Whether on paper or online, visa application submissions might seem like a piece of cake on the surface. Whether a Kenya visa application or one for the USA, the details of your application could be much more complex than you might first think. There’s a lot of small print to visas, as well as technical specifications for uploaded documents and very specific requirements for your passport. Not only this but due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, visas might be frozen as countries close their borders.
From online Indian visa applications to printed business passes in China, this blog will explore some of the common hiccups and hurdles you’ll have to overcome regardless of the visa you’re applying for.
Knowing Your Visa Means Knowing Your Trip
Make sure that you are 100 percent sure of the type of visa you’ll need for your visit. Are you visiting family already residing in the US and thinking of staying? In which case you’ll need to ascertain whether to get a tourist visa or to apply for the hefty green card application. Are you a student with a course-related work placement in a different country? Then you’ll have to work out whether you should be applying for a student visa or a business visa. Every detail counts, and you should make clear your reason for visiting in your application.
Check The Processing Times
You wouldn’t miss your flight if you can help it, and visa deadlines are equally important. You should never just assume that a country allows for visas purchased on arrival. If they don’t you’ll have to do some research into how long the process will take. Like with national cuisines, every country’s is different, and you’ll need to do some digging to make sure you apply on time.
Is Your Country Eligible?
This might seem like a simple one, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, some countries have been taken off the visa list for visits to other nations. The no-fly status of some countries is a confusing one; you may be able to fly to a country but not fly back to your home nation or face long self-isolation periods regardless of your COVID test result. Again, to avoid wasting time on a visa that is invalid for the next 6 months, it’s worth doing your research before you even begin your application.
Will Secondary Visa Services Help Smooth Your Trip?
Whilst some might take a more Do It Yourself attitude, families and busy workers might find that their visa application process runs a lot smoother when they leave the details to a third party. Whilst these applications come with fees, it can often be more than worth it to avoid the stress and small print of last-minute visa applications.
Embassy Visit? Be Early
Some countries might allow your visa application to be fully undertaken online, complete with biometric scans and other bells and whistles. Other countries may require you to visit your local embassy or consulate to apply for the visa. If so, make sure that you’re a few minutes early for your meeting. Visa applications are very time-critical, and visa officers at consulates and embassies can be very busy indeed. It’s also worth noting that some visa centres may provide prime time appointments outside of normal working hours on the chance that you are unable to attend otherwise.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 02 Sep 2021
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