1. I cannot download the visa forms. What should I do?
To download the forms you need Adobe Reader®. This program can be downloaded for free from the internet.
If the problem persists, please contact us and we will send the required form by post, email attachment or fax or bring them to you when we we come to collect your documents.
2. If I have indefinite leave/permanent residence in the UK do I still
need a visa for Europe?
Having indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom does not affect whether
you require a visa or not as visa requirements are based on the passport that
you travel on. You do require a visa to travel to Schengen countries. You can
only travel to Switzerland if you have any British visa issued for more than
6 months (Please consult the Swiss embassy web-site).
3. How long is the visa valid for?
Each embassy has its own stance on how long a visa will be issued for. Some
are issued for the specific dates that you are travelling (usually single entry),
others may be multi-entry, some are valid from the day you apply and others
are valid from the date of expected first entry. If you let us know your specific
requirements we can advise you on what may or may not be possible, but the final
decision is made by the relevant Embassy/Consulate. We are not responsible for
any decision of the Embassy/Consulate. (see our Terms and Conditions).
4. Is a visa guaranteed?
We will thoroughly check your documents to give your application the best chance
of success. However please note that, the decision to grant a visa, the duration
of the visa and/or the type of visa is at the sole discretion of the Embassy/Consulate.
We are not responsible for any decision of the Embassy/Consulate. Please consult
our Terms &
Conditions for more information.
5. How long does it take to process visa?
The time it takes to obtain a visa varies between each country and in some cases
is dependent on your nationality. Visas can take anywhere from one day to ten
weeks to obtain. In some cases as an agency we are able to obtain a visa in
a shorter period of time relative to public applications. (E.g. Schengen Countries).
In other cases such as Australian visas and migration the length of time it
takes to process a visa or migration application is the same whether you apply
yourself or via and agent and an agent can influence or speed up the process
in any way. Australian Migration can take 12 -18 months in the General Skilled
Migration category and other types of migration take differing amounts of time.
6. How many entries would it allow me?
Again, this depends on the Embassy/Consulate and your particular circumstances.
We would need more information to advise you.
7. What are the requirements for obtaining a visa?
Requirements vary between countries. Some of the requirements requested by the
embassies include:
Proof of travel (tickets, original travel agent itinerary)
Proof of accommodation (confirmed hotel reservations, official invitations)
Bank statements
Letter from your employer or letter from college if a student
Travel insurance.
Business invitations
Note: There might be more or less documents required. Please click on the Visas & Migration page and then the country you are interested in.
Minors are generally required to provide written approval from both parents/legal guardians and full birth certificate showing both parents names as well as parents/legal guardians’ passports on application.
8.
Does the Schengen Agreement / Schengen Visa include the new countries that have
joined the EU?
Yes. You can find a list of all the Schengen
Countries on our website.
9. What is the difference between a single entry visa and multi entry
visa?
A single entry visa allows the traveller to enter a country once during the
validity of the visa issued. When the traveller has left the country the visa
is no longer valid and you would be required to re-apply for another visa if
you wish to visit that country again. A multi entry visa will allow you to enter/leave
the country several times during the validity of the visa. In the case of a
Schengen Visa you would be able to use a multi-entry visa to visit other Schengen
countries.
10. Why do I need a visa for some countries and not others?
Most visa requirements are based on reciprocal agreements between two countries.
Some countries base visa requirements on diplomatic or historical relations.
11. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
In general, tourist visas are issued for the purpose of tourism, while a "business"
visa permits a traveller to engage in normal business related activities. The
visa requirements for tourist and/or business visas may vary. Many countries
that do not require tourist visas for UK passport holders may require a visa
for business purposes.
12. Why must I have at least one full blank visa page (in some cases
two) in my passport when I need to get a visa?
Most visas are stamped, or affixed, in your passport on the pages specifically
marked for them, and foreign consular officials require that visa stamps be
placed on those pages that do not contain any other stamps or marks.
13. I have a British passport do I need a visa to travel?
There are many countries that British passport holders do not require a visa
for when travelling as a tourist for short periods (usually for periods between
30 days to 180 days). In these cases it may be sufficient for the traveller
to present a British passport valid for at least six months, as well as a ticket
showing a scheduled date of departure from the country being visited. Depending
upon the country, business visas are most often required for a traveller who
has a commercial agenda in the destination country. We can assist British citizens
in obtaining visas for countries where they do need visas including Russia,
India, China, Nepal, Vietnam, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania to name
a few.
14. What is a visa invitation or confirmation?
Visa invitations/confirmations are documents, often directly approved by the
Foreign Ministry of the country to be visited, that authorises a particular
traveller to visit that country. They typically state the dates and cities you
are visiting, the name of a hosting organisation, as well as an "official"
reference number and seal of approval. This is particularly relevant for Russia.
Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary by country. We may be
able to arrange the invitations for you.