How to Apply for Visa

How to Apply for Visa

Travelling abroad for leisure, work, studies, or settling down permanently is a dream that millions of Indians share; and the number keeps increasing. It has been projected that by 2025, there will be 34.5 million international departures from India. If you are also planning to take the big step of travelling overseas, you need to be well-informed about how to get a visa.

Visa application

A visa is basically an official permit from a foreign country for you to enter and stay in the country. You need to apply for a visa as per the specific rules of the country you want to visit. Thanks to international agreements, some countries allow Indians to obtain a visa on arrival. Some others offer visa-free entry as well.

How to apply for a visa?

Although different countries have different application procedures for a visa, these are the general steps.

• Each country grants different types of visas. Select the one that you need based on your purpose of visit.

• Check your eligibility for the selected type of visa. This will be available on the official visa or embassy website of the destination.

• Fill an online form for the same.

• Schedule an interview with the embassy and carry all relevant documents for the interview.

• You will have the option of collecting your visa personally or have it sent to you via post.

• You can also apply for an e-visa online.

How to apply for a visa online?

A lot of countries also accept online visa applications. All you need to do is fill an application form online and keep all your documents ready for the personal interview. An online application form will be available on the embassy website.

What is the information required for filling the visa application form?

• Name

• Birth date

• Passport number

• Type of visa

• Occupation

• Dates of travel

• Purpose of travel

• Address where you are planning to stay in the destination country

Apart from this, some additional information might also be required.

What are the documents required for a visa application?

You cannot understand how to get a visa without knowing the documentation required for it. These requirements, too, differ from country to country. These are the requirements for a US tourist visa, one of the most sought after visas for Indians.

• Passport which is valid for six months beyond the date of expected arrival date in the US

• Old passports

• Physical and digital photo

• DS160 confirmation page stamped by the VAC (Visa Application Centre)

• DS160 US Visa application confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC)

• Receipt for visa application fees

• Printout of interview appointment letter

Additional documents like the following should also be kept ready

• Trip itinerary

• Proof of financial standing (eg. bank statement)

• Previous year’s tax documents

• PAN Card

• Tax ID

What are the things to keep in mind before applying for a visa?

Before finding out how to apply for a visa, these are the things to be prepared for.

• Know the application process thoroughly

• Check the fees for visa

• Keep a bunch of photographs ready and make sure they match the exact specifications

• Check the embassy’s security measures

• Find out about the biometric details required such as fingerprints

• Check the interview guidelines and prepare for convincing answers

Conclusion

The visa process is a lengthy one, and you will need to apply at least a few weeks in advance. Stay informed and aware, every step of the way, to ensure that your application emerges a successful one.

Next step- travel insurance

Now that you know how to get a visa, prepare yourself for the next step too, which is getting a travel insurance plan. In addition to offering a host of financial benefits, travel insurance may also prove mandatory for acquiring a visa to certain countries. A plan like travel Insurance available on Bajaj Markets, will cover you against a number of emergencies. These include loss of baggage, hijacks, flight/train cancellations, medical expenses, etc. Moreover, the Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance plan offers you access to a vast network of 10,000+ hospitals across the world, 24/7 assistance, high medical coverage , and more. Opt for the travel insurance plan on Bajaj Markets for a guaranteed hassle-free trip.