Common Visa Pitfalls
  • Last-minute Booking: Most tourists underestimate the amount of time it takes to process a visa. The processing should be started a minimum of 30 to 90 days before traveling in order to prevent last-minute delays.
  • Documentation Errors: Incomplete documentation, missing information, or incongruent information like name, passport number, travel dates generally causes delay. Recheck all forms and ensure that all compulsory documents are submitted like passport, invitation letter, financial evidence, round-trip ticket, etc.
  • Failure to Provide Valid Proof of Funds: Lack of sufficient financial documents (employer letters, bank statements) can result in visa refusal.
  • Poor Declaration of Travel Purpose: Poor description of your travel purpose can give rise to doubts during visa screening. Always include a cover letter or invitation letter declaring the trip purpose.
  • Application Form Errors: Spelling including name, date of birth, travel dates may delay or lead to visa cancellation.
  • Booking Too Late: Some visas involve an interview or biometric appointment. Last-minute booking may result in forfeiting the slot.
  • Photocopy: Failure to confirm to precise photo requirements (size, color) is a common technical basis for refusal.
  • Follow Local Visa Requirements: Each nation may have varying business traveler rules. So, spend some time understanding particular requirements in the target country.
  • Missing Application Fees or Wrong Payment: Failure to pay the right visa fee, or missing a subsidiarity fee (biometrics, courier) can lead to technical rejections.
  • Inadequate Travel History: Omitting prior visa history, not explaining multi-country trip plans, or unjustified travel breaks may lead to visa rejection.
  • Not Checking Up: Not tracking your application status after submission means that you're less aware of extra document requests, alterations, or current status.
How to Avoid This
  • Start Early: Begin your visa process two to three months prior to your trip to prepare for potential delays.
  • Create a Checklist: Include documents such as valid passport, employer's invitation letter, entire itinerary, financial documents, travel insurance, photos, application form, etc.
  • Check Everything Twice: Recheck all paperwork. Take support from a travel expert or professionals like Aster travels to review your submission for mistakes.
  • Stay Updated: Check embassy websites to remain up-to-date on needs for your destination country.
  • Keep Supporting Documents Ready: Includes printed invitation copies, itineraries, and bank statements.
  • Check Status: Regularly follow up after submission to effectively resolve issues in advance.
Conclusion

If you’re seeking professional assistance or avail travel services, contact Aster Travels. We do end-to-end travel management, 24/7 business travel support, custom reports and quality checks, airline loyalty & hotel tie-ups (28,000+ options) and providing a dedicated travel consultant for your company. To know more, contact us at +91 92434 00500.