The Visa Process Includes…

1. Research:

Visa Time constantly researches the visa requirements and entry regulations for each 
country, including the type of visa needed, the necessary documentation, and the application process. This can involve visiting the country’s embassy or consulate website or contacting them directly to obtain accurate information.

2. Application Preparation

The applicant must gather the required documents, which may include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of  financial support, a travel itinerary, and other supporting documents depending on the visa type (e.g., employment, tourism, or study visas). The applicant may also need to fill out a visa application form, either online or in paper format. This is then collated by the visa agents to ensure successful submission the first time around. Consulate and Embassies reserve the right to request additional documents.

3. Visa Time Service

Some applicants may choose to use a visa service provider to assist with the application process. Visas Time are specialists in their field and may help with document preparation, form completion, and submission of the application to the appropriate consular or immigration authorities.

4. Submission

Visa Time facilitates the submission of the comprehensive application package to the appropriate embassy, consulate, or visa application center. In certain instances, online submission and meet-and-greet services might be accessible. For a tailored approach, we recommend discussing the available options with your Visa Consultant.

5. Appointment & Biometrics

Certain countries mandate visa applicants to attend an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center to  provide biometrics (e.g., fingerprints and photographs) and/or take part in an interview (Visa Time meet and greet services). The appointment date and time are usually scheduled before or after the application is submitted, based on the Consulate or High Commission’s guidelines, and will be communicated well in advance.

6. Processing

The consular or immigration authorities carefully assess the submitted application and determine whether to approve or decline the visa request. The processing time can significantly vary, influenced by factors such as the applicant’s nationality, destination country, visa type, and the specific consular or immigration office handling the application.

The processing period may range from a few days to several weeks, or in certain cases, even months.

7. Decision Making

In the event of visa application approval, the consular or immigration authorities will proceed to issue the visa, which can either be a sticker affixed to the applicant’s passport or an electronic visa (e-visa) delivered via email. Conversely, if the application is rejected, the applicant may receive an explanation for the decision along with information regarding any available appeals process.

8. Travel

Upon receiving the issued visa, the applicant can proceed with their travel arrangements, making sure to comply with the entry requirements and conditions specified in the visa. It’s essential to acknowledge that the outlined steps provide a general overview of the supply chain process for visa applications, and individual requirements and timelines may vary based on the circumstances. To ensure a seamless application process, it is advisable for applicants to begin their research and preparations well ahead of their intended travel date. Additionally, please be aware that the above steps do not encompass urgent requests, and such cases must be discussed and quoted prior to submission.

FAQ & Visa Processing Tips:

• Prior to departure, verify the accuracy of dates, names, and passport numbers on your visa
• Ensure you sign your visa application form when submitting it to any of our offices
• Allow ample time to acquire a visa before your intended departure date
• Double-check that you have submitted all the correct requirements to obtain the visa
• Travel documents may take longer than expected. Determine the exact requirements for your next trip and give yourself sufficient time to complete the process

Air Ticket & Passport:

• Ensure that your passport is valid and will not expire during your trip
• If you travel frequently, consider applying for a second passport
• Keep copies of your passport and other travel documents as a precaution in case of loss or theft
• Safeguard copies of your travel documents in a secure location or store them using a digital cloud service
• In SOME cases, visa applications do not require confirmed tickets; only purchase and issue tickets after the visa has been granted

Health Regulations & Vaccination Certificates, Including Covid-19:

For your safety, we recommend all travellers be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (Corona-Virus). Some countries require evidence (in the form of a handwritten certificate OR digital Covid app) that you have had the appropriate vaccinations before entering a country. Proof of a negative PCR test may be required to enter certain countries. Check with your doctor, bearing in mind that many vaccinations must be administered well before travelling, generally two weeks before the arrival date.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance (Old Mutual etc.) is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect travellers from financial losses and risks that may arise during their trips. It offers a range of benefits and coverage options, providing travellers with peace of mind and assistance in case of unforeseen events and emergencies. You can easily request this option if you are a Discovery member. Or from your travel agent or your Credit Card company if the airline ticket is purchased through this method.

Minors:

All minors under the age of 18 years traveling outbound from South Africa, regardless of citizenship, must possess an Unabridged Birth Certificate.

• Currently, children are not required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 for entry into most countries
• For South African travellers (if one parent is accompanying the child/children), the child should carry an Unabridged Birth Certificate along with one of the following:
  • An affidavit granting consent from the other parent (dated no longer than three months before the intended travel date), or
  • A court order granting the parent full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or
  • A death certificate of the other parent
• For both South African and Foreign National travellers (if a child is traveling without their parents), the following is required:
  • Proof of consent from both child’s parents or legal guardians
  • Copies of the Identity Documents or passports of the parents or legal guardians
  • A letter from the person receiving them, including a copy of the host’s ID/passport
  • If only one parent provides consent, the following additional documents are required:
    • A court order granting the parent or legal guardian full parental responsibilities and rights regarding the child
    • The contact details of the parent or legal guardian.

Exemptions: The above law does not apply to children traveling domestically, i.e., between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Other Possible Entry Requirements:

• Provide evidence of sufficient funds (if you carry a credit card, it’s advisable to bring a statement showing your credit limit)
• Show proof of a return or onward ticket
• Present documentation confirming accommodation reservations for your stay
• Carry international travel insurance
• Keep the following additional official documents on your person:
  • Identification: Some countries require travellers to carry identification, including proof of your immigration status in the country
  • Driver’s License: Depending on your destination, your country’s driver’s license may be sufficient for driving or renting a vehicle. However, some countries may require an international driving license.