We all get super excited at the thought of traveling abroad, but the thought of going through a visa application and its processes gives us the jitters and sends a chill down our spine. Does this sound familiar to you?
While you would still have to go through the application process the next time you travel, we at BLS International can at least make it comfortable for you with our comprehensive guide on international travel visa requirements.
While the visa requirements for international travel vary depending upon one’s nationality and the country one plans to visit, here is a list of some key requirements that you should prepare for your travel, to have a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Passport:
While this may seem obvious, we are not leaving anything out! So, check if you have a valid passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Check the expiration date before your trip. If your passport validity is less than 6 months then apply for a passport renewal at your nearest passport service agency!
Visa:
Start by researching the visa requirements for your destination country. Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of the country that you want to visit and read up about the visa types, application procedures, required documents, and fees.
Most countries offer various types of visas, such as tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, and transit visas. Each visa type has specific requirements and limitations; hence it is important to determine which type of visa suits your purpose of travel.
It is also important to know whether the country that you want to visit offers a visa-free entry or visa on arrival for certain nationalities. This means that you can enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance or get a visa upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
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Application Process:
Once you know the visa type, familiarising yourself with the application process and its requirements is wise. The process involves completing an application form, preparing all documents for submission, paying the required fees, and applying for a visa appointment.
Health Insurance and Vaccinations:
Many countries require proof of overall good health, vaccination certificates, and a copy of your health insurance. So, make sure to have a proper health checkup done and obtain a medical certificate stating that you are fit to travel and stay in the country that you are visiting. It is also important to have your COVID 19 vaccination certificates with you for submission during the visa application process. Also, don’t miss out on buying travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or stolen belongings. Keep a copy of your insurance policy or proof of coverage document.
Proof of Accommodation:
Proof of accommodation requires to be submitted at the time of the visa application process, which includes hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from friends or family if you’ll be staying with them.
Travel Itinerary:
A detailed travel itinerary that includes your flight details, hotel reservations, and any planned activities or tours during your trip needs to be prepared by you and kept handy as it helps immigration authorities understand your purpose and duration of stay.
Proof of Sufficient Funds:
In some countries, you have to prove that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay and can support yourself. This can be done by providing recent bank statements (not older than 3 months), credit card statements, or a letter from your employer indicating your salary and employment status.
Bank statements are usually a mandatory requirement by the embassies/consulates Your visa is at a higher chance of being rejected if you do not provide your bank statements along with other supporting documents showing that you have sufficient means. If you do not have the financial means to support yourself, you may also submit proof of third-party financing, in which case you’re exempted from submitting your bank statements
a) If you are visiting a country for a trip that a third party is financing, you need to submit proof of that financial support. This could be financial support from non-governmental organizations, an educational institution, or municipal financial assistance.
b) If a friend or family member abroad is supporting you financially for your trip, you will need to provide that person’s bank statements in addition to a letter from the person in question stating that they will cover your travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and other expenses.
c) In case you are unemployed, you will have to provide proof that you have enough financial resources to support yourself even without employment. In most cases, you will need a sponsor, either a friend or family member, who can declare they will support you financially as you travel abroad.
d) If you are a freelancer or self-employed applying for a visa, you still need to submit your bank statements for your visa application. If you own your business, you must also include proof that your business is a registered entity (e.g., business license) and your business bank statements from the last six months. If you have clients for which you freelance, you can include your client contracts. Either way, it’s important to submit supporting documentation that shows you are receiving an active income as a freelancer.
Travel Affidavit for Single Women Travellers:
While there is no universal requirement for an affidavit specifically for women traveling alone on international trips, some countries may request additional documentation to ensure the traveller’s safety or address any potential concerns. An affidavit can serve as a supporting document to demonstrate a woman’s intent, purpose, and preparedness for the trip.
It can help assure immigration authorities or border control officers. The affidavit should include your passport details, identification and contact details, the purpose of travel, the safety measures that you may have undertaken like booking reputable accommodations and utilizing safe transportation options. It should also include emergency contact details and the necessary health precautions taken.
