Many travel enthusiasts seek to explore and enjoy international destinations. However, visa-related issues can sometimes lead to apprehensiveness.
As stressful as it may be, visa travel requires one to be careful, intentional and prepared.
Picture: Sourced / iStock (teekid)
According to Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s has never been more important.
‘Trips abroad can quickly be derailed by small but important details: mismatched personal information, incorrect spelling, vague or inconsistent itineraries, choosing the wrong visa type, or gender markers that don’t align with a country’s entry requirements.
These are some of the most common reasons tourists are flagged for further questioning, refused entry, detained or sent home.’
Machiri further emphasized the importance of travellers focusing on what they can control. After all, the best way to avoid problems at the border is preparation.
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Here are essential do’s and don’ts to navigate visa travel, according to Machiri.
DO:
• Ensure consistency across all documents and double-check all personal information
• Select the appropriate visa type for your specific travel purpose
• Prepare detailed documentation of your travel plans, including accommodation and return tickets if required (some countries, like the UK and US do not require confirmed travel for visa applications)
• Bring proof of sufficient funds for your trip
• Allow enough time for visa processing
• Declare any previous visa refusals or legal issues
• Consider booking flexible or unrestricted fares in case of visa delays
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers various contingencies
• Seek professional advice from a travel expert who can review your documentation
• Be prepared to explain and grant clarity on your travel purpose and itinerary to border officials
• Keep hard copies of all your travel documents – and store digital copies securely
Picture: Sourced
DON’T:
• Apply for an incorrect visa type (for example, a tourist visa if your trip includes business meetings, study or remote work)
• Assume a transit visa won’t be necessary, even if you don’t leave the airport
• Attempt to travel with documents that are close to expiring (it is best to always have six months validity from the date of arrival BACK in your country of residence)
• Provide vague or inconsistent answers about your travel plans
• Rush through the visa application process
• Assume that having a visa guarantees automatic entry into a country
• Overlook the fine print in travel insurance policies
• Wait until the last minute to arrange visa appointments
• Travel without copies of all important documents
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