Visa Applications: From Status Checks to Stamping and Fees

Types of Visa Application Processes

Applying for a visa can be as simple as filling out an online form or as complex as appearing for interviews and submitting multiple documents. One important thing to know is what type of visa you require for the country you are visiting. Here are some common types of visa processes.

1. E-Visa

   'E-visa' or 'electronic visa' is a visa that you can apply for and get online. There is no need to submit physical documents, appear for interviews, or submit biometric information. Generally, countries have their own e-visa websites where you can fill out an online visa application form, pay visa fees, upload scanned documents, and receive your visa electronically. Here are a few countries that offer e-visas to Indians.

   • Argentina
   • Georgia
   • Cambodia
   • Vietnam
   • Kazakhstan
   • Uzbekistan

2. Visa on Arrival

   Certain countries allow you to get a visa after landing at their international airport. You do not need to go through the visa application process beforehand. After arriving, you must submit appropriate documents like a passport or a return ticket, and obtain a visa on arrival. This option is often available for a limited number of days for specific visa categories.

   Countries such as Bolivia, Indonesia, Fiji, Iran, Ethiopia, and Laos provide on-arrival visas to all eligible Indian citizens. Some countries, such as Oman, only issue visas on arrival to Indian citizens who already hold valid visas to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and so on.

3. In-Person Visa Applications

   Some countries require you to appear in person for visa interviews or to submit your biometric information. For example, for a USA visa, applicants must provide biometric information and appear for a visa interview. To obtain a valid visa for Schengen countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, a visa interview is not required, but you need to visit an application centre or embassy to submit your documents and biometric information.

Essential Steps for Visa Application Processes

Planning a dreamy foreign trip is quite exciting, with buying new outfits, crafting an itinerary, and deciding which exciting experiences you are going to relish. But the one most important step you can't skip is the visa application process. The primary steps of the visa application process depend on the country you are planning to visit. However, the following steps are generally involved in the process.

Step 1: Application

The first step is to complete a visa application. You can either fill out the form online through a designated website or download the form and print it to fill and submit it physically at the embassy or visa application centre.

Step 2: Submission of Documents

You need to submit documents to support your visa application. The documents must prove your purpose of visiting the foreign country, your ability to support yourself financially during the trip, and your intention of coming back to India after your purpose is done. Generally, you need to submit the following documents, but the specific list for your travel destination will be available on the country's embassy website.

• A valid Indian passport.
• Passport-sized photographs with prescribed specifications.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• Return flight tickets, hotel booking, and travel itinerary, depending on the country-specific requirements.
• Proof of financial capability, such as bank statements and income tax returns.

Step 3: Payment of Visa Fees

You need to pay certain non-refundable visa fees for going through the visa process. These fees need to be paid, whether your visa gets approved or not. The fees are different for every country, and also they differ depending on your visa type. Here are some examples of tourist or visitor visa fees for popular destinations.

Step 4: Visa Interview and Biometric Data Submission (If Applicable)

Once you have completed your visa application, you must schedule an appointment at the relevant embassy or visa application centre for your visa interview or biometric submission. Some countries, such as the United States, require both. Schengen countries require one appointment to submit biometrics such as fingerprints and eye scans. To complete the visa application process, you must visit the centre or embassy on the day of the scheduled appointment.

Step 5: Visa Decision and Stamping

The relevant embassy would review your visa application, verify your documents, and decide whether or not to issue a visa. If the embassy approves your visa, you will receive your passport back with the visa stamped on it. If your visa is denied, you can either file an appeal (if available) or reapply.

How to Check Your Visa Application Status?

While your visa application is being processed, you may want to track its status to stay updated. The method of checking your visa application status differs for each country. Here are some ways through which you can check your visa application status.

• Online Portals: Some countries have created online systems where you can check your visa status after entering the visa application number. For example, you can check your USA visa status through the CEAC Visa Status Check facility online by entering your application ID and passport number.
• Visa Application Centres: If you have applied for a visa through a visa application centre like VFS Global or BLS International, you can check your visa status using the status check tool provided on their website.
• Enquiries at the Embassy: Some countries provide designated email IDs or contact numbers where you can inquire about your visa applications.

Final Thoughts

The key to making your visa application process smooth is research. Visit the official website of the relevant country's embassy or visa application center to understand the application procedure, documents required, fees, and other rules, and make sure you don't skip anything. For well-informed travellers, visa application processes are just a part of the adventure of going abroad!