5 Visa Mistakes To Avoid When Travelling

Travel visas are required when entering many different countries around the world. You can usually apply for these visas online - every country has their own visa website where you can make your application. Sometimes this application process is fairly straightforward. In other cases, it can be quite complicated. 

It’s important that you carry out the application process properly - make a mistake, and you may not be able to enter the country. 

Below are 5 common travel visa mistakes to avoid.

Applying for the Wrong Type of Visa

Different types of visa are required depending on the nature of your trip. Most countries will provide separate short-stay and long-stay visas - if you’re planning to be abroad for over 3 months, you’ll likely need a long-stay visa. You’ll also need to find a visa that matches your purpose for travelling. On top of standard tourist visas, many countries also offer work visas, business visas, student visas, medical visas and sports visas. It’s important that you choose the right one, as there could be harsh penalties if you’re caught travelling on the wrong visa.

Choosing the right visa isn’t always simple, especially if you’re moving to another country. An immigration agent may be worth hiring to help you apply for the right visa. This could help you to avoid any complications.

Not Leaving Enough Time to Apply

Apply for your visa too late and it may not be approved by the time you plan to travel. It’s important to leave enough time before your travel date so that your trip isn’t ruined.

It only takes a couple days to process most short-stay tourist visas. Long-stay visas can take much longer to process (sometimes several months!). Start applying early so that your visa is in place by the time you need to travel.

Providing incorrect/insufficient information

All the information on your visa application needs to be accurate. Something as simple as getting your passport number incorrect or using the wrong address could result in your visa being rejected.

Take the time to carefully fill in all required forms. Some visa application forms will require you to provide a photo. This will likely need to be a passport-style photo - make sure that you have such a photo ready for the application.

Not Preparing Properly for your Visa Interview

An interview is typically not needed if you’re going on a short vacation abroad. However, for long-stay trips in which you may be planning on moving over permanently, you will need an interview. It’s important that you prepare for this interview so that your visa is more likely to be approved.

Preparing for this interview involves making sure that you have the right documentation, dressing tidily and making sure that you have clear answers prepared. You’ll usually get a letter or email detailing how to prepare for your interview - make sure that you read this.

Letting your Visa Expire

When travelling somewhere, it’s important that you keep track of when your visa expires. There could be hefty penalties in some countries if you overstay your welcome and don’t renew your visa.

You’ll usually be alerted when your visa is about to expire. Most countries will allow you to stay a few days after your expiration date so long as you plan a means of leaving.