Planning an International Trip? Here’s How to Get Your Visa Hassle-Free
A dream vacation to Canada,
Australia, or even Europe may sound so exciting that it
makes you jump off your seat- a hike on the Swiss Alps, or rowing through the Italian
canals might all be things you dream of experiencing. But, before any of that
becomes reality, there’s one box every traveller needs to tick: getting the
visa. For a lot of travellers, the visa process is the most stressful part of planning
an internation trip. But does it always have to be so? The answer is no.
Be it your first international holiday or another stamp in
the passport, understanding how the visa process works makes everything easier.
With more travel companies offering different options for international trips and
with smoother embassy systems in place, applying for a visa today is more
straightforward than ever, especially for destinations covered under the Schengen visa.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Visa Type
When planning an international trip, the first step is to
understand the kind of visa required for the country you are visiting. Visas
differ, and the visa type you need solely depends on your nationality and the
country you are traveling to.
- Traveling
to the UK? You’ll likely need a UK Tourist Visa.
- Headed
to Australia? You might need an eVisitor or Tourist
Visa.
- Visiting
the US? A B1/B2 Visitor Visa
is your go-to.
- Flying
off to Canada? Apply for a Visitor
Visa or eTA,
depending on your nationality.
Always check the visa requirements for the specific country you
plan on travelling to. While some countries offer tourists to apply for e-visas or submit online applications, other countries
will have you go through the usual embassy process.
Step 2: Gathering the Right Documents
Visa application means arranging heaps of paperwork. But here
are the most common documents you’ll need for most countries:
- A
Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months after your trip. No
exceptions here!
- Passport-sized
Photos: Ensure that they meet the specifications as prescribed in immigration laws, which can vary from country
to country.
- Visa
Application Form: Usually available online, that must be filled
accurately.
- Travel
Itinerary: Includes flight bookings and hotel reservations.
- Proof
of Funds: Proof to show that you can support yourself while traveling
(bank statements, pay stubs, etc.).
- Travel
Insurance: Some countries, like Australia and Canada,
mandatorily request having a travel insurance that covers emergencies
during your trip.
Please note that if the purpose of your visit is business or
to visit family, additional documents, like an invitation letter, might be
required.
Step 3: Apply for Your Visa
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time
to submit your application. Most countries allow you to apply online. For
example:
- Canada’s
Visitor Visa can be processed online.
- Australia’s
Visitor Visa can be applied through their online portal.
- The United
Kingdom allows you to apply for a tourist visa online as well.
However, on the other hand, countries like the United
States of America (USA) still require a visit to the embassy for an
interview. But don’t worry; it is all part of the process.
Step 4: Book Appointment (If Necessary)
When applying for certain type of visas, it is required to
be present for an in-person appointment. This also includes providing biometric
data (like fingerprints and a photograph). Depending on the country you wish to
travel to, it may be required to visit an official visa center or an embassy to
complete the mentioned process.
Tip: Many travellers find it useful to go through
official visa centers, or travel agencies like musafir.com, when traveling to
countries like the UK or Schengen Zone countries. These centers allow
for a seamless application process by helping you book appointments, submit
documents, and even track your application status.
Step 5: Wait for Your Visa
While it depends on country to country, visa processing
times vary. Typically, it can take anywhere between 5 to 30 working days.
Hence, it is important to make sure that you apply well ahead of your travel
date. However, if you’re in a hurry, or need to travel urgently, some countries
offer express visa services, which while convenient, come with an costly price
tag.
After submission of your application, it’s a good idea to check
the status of your application (if tracking information has been provided).
Step 6: Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you will either get a physical sticker (for
your passport) or an eVisa (for countries like Australia or Kenya).
It is essential that you double-check all the details such as dates, personal information,
and the visa type. In case of any corrections, contact the embassy right away
to fix it.
Original Content : Planning an International Trip? Here’s How to Get Your Visa Hassle-Free
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