website. Make sure to include all the required documents, including a printed copy of the checklist when you submit your completed application. Also, check your passport’s expiration date, as many countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Keep in mind that dealing with visas is a legal matter, so it’s better to be well-prepared than caught off guard.
