Abasiakan DennyAs you prepare for international travel, know the important Dos and Don’ts for a smooth experience. Travelling abroad can be an exciting experience but requires a proper understanding of the requirements and planning for a seamless visa application process. Here is a comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts to make your journey an exciting experience.
Dos
Research the visa type and Destination
As part of your planning, research your destination and the visa type. Understand the various visa types so you can choose the visa specific to your itinerary. Understanding the visa requirements and immigration policies is important to adapt to the changes you may encounter. Familiarise yourself with the laws and customs of the destination country.
Apply Early
Visa processing time varies from country to country. Early visa application is crucial to meeting deadlines for your travel. The type of visa you are applying for can determine the processing time. Apply well like three months before your travel dates.
Gather Required Documents
Gather all the required documents. Every type of visa requires specifications. Have a checklist of the documents you will need. Ensure all your documents are valid. Documents like passport, travel itinerary, financial statements, letter of acceptance by an educational institution(for student visa), photographs, etc.
Keep Emergency Contact
Have an updated list of emergency contacts you can call in emergencies. For example, local emergency contact, immigration attorney contact, your country’s consulate, and contacts from home and mentors. This can prove invaluable if you encounter difficulties.
Don’ts
- Don’t Assume all countries have the same requirements. Every country has specifications for the different types of visas it offers. Assuming that all countries have the same requirements, you may find yourself without the required documents. Research the destination of travel and the requirements for each visa.
- Don’t apply late for your visa. Applicants end up presenting the wrong documents hampering the success of their application. High-security checks and the need for other supporting documents can significantly delay your travel date. This may have consequences, especially, if the travel was for an urgent and time-bound engagement such as a work interview, scholarship test, etc.
- Don’t provide fake documents. Providing documents that do not agree with your application status and the visa of the visa or with the consulate of the country you are planning to travel to can lead to complications and denial.
- Don’t ignore health requirements. Your health is your greater wealth because everything in life follows the direction taken by your health. If your health fails, your productivity will ultimately decrease. Some countries may require proof of vaccination for epidemic diseases such as COVID-19. Ignoring these health requirements may render you eligible to obtain a visa.
To have successful international travel, following the Dos and avoiding the Don’ts is crucial to having a memorable experience. These keys will help make your international seamless process and exciting experience.
