VFS issues fresh visa advisory ahead of summer travel

Dubai: Summer is just round the corner. The peak travel season means higher volumes of travellers applying for their visas. But by simply planning ahead and being prepared, you can simplify the process. Following are some handy tips for a smart, stress-free and on-time visa application experience.

• #ApplyinAdvance: It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Particularly this year with expected higher demand, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (three months) before your date of travel. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months prior to departure.

• Check for visa processing timelines: It’s peak season and a common concern is how long processing a visa will take, especially when your travel dates are approaching. While VFS Global ensures that your official documents are passed on to the concerned Consulate/Embassy within 24 hours of submission, it is important to know that each country has a different timeline for its visa processing.

During peak season, visa processing at the Embassy/ Consulate can take longer than usual. These timelines are clearly mentioned on the country-specific websites (accessed via vfsglobal.com) and the website of the respective embassy/consulate.

• Follow the checklist: A checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for each country served by VFS Global is available on www.vfsglobal.com. Refer to this and be sure to carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form. Also, check your passport’s validity. Many countries require a passport valid six months beyond your return date.

• Book an appointment: Appointments to submit a visa application are available online on www.vfsglobal.com and availability is reflected in real-time. Once you choose your preferred date and time, it is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the appointed time to avoid missing your slot.

• Track your application: Once your application is submitted, you can track the progress of the application online. The status will be updated as and when your passport is ready for collection/delivery. Please note, once your application reaches the Embassy, VFS Global has no influence on its progress and cannot track the status at this stage.

• #DoNotFallForFraud: Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on www.vfsglobal.com which is the official website catering to visa applications.

However, some governments require pre-payment of the service fee at the time of booking the appointment. This step is only to ensure genuine travellers use appointment booking and the system is kept safe from misuse by fraudulent entities.

Applicants looking for an enhanced experience can also choose from a range of optional services provided by VFS Global for additional comfort and convenience, such as Premium Lounge for end-to-end personalised assistance, Doorstep visa services for an at-home solution, Prime Time for application submissions outside business hours, among many others. The list of optional services and their fees are available on the website.