Important Things to Know Before Applying Visa
If you are planning to apply for a visa, here are some important points to keep in mind:
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date from your trip.
Visa Requirement: Check if the country you are visiting requires a visa or not.
Visa-Free Stay: If the country allows visa-free entry, find out how many days you are allowed to stay without a visa.
Types of Visa: Know the types of visas available for your destination country such as Embassy Visa, Online Visa, ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), or Visa on Arrival.
Visa Requirements: Research the specific visa requirements for the country you plan to visit carefully.
Things to Know After Getting Your Visa
Visa Validity and Duration
Visa Validity and Duration: Usually, you must enter the country within 3 to 6 months after your visa is issued, and the visa is valid only within this time frame.
Length of Stay: Your permitted stay depends on the country’s rules and can vary from at least 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, or longer.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time depends on the country and usually takes between 4 to 30 working days (excluding holidays).
Sometimes, the embassy may ask for additional documents or call you for an interview.
If you have an appointment at the embassy, arrive 30 minutes early with all your documents.
Types of Visa Entry
You need to choose the visa entry type based on how many times you plan to enter the country:
Single Entry: One-time entry.
Double Entry: Two times entry.
Multiple Entry: Unlimited entries.
Note: Double and multiple entries are usually available only if you have previously held a single entry visa.
Photo Requirements for Visa Application
Background must be plain white (with 2 inches of space around the head).
Do not wear white shirts.
No glasses allowed.
Nose and ears must be clearly visible.
Embassy Visa
If applying through an embassy (except group visas applied by travel agencies), you must appear in person.
Examples of countries requiring embassy visa applications include Italy, France, Japan, Korea, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Bangladesh, Canada, Australia.
Travel agencies handle group visas for some countries like Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, and UK.
E visa ( Electronic Visa )
Many countries like India, Malaysia, Dubai, and Thailand offer online visa applications where you don’t need to visit the embassy.
Name and Bank Book Consistency
Your name spelling must be consistent across your passport, bank book, salary slips, and business documents.
Bank accounts should be active with regular transactions, and ideally opened at least 6 months before applying.
The required balance may vary depending on the country you are applying to. Other Required Documents
Proof of employment or business license (DICA registration or business extract) with valid dates is often required.