You’re hoping to go on a romantic getaway with your partner to Paris. Or you’re planning a family trip to Bali. Suddenly you see your visa getting cancelled without any warning whatsoever. What do you do then?
Read these five common mistakes made by almost every traveller, from tourists to globetrotters. VFS Global guarantees that you’ll be able to travel without any hassles if you follow our guidelines.
Mistake #1: Mismatched Information With Documents
VFS Global always encourages tourists to go through documents and copy the information thoroughly. Everything you write has to match what’s written in documents, verbatim. This includes passports and identification documents such as voter IDs, employment cards and student IDs. Common mistakes include an incorrect date of birth, misspelt names or addresses, etc. Double-check application forms before you head to the application centre. Better to be safe than sorry.
Mistake #2: Not Applying For The Visa Soon Enough
Cramming doesn’t help with study or work deadlines. The same is true for visa applications. VFS Global recommends that travellers apply for the visa at least a month before your flight. The earliest you can apply is 90 days before you fly. Applying early gives you enough time to collect all the necessary documents. It also covers the processing time - something that fluctuates depending on whether it’s the holiday season.
Mistake #3: Not Meeting Country-Specific Requirements
Each country has its own set of unique documents. Indian visa applications require you to submit older passports if you have any. Take the time to consult people from VFS Global about what documents you should bring. Other unique documents may include driver’s license, marriage certificates, copies of previous visas being issued, etc. A pro tip is to carry extra photocopies of all the documents you brought if visa officers ask for it.
Mistake #4: Providing Inaccurate Details About Sponsors
Visa officers need to know how you’ll finance yourself during your stay abroad. Ensure that you’ve named your sponsor and have letters declaring who will sponsor you. Relevant documents include bank certificates and income statements. However, this may differ from country to country, so refer to the checklist mentioned previously to see any other criteria you need to meet.
Mistake #5: Submitting Unattested Bank Statements
Continuing from the previous point, bank statements must be attested by officers within the bank. It shows legitimacy and ensures the visa officer that there’s nothing to worry. So it’s best to get bank statements and certificates attested. Some countries even ask for photographs to be attested by the applicants. Simply sign the pictures behind the pictures, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get lost in the amount of work you have to do to attain a visa. However, we assure you that all the effort will be worth it once you land in your destination. VFS Global ensures that you’ll have a hassle-free flight by pointing to you the errors you should avoid. We hope this helps you plan better and become a wiser tourist.
