Guide to Visas | For Indian travellers, summer vacations are no longer just a break from routine—they have become a lifestyle priority. A growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and an enduring post-pandemic urge to explore are reshaping travel habits, with international trips increasingly becoming the norm. Interestingly, among this large pool of Indian tourists, millennials have emerged as the top spenders on travel, significantly outpacing other generations.
This year, the summer will be the harshest in recent times, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast showing above-normal temperatures in most parts of the country, including extended heat wave episodes that may stretch to 10–11 days in certain parts of the country.
Many Indians have already planned, or are planning, to go to international destinations to beat the heat (such as these). For travelling abroad, what crops up first in mind is the visa requirements. A holiday is often marred by the stress of last-minute planning amidst the rush of the peak travel season. While an upcoming trip out of the country can be a mixed bag of emotions, something like a visa application, which is an important aspect of this planning, doesn't have to be as stressful if it is planned well.
When it comes to tourist visas, there are generally two main types: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry tourist visa is the kind of visa that lets you enter the country once and stay there for the duration specified by the visa. Once you leave the country, this type of visa usually becomes invalid, meaning you would need to apply for a new visa if you wish to return.
A multiple-entry tourist visa permits you to enter and leave the country many times throughout its validity period. This visa form is appropriate for visitors who intend to visit adjacent countries or take short travels while remaining in the host nation. It provides additional flexibility in your trip arrangements.
Tourist visas have various features that can enhance your travel experience, including flexible duration, multiple entry options, a wide range of eligible countries, and expedited processing options.
Tourist visas often have a fixed length of stay, ranging from a few days to several months. The host country's immigration officials typically determine the duration, which might vary depending on variables such as your nationality, purpose of stay, and supporting papers.
Many tourist visas usually give you the advantage of multiple entries, which allows you to enter and leave the country many times during a specific period of validity. This adaptability will enable you to explore nearby nations or take return trips without requiring additional visa applications.
The first and foremost thing that one needs to do is to apply for a visa well in advance. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the day of travel. So, there is hardly any point in waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa when you can apply as early as possible, keeping in mind the average processing times and the intended date of travel. This will ensure that relaxation is the only thing on your mind when you submit your applications on time.
In a peak travel season, it is a common concern among tourists what the turnaround time for visa processing is, more so when your travel dates are nearing. It is important to know that each country has a different timeline for its visa processing. During peak season, visa processing at the Embassy or Consulate can take longer than the turnaround times mentioned. These timelines are mentioned on the country-specific website. It is always advisable that one should apply accordingly and save oneself from last-minute anxiety.
One should always keep a checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for the country of visit, and be sure to carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form.
Sometimes we forget to check the validity of our passports. It is important to keep this in mind while applying for a visa. Many countries require a valid passport six months beyond your return date.
It is always important to provide proper, truthful, and accurate information when filling out the visa application form. Incomplete, false, or incorrect information can potentially lead to delays or even visa rejection. Double-check all your details before submission.
Simultaneously, it is always advisable to prepare a comprehensive set of supporting documents that validate your purpose of travel, financial stability, and your relationship with your home country. Standard documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds, a travel itinerary, and sometimes an invitation letter from a host in the destination country.
It is always highly recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointed time to avoid missing your visa appointment slot. For any urgent travel, if you have missed your pre-booked appointment, or simply cannot book an appointment at your preferred date and time, Prime Time Appointment service allows you to book an appointment outside the normal working hours in select centres. Many tourists are not aware of this facility and end up being anxious and missing out on the opportunity to travel to their preferred foreign destination.
Once your visa application is submitted, you can track the progress through an online tracking service. The status will be updated as and when your passport is ready for collection.
To sum up, understanding what a tourist visa is and why you need one, as well as the different types of tourist visas and the general process for obtaining one, can greatly increase your travel experience and ensure a smooth journey. Always remember to provide accurate information, complete documentation, apply early, and avoid common mistakes to increase your chances of obtaining a tourist visa.
About the author: Shikhar Aggarwal is the Joint Managing Director of BLS International, a global leader in visa processing and consular services, and a trusted tech-enabled services partner to governments and citizens worldwide.
