5 Steps to Facilitate Your Visa Applications
Traveling, discovering new cultures, and exploring job opportunities are exciting opportunities. However, bureaucratic procedures such as visa applications can overshadow this excitement. Fortunately, you can simplify your visa applications and have a smooth travel experience with specific steps. In this article, as Salambooking, we will discuss 5 fundamental steps you need to take to facilitate visa applications.”
What is a Visa Application?
A visa application is the formal request made by an individual to obtain official permission to travel to a country or reside there for a specific period. Each country has different visa policies, and obtaining a visa may be mandatory when traveling from one country to another. You can access the visa requirements for Turkish citizens here.
For example, there are different types of visas for various purposes such as tourism, business, education, or family visits. Applications typically involve providing specific documents, filling out application forms, obtaining financial documents, and paying a certain fee. Applications are usually made through consulates, embassies, or specialized agencies processing visa applications. You can explore our blog where we list some reliable agencies for you by clicking here
5 Steps to Pay Attention to During Visa Application
The 5 Steps You Need to Follow to Facilitate Visa Applications are as Follows:
1- Start Early
The visa application process can take time. Therefore, starting early before your application is crucial. Allocating enough time to gather the necessary documents, fill out the application form, and if necessary, schedule appointments will ensure you are prepared for any unexpected setbacks.
The recommended application date should be at least 1 month before your planned travel date. The average processing times for applications are:
15 days for Schengen visas and 30-90 days for national applications.
The decision on the application and the issuance of the visa are at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate.
During periods of increased workload for Embassies/Consulates, especially before holiday periods, the processing time for visas may be extended.
2-Gathering Required Documents
Each country has a different visa application process. Therefore, carefully reviewing the required documents for the application is important. Generally, the documents you need to submit for a visa application are as follows:
- Passport: The validity period should generally be longer than a certain period depending on the visa requirements of the country you are traveling to.
- Visa Application Form: Each country uses its own visa application form.
- Visa Fee: Visa applications are usually made for a certain fee. This fee may vary.
- Photograph for Visa Approval: Biometric photographs complying with passport standards are required.
- Travel Document and Transportation Information: Documents confirming travel arrangements such as flight reservations, hotel reservations, or invitation letters are required.
- Financial Documents: You need to submit documents verifying your financial status such as bank account statements, salary slips, sponsorship letters, etc.
- Health Insurance: Some countries may require a valid health insurance policy for the duration of the trip
How Much Money Should Be in the Bank for a Visa?
Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question of how much money should be in the bank for a visa application. Consulates generally provide an open-ended answer, stating that there should be enough balance in the bank account to cover travel expenses. Some consulates, however, have clearly defined the amount of money that needs to be shown in the bank for a visa.
As we come to the present day in 2024, the amount of money required in the bank account for visa applicants has become a crucial issue. The depreciation of the Turkish Lira against the Euro or USD has affected our citizens’ visa processes. In fact, every year a significant number of visa applications are rejected by Consulates citing reasons such as insufficient financial status or unclear source of funds.
Considering that a large portion of the Turkish population is paid minimum wage, it is almost impossible for a minimum wage worker to finance their overseas travel if they are not applying for a commercial visa.
For example:
If you are applying for a tourist visa for a 3-5 day trip to Germany and have purchased hotel and flight tickets, it is advisable to have at least 25-30 thousand Turkish Lira in your bank account.
For tourist visa procedures for a 3-5 day stay in the Netherlands, if you have purchased your hotel and flight tickets, it is recommended to have around 30-35 thousand Turkish Lira in your bank account.
If you are applying for a tourist visa to Sweden for a 3-5 day stay and have purchased your hotel and flight tickets, it is advisable to have at least 40-45 thousand Turkish Lira in your bank account.
3-Managing the Application Process Carefully
Managing the application process carefully facilitates obtaining your visa. This involves correctly and completely filling out the application form, submitting documents on time and in proper order, and meeting all requirements. Additionally, do not hesitate to express any questions or concerns during the application process. If you have any questions about the visa process and applications, you can check out our blog where we answer frequently asked questions about visas by clicking here.
4-Presenting Previous Visas
Showing previously obtained visas creates a positive impact during the application process. Old visas demonstrate that the applicant has been accepted by other countries and has complied with the immigration rules of those countries. Therefore, it is important to include your old visas in your application documents.
5- Getting Travel Insurance
Many countries require travel insurance for visa applications. Travel insurance provides coverage for any unexpected situations or emergencies that may arise during travel. Having travel insurance can have a positive impact during the application process and facilitate obtaining a visa.
Following these steps to facilitate visa applications can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. However, since visa policies vary by country, it is important to check the requirements of a specific country before applying. Therefore, we recommend consulting a visa consultant before starting the application process.
At Salambooking, we are committed to providing the best service to facilitate your visa applications. We are here to help you manage your visa applications confidently and professionally. For more information, you can contact us at +90 850 340 5323 or check out our article on travel insurance. We wish you pleasant travels!