About Hong Kong

Hong Kong is among one the leading trade and commerce hubs of Asia, while also being counted as a prominent tourist destination of the world. The presence of global banks has given it an identity as a major financial center in East Asia. Furthermore, you can visit various tourist attractions in the country that depict the rich heritage and culture of the nation. However, you should know that in addition to being a commerce hub and popular tourist destination, it also has numerous universities that are counted among the best educational institutes in the world.

Hong Kong Visa

The territory of Hong Kong is explored for a wide range of reasons for people of different nationalities, including Indian. The valid Hong Kong visa is mandatory to enter into the East Asian financial hub.

Requirement of Hong Kong Visa

While making an application for a Hong Kong visa, make sure, you are clear about the reason for the visa. The reason may vary from person to person, company to company. Every Hong Kong visa has a separate set of eligibility criteria. Let's, for instance, take a student visa. Its set of eligibility criteria is different from that of a tourist visa. Do not mix and match and assume any visa benchmark.

Read the instructions carefully, while filling the Hong Kong visa application form. Your visa application might get rejected in the case; you’ve not filled the application properly. Necessary details recorded in the passport must match with the information being shared in the visa process. For instance, in case, your name is Khushboo Bhavsar in the Indian passport, mention the same spelling. Spelling as Khushbu Bhawsar will not be accepted; visa application be it for Hong Kong work employment visa, or Hong Kong tourist visa is liable to be rejected.

No harm in taking guidance from experts or anyone who had been to the prominent transit port of the world earlier. The objective is to knock off the typo and unwarranted information.

Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong Visa

All applicants applying for a visa for Hong Kong must comply with the following benchmark:

• Age – must be 18 years and above at the time of making the application.
• Valid passport holder.
• Financial requirement – proof and documents suggesting that you are financially capable of supporting your Hong Kong visa requirements during your stay in Hong Kong.Good moral character.
• No criminal past - a person with criminal antecedent are not permitted to enter the shores of the Hong. In case, you are found to be hiding any illegal activity; you are bound to be deported as per the law of the land.
• Language proficiency – you must possess basic or fluent command on Chinese (Cantonese) and English (both written and spoken).
• Essential educational qualification – a good academic background is welcomed in Hong Kong.
• Professionals/ Experts – professionals with the extraordinary skill set, are given preference.

Documents required to avail Hong Kong visa

• A Duly endorsed visa application with the requisite information.
• A cover letter with info about the applicant's name and the journey itinerary.
• A copy of the first and last page of the valid passport.
• Flight details.
• Financial statements of the applicants, it could be tax receipts, salary slips, and bank statement.
• The proof of educational qualification.
• Documents supporting professional expertise.
• Copy of proof of professional/ employment experience.
• In case, I am heading for business, copies of official company documents, like registration certificate, PAN and GST.
• Remember the documents depends on the type of visa, you are seeking.

Hong Kong Visa Application Process

The visa application for Hong Kong can be moved online. The website is easy to navigate with proper header and subheader, detailing the required information. You apply for Hong Kong visa online; the process is designed to facilitate visa seekers. Go through the portal meticulously, before making an application online.

Appointment Booking

The valid permit under the special arrangement for Indian nationals can be availed by following the procedure online. It is generated immediately.

The Hong Kong, visa application process, takes about two weeks to complete.

Status of Visa

You can check the status of the Hong Kong visa online.

Types of Hong Kong Visas

The type of visa an Indian national require to enter Hong Kong depends exclusively on the objective of the visa and purpose of stay. In comparison to the Hong Kong student visa and the Hong Kong tourist visa, the Hong Kong work or the Hong Kong employment visa involves a tedious process. Of course, not a cake walks to obtain the employment visa for Hong Kong. In case you adhere to the policies, rules, and regulation scrupulously, hold flawless eligibility, you can avail even the work visa.

Here are some of the common types of visas available:

Hong Kong Visit Visa

According to the department of immigration, natives of several countries are allowed to explore Hong Kong as a tourist without a visa document. Days may range between seven and 180 days. The list includes the USA, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Spain.

The application process may take about four weeks if you are planning to apply for a visitor visa.

The visa application can be processed through the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate.

Special Arrangements for Indian Nationals

Pre-arrival registration is required for Indian nationals all set to explore the place on a Hong Kong tourist visa. Each pre-arrival registration holds valid for six months. Compliance to other immigration process is mandatory to avail the visa facility under this exclusive category. As per the special arrangements for Indian nationals, on each visit, a registered Indian national can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days. When you fill in the registration form at the website, a slip is generated electronically. Crosscheck the information; this slip is a valid document. Keep it safe with you, may be required during the document verification process in Hong Kong.

For those willing to stay for more than 14 days or desirous to prolong their stay, visa or entry permit is required. Be prudent, while planning a visit to Hong Kong under the special arrangement for Indian nationals category. Remember, it allows you to stay for 14 days only.

In case, for unknown reasons, your online registration is unsuccessful, you should opt for another entry visa process.

The process of applying for a visa has been made a lot simpler. In order to apply for a Hong Kong visa online in India, you just need to visit the website and follow the steps.

The comprehensive information regarding the special arrangements for Indian nationals can be availed by clicking the following link on the website of the Immigration Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_...

The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai and Kolkata can be contacted for any additional information.

Hong Kong Business Visa

This specific type of the Hong Kong business visa is designed for people on the lookout for business opportunities, willing to invest, want to set up their company. The Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China is brimming with the opportunities galore to flourish as an entrepreneur. Depending on the business, you intend to do, plan the Hong Kong business visa.

Investment visas apply to self-employed people who are planning to set up a company or all set to invest in a particular entity. Hong Kong offers opportunities in plenty for entrepreneurs to excel in the investment-friendly ecosystem prevailing in Hong Kong.

Depending on your expertise, capital, you can plunge into your favourite business activity. Even a startup could be a scintillating platform, to begin with.

Networking with companies based in Hong Kong will be beneficial. Before embarking on a business journey, explore all your relations, colleagues. They might be of great help.

Securing a France Visa

Country Profile

The country housing the dream destination of many – Eifel Tower! This is probably how the majority of the people recognise France (Formal Name: French Republic). There is much more to this. The country is also famous for its culture, fashion, language, and cuisine. Also, it is known to be the tourist destination that is the most-visited in the world. The country lies at the political heart of Europe and is one of the founding fathers of the European integration. Paris is the capital of the state that is populated with 66.3 million people spread across a 551, 500 sq. Km. Area. The dominant language of the country is French, and the primary religion of the place is Christianity. The life expectancy of the men of the country is 78 years, and for women, it is 85 years. The currency used in the country is Euro.

The French economy is among the largest economies of the world. Today, France is known to be one of the highly modern countries of the world. The state has evolved from a much political crisis over the years. The current government of France is a mix of parliamentary and presidential systems. The most famous product exported to other countries is cheese and wine. About 75 million people visit France, every year. This is known to be the highest number of tourists visiting any other countries in the world.

How to Travel to France?

France is listed as a member state of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union. The country permits citizens of countries like Canada and Australia to travel in the Schengen Zone for 90 days, Visa-free, and all the EU nations for unlimited Visa-free travel. Citizens of countries like Russia, China, and all other Asian countries have to apply for a Schengen Visa. If citizens of countries that are granted Visa-free travels wish to travel for longer than 90 days, they also require to obtain a Schengen Visa. Although, EU nationals can travel for an unlimited period, if they overstay the 90 days’ timeline, they need to register with the local Mairie and apply for a long stay residence permit. Additional requirements like a 6 months validity on your passport and a return ticket would also be required.

Types of France Schengen Visa

Based on the purpose of your travelling to France, there are different types of French Visas. Be it your visit to the country, be it for studies, or be it to reside in the state permanently, you go to apply for varying France Schengen Visa accordingly. Also, the type of Visa is based on the duration of the stay as well as on the territory of France; the applicant intends to visit. As per the law, France is branched into three different territories that require distinct Visas for each, they are;

• French European Territory
• French Overseas Territories (TOM)
• French Overseas Departments or Regions (DOM)

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV)

The USV is a permit to traverse or reside in the desired territory for a maximum of 3 months (90 days) every six months beginning from the entry date for one of the Schengen Area Member Countries. A Uniform Schengen Visa holder can travel to countries like Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, Malta, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, Sweden, Poland, and Norway. The Uniform Schengen Visa applies to the below-mentioned categories (A and C) based on the purpose of travelling.

Category A

It is for the Airport Transit Visa that permits its holder to transit through the international zone of the Schengen country airport without going to the Schengen Area. This Visa is mandatory for the inhabitants who travel from one non-Schengen state to the other by changing flights in the Schengen country airport.

Category C

It is a short-term visa that allows its holder to lodge in a Schengen Area for a specific period, based on the validity of the validity Visa. Following the holder's purpose of the travel this category Visa can be procured in the following forms:

Single-Entry Visa

This Visa permits only one entry within the term (90 days) of its holder to the Schengen Area. This condition is mentioned on the Visa sticker that is affixed to the holder's passport. Once this Visa holder exits the Schengen Area, he/she cannot revisit the place with the same Visa even if the holder has not completed the permitted number of stays at the place. The area allowed to the holder to visit is mentioned besides the ‘Valid For' tag and the number of days permitted for the stay is mentioned besides the ‘Number of Entries' tag given on the Visa sticker.

Double-Entry Visa

This Visa permits double entry within the period (90 days) of its holder to the Schengen Area. Here, unlike the single-entry Visa, the holder can revisit the Schengen region once more after the first exit. However, this number of revisits cannot exceed two, and the Visa holder cannot revisit the Schengen Area the third time even if the number of permitted stays are not completely utilised.

Multiple-Entry Visa

This Visa permits multiple entries within the term (90 days) of its holder to the Schengen Area. This Visa holder can visit the Schengen region as many times he/she wants to visit. Depending on the frequency of your travel to the Schengen Area, the following are the types of multiple-entry Visas:

1 Year Multiple-Entry Visa

If you are an individual who travels to the Schengen region more often and you have at least one double-entry Schengen Visa, you can avail this type of Visa. You can travel to the Schengen area as many times as you wish to, provided you do not prolong your stay to more than 90 days. You need to submit a proof of your regular travelling to the place, and you also require to mention the reason for your requirement for this Visa.

3 Year Multiple-Entry Visa

This type of Visa permits you to visit the Schengen region as many times as possible within 3 years' term, provided you do not prolong your stay to more than 90 days. You must submit proof of your regular travelling to the Schengen Area, and you also need to mention the reason for your requirement of this Visa.

5 Year Multiple-Entry Visa

For people travelling the majority of the time to the Schengen Area, this Visa is issued. You are permitted to visit 26 countries in Europe for n number of times within the 5 years' term only if you do not violate the 90 days rule. For this, you require to submit reliable proof of frequent travelling to any of the 26 permitted countries and the reason for your travelling. Also, you need to provide a shred of evidence for the reason you need this type of Visa.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

This type of Visa permits you to travel through the Schengen state from which the Visa was issued or in the countries that are specifically mentioned at the time of applying for the Visa. Apart from the said states, travelling to any other states falling under the Schengen region. This Visa is issued in certain conditions wherein the Visa holder fails to possess a valid travel document or in case of any emergencies, due to any international obligations or due to humanitarian reasons.

National Visa

This Visa comes under the category D and is given to individuals who wish to study, work, or permanently reside in the Schengen Area. This is a single-entry visa provided for a specific period for a sole purpose after which they need to return to their country. There is also a facility to opt for a multi-entry national visa that permits the applicant to enter and exit the country as per their wish and also traverse through the entire Schengen Area without any additional requirements for Visa. However, the individual needs to meet certain conditions to get the multi-entry national visa.

Defined Purposes of Traveling

You will undoubtedly have some purpose for your travel to the Schengen Area. Following are some of the objectives and their significance:

Airport Transit

This type of entry is for the individuals who need to pause at the Schengen country airport but do not require to enter the Schengen country. The Schengen country has narrowed the list of countries of which the citizens need to possess this Visa. But, this list varies among different Schengen countries and so there are possibilities that you need this Visa while pausing in some Schengen countries and do not require it in the others.

Transit

This type of Visa is for seafarers who need to stop in the Schengen seaport for a short period.

Tourism

This is known to be one of the most popular reasons to travel to the Schengen region. If you like to visit the Schengen countries for experiencing the culture, cuisine, and tradition, you can opt for this visa.

Visiting Friends or Family

Individuals who have friends or family members are legally dwelling in the Schengen region can apply for this visa. The applicant must submit a letter of invitation to apply for this visa.

Business

People who need to travel often to and from the Schengen countries for business purposes can receive a quicker appointment during the peak seasons of application of visa.

Official Visit

If you are travelling to the Schengen region for an official duty even if you are going with multiple people with the same travel purpose and dates.

Medical reasons

If you intend to travel to any of the member states of Schengen region for a medical treatment you can get medical care at any clinic for a continuous period of three months.

Study Purposes

This Visa purpose is confined to pupils who wish to attend any type of educational institutions for university courses for a period shorter than 90 days.

Cultural, Sports and Film Crews

This Visa purpose is primarily for the individuals residing outside the Schengen region who wish to travel to the Schengen countries for attending cultural, sports, and religious events for film crews. However, it is mandatory that the applicant must be a participant of the event and not just the audience.

Other Purposes

If your purpose does not match any of the purposes mentioned above to enter the Schengen Area, you can opt for other purposes. However, you will still require specifying the reason for your application.

How to Check Status of France Visa?

You can check the application status of your France visa depending on how you submitted your application. Let’s look at the different ways you can check your visa application status:

If you have submitted your application manually by visiting the consulate or embassy, then you can use the tracking toolInfoVISA to check the status.

If you have applied for your France visa through CAPAGO, then you should establish communication with the application centre directly and check the status of your application

If you have applied for a French visa by using the services of VFS global, you can click here to access the VFS online application tool.

If you have applied for a French visa through TLS, you can click here to use the TLS Contact website.

Note: The Visa application centre is responsible for briefing you regarding the application status of your visa. The centre cannot give you information regarding the success of your application in any manner.

France Visa Document Requirements

In order to apply visa for France, you will need to have the following documents:

A recent and valid passport – It must not be older than ten years, it must be in good condition, and it must be valid for 3 months beyond the date of return. Also, the passport should have two blank pages.

2 copies of ID photos in the ISO/IECI format (You can find the guidelines here)

Address proof of applicant – The address proof can include documents like a copy of the deed of the house, a lease agreement for the house, utility bills, electricity bills, water bill, cable bill, or other bills such as a gas bill.

Proof of Travel Insurance – Tourists travelling to a Schengen area are required to have proof on their person regarding medical insurance of a minimum coverage amount of 30,000. The availed insurance should cover all Schengen stages.

Proof of a Booked Round-Trip – You will be required to present a copy of your round-trip flight ticket, which should contain the details of the airline, date, and your identification details.

A Cover Letter – you should attach a statement that discloses the purpose of your visit to the document. Alongside this information, the document must contain your travel plan within France, and the additional details regarding transportation modes and hotel/residence stay.

A proof of your civil status – proof of marriage, birth certificate of the child, death certificate of wife, and another relevant photo identification.

Proof of payment of visa application fees.

How to Apply for France Visa?

While it is possible to visit a Visa Application Centre or any of the French consulates in India to apply for a visa, you can also conduct the whole process online through their online portal. There is a pre-defined process to apply for France visa on their website, so let's look at all the steps one by one:

• Figure out if you need a visa

Depending on our country of origin and your requirement, you might need to discern if you require a visa or not. You can access the visa wizard available on the online portal, which helps you figure out if you need a visa. However, if you are planning to travel or stay for long and do not have relatives in France, you will most definitely need a visa. The visa wizard asks for details like your purpose of travel, duration of stay, and specific destination to figure out if you need a visa. It provides a detailed overview of your situation and guides you about the required documents, funds, and any other necessary things you need to carry.

However, if you have lived in the Schengen area in the last 6 months, you can use the online calculator to check the number of remaining days.

• Fill your application form

If you are required to apply for a visa, the next step is to gather the required document copies to fill your visa application form. In order to submit your online application, you will need to submit a passport in good condition, recent photo identities, and all required document copies. Once your appointment is booked, you will need to visit the consulate with the required documents and fees. These are the locations of the consulate offices in India-

• Consulate General of France – Mumbai: Wockhardt Towers, East Wing, 5th floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
• Consulate General of France – Puducherry: 2, rue de la marine
• Consulate General of France – Kolkata: 21 C, Raja Santosh Road, Alipore
• Consulate General of France – Bengaluru: 21 Palace Road, Vasanthanagar
• Consular Section of French Embassy – New Delhi: André Malraux Marg, 2/50 E Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

In case of the application for a short stay, you need to file your application at least 5 days before the date of departure.

• Booking your visa appointment

The next ideal step is to allocate a day that is significantly before your date of departure for your application review.In order to do so, you must check the approximate time of waiting for appointments, but an ideal time to fix the appointment is at least before two weeks of departure.The final authority of approving your visa application. In case you need to figure out the location and other necessary details for making an appointment, you can check here.

• Submitting your file

During your appointment, you must carry all the documents you are required to carry. The consulate will process your application, receive your fees, get your biometric data, and review your documents. This process takes at least 20 minutes to complete. During your file submission, you are required to pay all the necessary fees including application fees and service charge. You can check out this link to figure out this link for further details.

• Tracking your application

When your passport is ready, the consulate/application centre will contact you or send it to you by post. However, if you have not received your passport yet, you can check the status of your visa application on the online portal.

Acquiring Finland Visa

Famous Finland

The Republic of Finland is a country which falls on the northern side of Europe. It crosses the Baltic Sea between Norway to the north, Gulf of Bothnia between Sweden to the northwest and Gulf of Finland between Russia to the east. Finland is situated in the geographical region of Fennoscandia. It is a Nordic country. Helsinki is the capital of Finland as well as the largest city among Espoo and Tampere. It is considered to be the eighth-largest country in Europe as well as the most populated country in the European Union. Finland adopted the policy of neutrality when it joined the United Nations in 1955. It is a sovereign state with a parliamentary republic. Its central government is based in the city Helsinki. Majority of Finns are part and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They enjoy the freedom of religion under the Finnish Constitution.

It covers the total area 338,424 km2 constituting of about 168,000 lakes and 179,000 islands in the surrounding. The total population of the country is 5.52 million. Among which 1.41 million people live in the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area itself. Their income contributes to one-third of Finland’s GDP. Total GDP of the country is $257 billion, and Per capita income is $46,559.

Helsinki is known to have the cleanest tap water of all cities in the world and Kilpisjarvi in Lapland is proved to have has the cleanest air in Europe.

Some of the main attractions being Helsinki, Espoo, Hameenlinna, Imatra, Kittila, Koli National Park, etc. and many more places to list in. The best thing you would love to do there is Skiing.

Finland Idea

Finland attracts tourist in large number because of its beautiful lakes and islands. People love to explore that side of Finland before covering other countries. The only thing which differs is the rules and visa type for different citizens based on their nationality. Indian citizens have to take a visa for 90 days for tourism and business purposes. For that, your passport should be valid for six months or beyond your actual stay. As an Indian citizen, you don’t need any extra formalities for obtaining Schengen visa. If needed, you can even extend your Schengen visa after reaching there and completing some due formalities.

Schengen Visa

After a lot of hustle and tussle, European nations came up with an idea of Schengen visa. The idea was to make one valid formal visa for all the European countries. They invited all European counties, and from them, 26 countries took the lead. Today, all 26 European states have a common visa known as Schengen visa. It is the main document issued to the traveller or business person who is willing to visit any of the European countries.

The list includes Finland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Schengen visa is issued if the purpose of the visit in with 90 days of arrival. One cannot stay for a longer duration. If one is willing to stay longer for travel or business purposes, then he or she needs to apply for a long term visa.

Types Of Visas

Once you have decided your destination, the very next step is to collect information and understanding the process of application through a proper medium and source. However, before anything else, you need to get to know about the type of visa needed for your purpose of travel to Germany.German visas are always in demand as it allows one to visit multiple counties with just one visa in hand. That makes it easy for the people to try in because the process is too lengthy and one would like to avoid such hard times again and again. The type of visa depends solely on the purpose and duration of stay.

You can get some clear idea about your visa type by going through the following categories:

Tourist Visa:

Indians are fond of travelling. We live on simple grounds. Hustle, earn and travel. The parks and islands contribute as a high attraction tourist point. Those who wish to visit the place would require 90 days of Tourists visa to enjoy the skies.

Family And Friends:

People who have their friends and relatives in Finland will definitely wish to visit them someday. By mentioning this reason, you can apply for the visa. It is sometimes covered under the segment of the tourist visa.

Student Applicant Visa:

Indian students are fond of taking their higher studies in Finland. You need to opt for a student applicant visa after applying to the college or university.

Student Visa:

A student visa is issued to the students who have already been selected in the University. You just need to submit a simple document, letter or copy of email stating the proof of admissions. It is just taken as the clarification of the purpose.

Job Visa:

Finland has amazing jobs. Most of the service sector caters to gaming and tourism. The business sector consists of glass manufactures. If any of this sector interests you, then you can go to Finland and have your dream job. You need to apply for a temporary or permanent job visa. Just the procedures with being different and the documents required would be different.

Working Visa:

Finland is full of opportunities for the working class. Finland is considered the main gaming hub. It even has a good scope for other developments. You need to apply for a working visa of 90 days at first. It has some different requirements than job visas. It is necessary to submit documents related to your previous work experience too.

Business Visa:

Again Finland has many opportunities for the working class. Finland is still developing, and most of its income circulates through tourism and IT sector. So, there is much scope for other business forms. All you need is to apply for a business visa with the embassy. It is mandatory to state the type of business one is planning out. After checking all the legalities, you will be granted your visa.

Other Purposes

There can be many reasons for going to Germany. Not all purposes are covered under visa directory. So, when your purpose or reason is not covered under any of the above categories, you can apply for the visa under the miscellaneous category and claim your visa. However, you have to be very clear while narrating your purpose in front of the officials. If your reasons are not justified to be valid under the norms, your visa can be denied under such situations.

How to Apply for Finnish Visa:

If you want to apply for Finnish visa, then you should not worry much. The process is pretty straightforward, especially compared to the visa application process of various other countries such as the US among others. One of the first things you should do is thoroughly review the eligibility requirements for a Finnish visa. The reason to do so is that the requirements may change depending on the type of visa you are applying for. To apply for a Finnish visa, you will need to submit your visa application to The Embassy of Finland at New Delhi.

You will need to select the visa category that you wish to apply for depending on your visit’s nature and purpose.

Then you will need to book an appointment at the visa application centre before you submit your application. At the visa application centre you will need to submit your completed visa application form along with all the relevant and required documents. One of the major advantages of the Finnish visa application centre is that you can request a courier delivery to save yourself a second trip. Therefore, you will receive your documents after they are processed without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Lastly, a receipt will be provided to you that will have the fees charged for the service along with a number that you can use to check the status of your visa.

Where to Apply for Finland Visa?

In order to apply for a visa to Finland, you will need to visit The Embassy of Finland in New Delhi. Additionally, as mentioned on the Embassy of Finland website, you can also visit the offices of VFS Global Services in Delhi, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Puducherry, and Trivandrum. The addresses are given down below:

What is Estonian Tourist Visa

You can also clarify any doubts that you may have by contacting them on:

Phone Helpline: +91 22 67866008

Email Id: info.ausin@vfshelpline.com

How to Book Appointment?

In order to submit your application of Finnish visa, you will need to visit the visa application centre personally. You will not have the option of completing and apply online for a Finland visa. You can book the appointment by visiting the centre or you can call the visa application centre or book it online.

Make sure that you do not miss your appointment as rebooking an appointment or changing the date may not be possible. Furthermore, ensure that you reach before your allotted time to avoid any last minute hassle.

You will also be required to pay a fee for the service in cash in India Rupees after your appointment. Furthermore, you will be required to submit biometric data.

How to Check Status of Finland Visa

You can click here to check the status of your application. After checking the status of the visa, you can either collect it directly in person from the visa application centre or you can request courier delivery. If you are unable to collect it in person or you cannot apply for courier delivery, you can ask an authorized representative to collect it for you.

About Fiji

Fiji, located in the heart of the south pacific, blessed with 333 tropical islands. Fiji is known for its culture and they uniquely welcome tourists. The two major island attractions for tourists are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Fiji consists of luxurious private islands, all-inclusive resorts, top spas, culinary destinations and outdoor adventures. The white sand beaches and pristine, crystal-clear ocean waters at Fiji offers an ideal vacation destination for Families, honeymooners, divers or those who are simply looking to getaway and relax from it all.

Why Fiji visa is needed?

For visiting Fiji country the Indian citizens must need a valid visa. However, the type of visa that you will need to apply for depends on the reasons and nature of your visit.

Fiji Visa Eligibility

For Visiting Fiji, Indians do not require Visa but instead they need to have a relevant permit depending on their nature of travel. [NOTE: Visa is not applied only if the person is visiting for 12 days]. The categories for permits in Fiji:

Visit Fiji

• Visitor’s permit
• Special purpose permits on Medical grounds
• Special purpose permit for Yacht owners and crew

Study in Fiji

• Student permit
• Internship/Training Attachment Permit
• Research permit
• Residence permit on Assured Income

Work In Fiji

• Work permit for non-citizen skilled contracted workers(Time-post)
• Exemption status for non-citizen civil servants
• Investor permit for non-citizen investors
• Seven years investor permit
• Exemption status for members of her majesty’s forces
• Exemption status for diplomatic or consular personnel
• Exemption status for official staff of Diplomatic/consular personnel
• Residence permit on Assured income

Live in Fiji

• Special purpose permit to reside with a family member
• Co-extensive permit
• Exemption status for a child of a Fiji citizen
• Exemption status for spouse of a Fiji citizen
• Exemption status for families of exempted persons
• Exemptions status of former Fiji citizens
• Residence permit on Assured income

Fiji Visa Application process

As mentioned above, due to the diplomatic ties between Fiji and India, and due to the immigration policies of Fiji, Indian citizens do not need to apply for a visa if the duration of the travel is 12 days. In such cases, however, the visitor will need to apply for a permit. The permit is not a substitute of visa but similar to a visa it has different types that need to be applied for depending on the nature and duration of the visit. Furthermore, similar to visas, permits too have rules and regulation that need to be adhered. Relevant information on Fiji permit is given below.

How to apply for permit?

• For applying permit to Fiji a person have to visit the Fiji immigration site http://fijihc-india.in/visa/ .
• Now a person have to fill the application given on the site whether a person wants to visit, work or study purpose.
• All the documents have to be submitted with attachments with the given address mentioned in the application itself.
• All the details in the applications have to be completed with the attached passport size photographs.
• Also a person must have to submit the visa fee with application.
• Verification of all documents are required.

Where to apply Fiji permit?

A person can apply for permit to Fiji either offline or online. Visit the website: http://fijihc-india.in/visa/ for applications.

For visitor’s permit

The permanent secretary may grant a visitor permit to a non-citizen if the permanent secretary is satisfied that the non-citizen seeks to visit the Fiji Islands as a

• As tourist
• For sporting or other recreational activities
• For the purpose of visiting a friend or relative who are citizens of the Fiji
• To attend a conference or meeting
• For the purpose of transiting the Fiji islands; or is a crew member of a carrier.

For student’s permit

• Under section 9(2) (d) of the Immigration Act, 2003 a permit is granted to the authorised person to study at local primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational institutions or universities .

For work permit

• Under section 9(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2003 ; a permit is granted to a non-citizen who has employed by a locally established business, organisation or institution .

The address for Fiji permit in India is:

Address:

Fijian High Commission in New Delhi,

C–1/10 Ground Floor

Vasant Vihar

P.O. Box 8809

New Delhi 110057

India

Email: http://fijihc-india.in/visa/

Fiji Visa Document Requirements

Since Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Fiji apart from special cases, there are no requirements for the visa. However, each type of permit has certain documentation requirements that need to be fulfilled to ensure no immigration hassle in Fiji.

For new visitors permit

• A person must hold a visa/permit to any country that he or she may transit.
• A person must hold a return ticket to the country of domicile
• A person must hold a passport with validity not less than 6 months from date of departure

Extension of visitors permit

If a person is residing at local hotel than:

• Application form
• Proof of payment/booking from the hotel
• Bank statement
• Certified copy of passport
• Certified copy of current arrival stamp
• Request letter

If a person is residing with family or friends:

• Application form
• Certified copy of passport(bio data page)
• Certified copy of current arrival stamp
• Confirm return ticket
• Local sponsor letter
• Copy of sponsor valid ID/passport/permit
• Bank statement

Acquiring an Estonia Visa

Overview

Estonia - a country in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland with more than 1,500 islands, diverse terrain spanning rocky beaches, old & vast forest and many lakes.

Currently, Estonia is ranked 38th in the world by nominal GDP per capita (19,840 US$). In earlier days, being a part of the Soviet Union, it is pin-pricked with amazing castles, churches and hilltop fortresses. The capital city, Tallinn is known for its preserved Old Town, museums and the 314m-high Tallinn TV Tower, with an observation deck.

Estonian is visited by around 4 million tourists every year. They visit shops and service outlets while some tourists who have plenty of time in hand they often visit the theatre and other places outside Tallinn. A number of tourists from Sweden and Germany are growing daily. The Capital city is also an important cruise destination at the Baltic Sea after the places like Copenhagen, Stockholm and St Petersburg for travellers from around the globe.

Why is Estonian visa Needed?

Any nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and any third-country national holding a residence permit of a Schengen State do not need a visa to enter Estonia.

A family member of an EU/EEA/EFTA national, who in addition to the valid passport of the country of his/her nationality, present a residence card, which has been issued pursuant to the Directive 2004/38/EC bearing the text "Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National,” may enter Estonia without a visa, provided that the family member is travelling together with the EU/EEA/EFTA national or to the EU/EEA/EFTA national. This directive shall apply to an EU/EEA/EFTA national, who moves to or resides in a member state other than that of which he/she is a national.

It is necessary that you carry a travel document when crossing internal Schengen borders. Competent authorities have the right to check travel documents when needed.

Types of Estonia Visa

Primarily there are only three types of Estonia visa:

Schengen Visa (short-term):The Schengen visa allows you to stay in the any of the Schengen Member States for up to 90 days in six-month duration. As the name suggests, Schengen visa allows you to visit other Schengen states in addition to Estonia such as Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Lithuania, Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Latvia, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark Slovakia, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Malta, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Luxemburg, and Poland. Additionally, there no restrictions placed on you regarding the times that you can enter or leave a member state of the Schengen Region.

National Visa (long-term):The national type visa allows you to stay in the nation of Estonia for a duration of 91 days to 180 days in a six-month duration. There are many reasons for which Visa D can be issued such as seasonal worker, short term worker, researcher, volunteer, guest researcher, and student among others.

Transit Visa:Compared to the two other visas mentioned above, a transit visa is very different. While a transit visa may allow you to enter a country, you are only allowed to do so for a short time. It means that it is only issued for a few days at maximum. The primary reason for issuing a transit visa is to facilitate passengers’ travel experience and convenience.

Estonia Visa Eligibility

• Passport and copies of previous visas are required. They should be valid for at least 3 months beyond return date.
• Two blank pages is a must in a passport.
• Travel medical insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000 Euro coverage within Estonia and the entire Schengen area is required.

Estonia Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Estonian Visa

A Schengen visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days each 180 days. However, if you want to stay longer, then you got to apply for a national visa at the Estonian Embassy, Delhi.

Step 1:

Please fill in and sign the form and ensure that you furnish all required documents.

Step 2:

Submit your application at the visa centre.

Step 3:

Once the application process is completed, you will be alerted by an SMS.

Step 4:

Have your passport delivered by courier.

How to Apply for Estonian Visa

You can apply for the visa directly by visiting

You can also clarify any doubts that you may have by contacting them on:

Phone Helpline: +91 22 67866008

Email Id: info.ausin@vfshelpline.com

How to Book Appointment?

To book an appointment, all visa applicants are requested to apply online at the Joint Schengen visa application centre. Kindly note it is imperative that you do not miss your appointment. If you miss your appointment, then there is no way to guarantee when you will be able to book your next appointment as it will depend on the openings.

How to Check Status of Estonia Visa

Once after submission, you can check your application status online by entering your receipt number and date of birth.

Estonia Visa Document Requirements

Documents Required for Estonia Visa application

• You will to download and fill the visa application form. It is also possible for you to fill the Estonia Schengen Visa application form online and then print a hard-copy.
• You will need to attach 2 photos; the photo should adhere to the standards of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• You will also need to provide original and copies of your passport. It is mandatory for your passport to have at least two blank pages.
• You will need a travel medical insurance of minimum 30,000 € coverage not just within Estonia but in the entire Schengen area according to the Schengen rules.
• A cover letter that states the nature and purpose of your visit to Estonia along with your itinerary or tentative itinerary.

Now, depending on the purpose of your visit, some important documents are asked or not. Below are the details required on each occasion:

If on a work basis, you need the following:

If employed:

• Employment Contract
• Latest bank statement of the past 6 months
• No objection letter from the employer
• Income Tax Return form

If self-employed:

• Copy of business license
• Company bank statement of last 6 months
• Income Tax Return

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No objection letter from the institute/university

If retired:

• Pension statement of last 6 months

If applicable:

• Regular income made by property proof of the previous 6 months

List of additional documents required for the most frequent purposes of Estonia Visa Application:

Estonia Tourist/Visitor Visa:

• Invitation letter from the contact in Estonia along with the address and phone number
• Bank statement of the last 6 months
• Passport copies

Estonia Tourist/Visitor Visa:

• Invitation letter from the company in Estonia along with the address and phone number along with their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit
• A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
• If there were previous trade relations between the your company and the Estonian company, proof must be provided
• Business bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy, Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents
• The employer or the partner company must state the coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation regarding the applicant’s expenses during a stay in the Schengen zone.

Estonia Visa for Medical Purposes:

• A local medical report
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Estonia
• Payment receipt of medical fees

Estonia Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes:

• Invitation letter from the authorities above with details upon the nature of events or activities and the expense coverage
• Names of the applicants (crew members)
• Duration of stay
• Travel itinerary

Estonia Visa for Members of Official Delegations:

• Copy of the official invitation
• State issued the identity card of the applicant
• Purpose and nature of the journey
• Duration of stay
• Place of accommodation

Estonia Visa for Study, Training, Research, or another type of Internship Purposes:

• Certificate of enrollment permitting admittance to the course
• Certificate of completion or transfer certificates of previous courses
• Financial statements

Estonia Visa for Wife/Husband of an Estonian citizen:

• Proof of Estonian citizenship
• Estonian marriage certificate
• Estonian family record book

Estonia Airport Transit Visa:

• Visa or any other type of entry permit in the transit country
• Copy of your valid visa for your final destination

Estonia Visa for Under-Age Children:

• Proof of parents’ regular income
• Notarized travel permission from parents
• If one parent lives in another country their consent letter

*Note: When applying at the Estonian embassy/consulate in the home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Temporary visa extension for foreigners in Estonia

An extension to an Estonian Schengen visa is only possible in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Estonia.

Estonian Tourist Visa

What is Estonian Tourist Visa

An Estonian tourist visa allows you to visit the nation of Estonia for a short duration. However, the benefit of the tourist visa is that you will be able to visit all the Schengen States. Additionally, you can enter and exit a territory as many times as you want.

Duration of Estonia Tourist Visa

A short term visa, type C is issued for transit through or an intended stay in any of the Schengen States for a duration of no more than 90 days in any six-month period from the date of first entry and if you want to visit only Estonia then the Schengen visa has to be applied with the Estonian representation.

Basic Types of Estonia Visas

• Tourist
• Short-term Business/work (seasonal workers)
• Visiting family and friends
• Cultural and sports

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Estonia Tourist Visa

The eligibility criteria and the application process for an Estonian tourist visa are the same as applying for other types of visa. The only change that you will need to deal with is are the documents required for a tourist visa.

Documents required for Estonia Tourist Visa

The requirement of documents for an Estonian visa is the same as those of the type of visas mentioned above. However, there are a few additional documents that you will need to produce:

• You will also need to provide a copy of your return-ticket reservation with all relevant details that specify your entry and exit from Estonia.
• You will also need to provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Estonia. Additionally, if your plans are not finalized then you need to provide tentative plans of how you envisage the visit along with relevant documentation.
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• You will need to prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence, i.e. sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay in Estonia.

UAE Visa

If you plan to visit Dubai for a short period, you can obtain a Dubai visa in the form of ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization. You are eligible to get a Dubai visa only if your passport is valid for a minimum of six months. However, before you enter the country, you need to know the purpose of your visit, which will help you decide the visa type:

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai UAE Visa

In order to avail the UAE visa, you need to follow a systematic application process. Besides, every country has specifiedeligibility criteria to avail the visa. UAE, too, has eligibility criteria to be met, before it issues a visa to any visitor.

Criteria II – Financial Records

Applicants who have traveled atleast once in the last five years. Or those who have a valid visa for countries like USA, UK, Schengen countries, Russia, Canada, Switzerland,European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan or have evidence of travel to UAE in the last five years.
Documents Required:

• Visa application form filled and signed along with applicants colored photograph
• Original passport for verification that is valid for 6 months from the date of travel pluscolored photocopy
• Onward and return confirmed ticket of Emirates or Fly Dubai in original
• Invitation letter if any, from the host company in the UAE
• For female applicants and students above 18 years and traveling alone will require NOC from parents/husband, Photo ID of parents/ husband. Colored copy of the host passport/residence visa
• Applicable visa fees in cash, DD or credit card.

Criteria II – Financial Records

All those who do not qualify as per criteria I – Travel Record need to submit either last two years’ Form 16 or last two years’ Income Tax Return with a minimum gross income from a profession, business, or employment, which should be more than Rs.2 lakh per year. Or the applicant should have an investment of Rs.5 lakhs or above in the form of fixed deposit in the banks or post office.
Documents required:

• Income Tax returns, salary slips of the last 6 months, pan card or fixed deposit receipt
• Visa application form filled and signed along with applicants colored photograph
• Original passport for verification valid for 6 months from the date of travel
• Onward and return confirmed ticket of Emirates or Fly Dubai in original
• Invitation letter if any, from the host company in the UAE
• For female applicants and students above 18 years and traveling alone will require NOC from parents/husband, Photo ID of parents/ husband. Copy of the host passport/residence visa
• Applicable visa fees in cash, DD or credit card

Criteria III – Invitation from immediate family members residing in UAE on family status

Spouse, children below 21 years of age and parents above 60 years of age can be invited to UAE.
Documents required:

• Invitation letter, passport copy and residence visa copy of the host in UAE
• Visa application form filled and signed along with applicants colored photograph
• Original passport for verification valid for 6 months from the date of travel
• Onward and return confirmed ticket of Emirates or Fly Dubai
• Invitation letter if any, from the host company in the UAE
• For female applicants and students above 18 years and traveling alone will require NOC from parents/husband, Photo ID of parents/ husband.
• Applicable visa fees in cash, DD or credit card

Newly Married Couple

If the spouse name is not endorsed on the passport, you will require to submit:

• Marriage Certificate/Notarised Affidavit on Rs.100 stamp paper
• If you are newly married and traveling immediately after marriage with your spouse, you will require to submit No Objection Certificate from parents with photo identity proof, wedding card and a wedding photo of a couple.

Dubai Visa Documentation Requirement

If you are looking forward to visiting Dubai, you need to be sure of the types of UAE visa available for being sure of the kind of visa you should apply for. The basic types of visa for UAE Visa are:

• Tourist Visa:

  As the name suggests, the tourist visa is for the visitors that are willing to visit any of the countries in the United Arab Emirates as a tourist. This visa is given for 30 days, and if the visa holder does not leave the country in that time period, there are penalties included.

• Visit Visa:

  Visit visa is for the people that are visiting someone in UAE like a friend or relatives. This visa is provided by GDRFA office. A copy of the permit is sent to the applicant once the application is approved. The applicant is supposed to have the permit before he/she leaves the origin country.

• Transit Visa:

  In case the applicant has connecting flights that have a waiting period of anywhere more than 8 hours then this visa is required. The applicant has to leave the country within 96 hours in case of a transit visa.

• Employment Visa:

  It is the work permit that can be given by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. The time limit of this visa is two months from the date of issuance. This visa allows to work in UAE and is mandatory for foreign workers in UAE.

• Residence Visa:

  Once you have secured the employment visa the next step is a residence visa. This visa gives you access to Emirates ID and makes you a valid resident of UAE. The Emirates ID helps you bring your family members to the country.

Dubai Visa Requirements: Documentation and Eligibility

The documentation required for Dubai visa varies based on the nationalities. The US citizens have different documentation criteria as compared to the citizens from other countries all over the world. The procedure and documentation for US citizen are lenient when compared with the requirements for other citizens. There are different sets of countries for non-US citizens also, and the rules are different for all sets of countries. The specifications as per different countries are:

US Citizen Visa Requirements for Dubai

A US citizen that has a regular passport does not need a visa to visit UAE. The specific requirements for the same are listed below:

• The passport of the bearer should be signed, and its expiry date should be more than six months away from the visit
• A confirmed ticket for a round trip or to any other country
• US citizens are eligible for a visa at arrival on UAE airports
• These conditions are applicable only if the individual wishes to stay in UAE for one month
• If the stay of the US citizen is anywhere more than one month, he/she has to apply to the immigration officer at the airport to take permit for the same

Non-US Citizen Visa Requirements for Dubai

These requirements are valid for the citizens of Slovakia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland (Except the British overseas citizens), Liechtenstein, Lithuania Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Vatican, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Austria, Bahrain, Andorra, Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Canada, China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Oman,San Marino, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Norway Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Kuwait, Iceland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea and Monaco. The residents of these countries will get the visa upon arrival at UAE airports with a validity of 30 days. If the applicant wishes to stay any longer, then he/she has to apply to the immigration office at the airport. Other conditions for getting the visa are:

• A confirmed return ticket or a ticket to another country
• Another mandatory requirement is that the passport of the applicant should not have an expiry date within six months of arrival to UAE.

Based on all the above conditions, the visas are provided to the non-US citizens from the countries mentioned above.

Dubai visa requirements for GCC nationals

The GCC nationals are residents of the countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, i.e., from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain do not need a UAE visa to come to Dubai. The residents of the countries of GCC that are not the citizen of these countries but work at high positions are eligible for 30 days visa at UAE airports. These visas are not renewable and are provided to people with occupations like Doctors, engineers, public sector employees or managers.

Dubai visa requirements for rest of the nationalities

For all other nationalities, the applicants have to get the visa application approved. They can apply via their local embassies, UAE sponsors or hotels in UAE. All these are mediums for them to get the visa approved and pay a hassle-free visit to Dubai.

Who are the Sponsors?

The sponsors can make the application for visa easy, butfirst, it is important to understand who all can be sponsors. The following parties can be sponsors:

• Airline handlers and airlines can sponsor their staffs for a transit visa and make it easy for them to work on their behalf on connecting flights and in between their work shifts.
• The employers in UAE can apply on your behalf for the work visa or visit visa for their employees.
• The visit visa can also be sponsored by friends or family from UAE very easily.
• The travel visa for travelers is possible through the travel companies or hotels. But in this case, the reservations are to be made before applying for the visa. A copy of travel documents and passport is to be sent to the travel company or hotel as per their plan. The sponsor will email or fax the coy of visa after approval.

Eligibility for Dubai Visa

There are multiple criteria for visa approval for UAE, and the applicant has to qualify in only one of them, and they are:

• Travel Criterion: The travel records of the applicant are checked and if the applicant has paid a visit to UAE or other countries like European Union, Japan, USA, UK Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Schengen Countries.
• Financial Records: The financial records of the applicant are checked as per the last two years income tax records or the investments in the form of Fixed Deposits.
• Family Invite: The immediate family of the individual can invite him or her. Child below 21 years, parents above 60 years and spouse can be invited to Dubai.

It is important to have all the required visa information handy before you apply for one. Not knowing where and when to apply for a visa is very annoying especially when you are planning the trip on short notice. The whole procedure becomes very easy if you know the required details.

Dubai Tourist Visa

Tourism in Dubai is rising with the increasing development of the country. Unique buildings and beautiful architecture are attracting more and more tourists every year. With the help of a Tourist visa, an individual can visit the country for a limited time period and enjoy the beautiful architecture it has to offer. This is a non-renewable visa, and in case the individual stays for more than the specified time period, he/she will have to pay the monetary penalty as per each day extra.
There is also an option of multiple entry visa option that can be availed by the tourists. This visa is mainly for frequent business visitors and also for the travelers who have multiple visits to Dubai in the same trip. In case the trip schedule of a traveler requires him to enter Dubai more than once, then there is a need for this type of visa. In the case of business visitors, they need to be connected with a local UAE company or a Multi-national to avail this visa. It is required first to qualify and take tourist visa to be eligible for multiple entry visa. A multi-visit visa to Dubai is nonrenewable.

Dubai Tourist Visa Duration

There are restrictions on the duration when it comes to the traveler visa of UAE. The Dubai travel visa can be availed from 30-90 days. This visa can be issued for one visit and multiple visits both. The validity of multiple visit visa is for six months, and the validity for each trip under this visa is 30 days.

Cost of Dubai Tourist Visa

There are certain charges for availing the visa for Dubai and UAE as a whole. These charges are explained in the table below:

Eligibility for Dubai Tourist Visa

This visa is applicable for the individuals that are not eligible for a visa-free entry or visa on arrival. If a female individual is traveling to UAE, she should be accompanied by her parents to get the visa. Between the time period of 15 July to 15 September every year, minors who wish to visit in the company of adults are eligible for a free visa as per Cabinet Resolution in July 2018.

How to Apply for Dubai Travel Visa?

The application process for the Dubai Tourist visa is very simple. Any of the two below-mentioned procedures can avail it:

Agencies and Hotels in Dubai

You can obtain a tourist visa to Dubai through travel agencies and hotels in Dubai. The hotels can help you with the tourist visas if you have made reservations with them. The travel agencies can also help you get the visa if you have made your reservations through them. The agents and hotels that are registered in UAE can get the visa for. The visa can also be obtained from the tour operators in your country but only if you are sure about the authenticity of the travel agency. The UAE embassy in your country can help you verify the authenticity.

Airlines for Dubai

The airlines can help you with the tourist visa if you meet their terms and conditions. The visa through airlines can only be availed if they are UAE based airlines and you are flying with them. The airlines that can help you get a visa are Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways.

Required Documents for Dubai Travel Visa

The following documents are required to avail a tourist visa for Dubai:

• Filled Visa Application form
• Visa Fee
• Passport photographs
• Copy of flight ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Passport copy of the sponsor

Where to apply for Dubai Travel Visa?

You can apply for a Dubai travel visa simply through travel agents and UAE based hotels by making your bookings with them. You just need to submit the required documents, and the visa will be issued shortly.

How to track the visa status for Dubai Travel Visa?

Tracking the status of your tourist visa for Dubai is very simple. All you have to do is check it online on websites of Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai, Amer channels and website, etc. You can also check on the websites of Etihad Airways and Emirates if you have booked through them. You can check the status of your visa, expiry of the visa, issuance of the visa along with the validity of these portals.

Dubai Visa Types

Entering the United Arab Emirates requires you to apply for a Visa. While a single Visa can be used for traveling in all of the Emirates, there are different types of Visa which you can avail. These types vary according to the duration of your stay. Hence, it is essential to know the right one so you can apply for one which suits the best for you. The different types of Visa are elaborated below:

30 Day Tourist Dubai Visa

This type of Visa is valid for a duration of 58 days since the date it has been issued to the user. However, you can access it only for 30 days from the date you have entered the country. The process charges amount to USD 272.5 in addition to the taxes which results in a total of USD 430.25. The processing time for this Visa usually takes up three to four days. However, it takes 48 hours to process the tourist Visa. The application for this Visa requires you to submit all the important documents right from Passport Bio Data Page, the End Page, Residential Proof, along with a photograph. The residential proof is only required is the residential country is different from the country in which you are residing currently. For High-Risk countries, there are some other documents which are needed to be submitted.

96 Hour Transit Dubai Visa

Such a type of Visa can be availed for a period of 30 days. However, you can access it only for 96 hours since the time you have arrived in the country. The security deposit of USD 272.5 is fully refundable in addition to other taxes. The total amount you would have to pay is USD 406.25. It is processed under three to four working days. While applying for an express tourist Visa, the total amount you would have to pay is USD 429.85,and the processing takes only up to 48 hours. The documents required to be submitted for a 96-hour transit Visa are same as the ones required for 30-day Tourist Visa.

90 Day Visit Dubai Visa

Such type of Visa holds the validity for 58 days to use it for visiting purposes. However, you can access it for the 90 days since you have entered the country with it. The security deposit for availing the Visa is USD 272.5 in addition to the taxes which rounds up to a total of USD 529.86. The processing takes up a duration of three to four days. When you avail an express tourist Visa, the total amount comes to USD 553.46,and it takes 48 hours for processing. The documents required for such type of Visa are same as all the above ones.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai UAE Visa

Eligibility Criteria

If the applicant has traveled for at least once in the last five years,or you are the holder of Visa for other countries like USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Russia, Switzerland or hold the proofs of traveling to Dubai in the same duration of 5 years, these are the documents you need to provide:
A Visa application form which is duly filled and signed by the applicant along with his/her colored photograph.
Original Passport for verification purposes which is fully valid for the next six months since the date on which you have decided to travel.
Along with the original, you also have to submit a photocopy which is colored and must have the first two and last two pages along with all the travel records, if there are any.
For the application, you also have to submit the original copy and photocopy of the round trip which must be of Fly Dubai or Emirates.
Any invitation letter if there are any, from the host company address in UAE.
If a female traveler is applying who is above 18 years of age and alone, they need to provide a No Objection Certificate from their parents/ Husband. Apart from that they also need to submit photo ID of their both parents or husband. They must also submit a colored copy of host passport and residential Visa.
The Visa fee must be paid in either Cash / Demand Drafts / Credit Card.

Financial Records

If the applicants do not qualify for the above criteria, they are required to submit their financial records. They either have to submit last 2 years Form 16 or last 2 years Income Tax return. The minimum gross income from a profession or a business must be more than 2 Lakhs per year or if they have investments in the form of Fixed Deposits which amount up to 5 Lakhs.
The investments must be at least oneyear prior to the date when you have applied for a Visa and must be valid for at least 12 months. If the investments are in Co-operative banks or societies, are not acceptable.
The economic status of the applicant must be supported by the documents like both the original and photocopies of the last 6 months of Income Tax returns. PAN card must also be submitted in both the original and photocopy formats. Along with that, a receipt of Fixed Deposit must also be submitted with it.

Invitation from a Family in UAE

If there has been an invitation from the family residing in UAE, then there are some limitations on the age limits and status of them. Along with the spouse, children of below 21 years are only allowed. With their parents who are above the age of 60 years.
The supporting documents that must be submitted for such an application are invitation letter along with the copy of passport and valid copy of the residential visa of the host in the UAE.

Newly Married Couple

If a newly married couple wants to travel to UAE, and the spouse name is not on the passport,the applicant needs to submit a marriage certificate or a notarized affidavit of Rs. 100 stamp paper.
The newly married couple who are travelingimmediately after marriage are required to submit a No Objection Certificate from their parents, their Identity proofs, wedding card and the photograph of the married couple.

Procuring a USA Visa

Overview

United States of America, abbreviated as the USA or the US, is one of the most visited countries of the world. With a diverse cultural background, the country attracts tourists, students, athletes, artists as well as business personnel alike. Also, with world-class facilities in terms of travel, studies, and hospitality, it is a great place for expat students and businessmen to make a mark in their careers.

Why is USA Visa Needed?

Indians traveling to the USA, either for leisure, studies or work mandatorily require a visa. The type of visa required will be determined on the basis of the purpose of the visit.

Basic Types of USA Visa

The two basic types of USA visas include:

Non-Immigrant Visa:This type of visa can be issued for a series of purposes including tourist visa, student visa, transit visa, business visa, medical visa, etc. Non-immigrant visa is for people who are not visiting with the purpose of becoming residents of the country. The application process for this is generally easier and faster than that of the migrant visa.

Immigrant Visa:This type of visa can be issued to people who wish to become residents of the country. It is generally time consuming to avail a migrant visa. People applying for this visa will require a petition signed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which will need to be filled by either a relative or a potential employer. Indians are also required to file the Form I-130 by mail. Upon filing this, you will be provided with instructions on the medical test. Once these instructions are received, you will need to visit the U.S. embassy approved physician for the examination.

USA Visa Eligibility

Based on the purpose of your visit, here is a table that provides all the information on eligibility for USA visa:

Non-Immigrant Visa Category Eligibility:

Note the abbreviations:

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

DOL: Department of Labor

USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Immigrant Visa Category Eligibility:

USA Visa Application Process

You can apply for an American visa either online or offline. The application form based on the visa category can be downloaded online. For offline application, the applicant will have to fill the form and travel to the embassy. For online application, all forms will need to be submitted virtually. Once the forms are submitted, you will receive an appointment date. In all cases, applicants will need to undergo a face-to-face interview.

Documents Required for USA Visa application

For the face-to-face interview, you would need to carry the following documents:

• Visa form, fees and valid passport
• Photographs as per regulations
• Statement highlighting the purpose and nature of visit
• Financial records showing enough funds to manage the visit
• Personal resume highlighting academics and work experience
• Detailed itinerary with name of the places to be visited and numbers of the organizations involved
• Invitation letter from sponsor organization or family member

USA Visa Fees

The visa fees for USA depend on the category of visa and the purpose of visit primarily. It typically ranges from about $160 to $265 based on the nature of your visit. Click here for detailed break-up of USA visa fees.

How to Check Status of USA Visa

Upon application for visa, USA embassy will assign you a 13-digit receipt number. For immigrant visa, you will need to visit theofficial website of USCISand enter this receipt number to verify the status. For non-immigrant visa, you will need to visit theofficial website of Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)and enter the interview location as well as the case number.

FAQs on USA Visa

Is travel insurance mandatory for obtaining a USA Visa?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a US visa. However, it is surely advisable in order to protect you from unfortunate events including health troubles, flight cancellation, baggage loss, robbery, hospitalization, etc. Remember that the medical and hospitalization costs in the US are very steep and this can spoil your budget in case you do not have a travel insurance. With Bharti AXA travel insurance, you can be ensured of a safe and hassle-free journey.

Are there any other benefits of purchasing a Bharti AXAtravel insurance plan?

Apart from the benefits listed above, a Bharti AXA travel insurance plan would protect you with passport loss cover, accident cover, trip cancellation or delay cover, accommodation cover, legal expenses cover, etc. It will also cover in case you need to be repatriated on an emergency basis.

US Visa Application Process

Basic Types of US Visas

There are about 185 types of US visas that can be availed based on the nature, purpose, and duration of your travel. The type applicable for you will also depend on your profession and overall profile.

However, all the 185 types of visas can be broadly categorized into two basic types: Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas. If you are going there for residence purposes, you will require immigrant visa; otherwise non-immigrant visa.

What is Immigrant Visa:

Immigrant visa is issued only to people who have invitation letters from either a relative or a potential employer. This invitation letter is to be duly signed and submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, for Indians, a mandatory medical test is required by a physician approved by the US embassy. Post this, I-130 form will need to be filed and you’ll subsequently be invited for a face-to-face interview.

What is Non-Immigrant Visa:

Non-immigrant visa is issued to people visiting the country for a short time for purposes including but not limited to studies, business, traveling, meetings, transit, conferences, events, medical, religious, sports, arts, performance, etc.

How to Apply for US Visa:

In order to understand the application process, you will first need to understand the categories under immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Categories Under Immigrant Visa:

Family or Relative Sponsored:

• Spouse of a citizen
• Spouse of a citizen awaiting approval of I-130
• Fiancee of a citizen
• Family members of either a citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

Categories Under Non-immigrant Visa:

• Athletes and sports persons
• Au pair
• Business traveller
• Crew member
• Diplomats and foreign government officials
• Foreign military professional stationed in the US
• Employee of a designated international organization including NATO
• Religious traveller
• Trader or Investor
• Experts in special applications
• Spouse and kids of an LPR
• Temporary laborers
• Temporary agricultural workers
• Leisure traveller
• Transiting the country
• Victim of a crime
• Victim of trafficking
• Physician
• Journalist or media personnel
• Performing artist
• Traveling for training, event or conference

Read the main page of US Visa in order to know the application eligibility of all these categories of visas.

Process for Different Types of Visas

You will need to select the relevant category from the above mentioned list and thendownload the US visa application formfor that particular category from the US Department of State website. Certainforms with I series such as I-130, I-159, etc. are available on the USCIS website. Once you have downloaded the applicable application form, you can fill it and either submit it online or submit it offline to the embassy you wish to visit. Once all the relevant forms required for US visa process are filled, you will be called for a face-to-face interview. Based on your category, you might be required to follow some extra steps that you can check on the relevant websites.

Where to Apply for US Visa?

You will first need to visit the Visa Application Centre for your photographs and fingerprints to be taken. Post that, you will need to appear for an interview at the U.S Embassy or Consulate as per the date and time confirmed with you earlier. In India, you can choose to visit any of the following embassies:

• Chennai: Gemini Circle, No. 220, Anna Salai
• Secunderabad: Paigah Palace 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet
• Kolkata: 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
• Mumbai: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
• New Delhi: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

You will need to carry the following things when you visit the embassy:

• Supporting documents based on your visa category
• Printed copy of application form
• Printed copy of appointment letter
• Current as well as old passports

How to Book Appointment?

First, you will need tocreate an account for scheduling an appointment with the US embassy. You will then require to pay the visa processing fees as applicable based on your category. Once the fee is paid, you will see an option for "Schedule Appointment" on the main menu on the left-hand side of your dashboard.

You will need to schedule two different appointments; one with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and the other with the Embassy for the interview. In order to schedule an appointment, you will need to enter the following details:

• 10-digit barcode number from the DS-160 form confirmation page
• The date you paid the application fee
• Your passport number

Documents required for US Visa Application Process

Supporting documents are required to be brought along for the US visa interview. The list of documents primarily depends on the category of visa you are applying for. However, is a short list of common documents that one might need:

• Proof of income, property ownership, etc.
• History of criminal cases, sentences, pardons and if any case is currently pending in courts
• Travel itinerary along with other major details and locations of your trip
• Authorized letter from your employer mentioning your salary, position, employment duration, leave approval for vacation or business purpose, if any

US Visa Eligibility

US Visa Eligibility The eligibility for US visa needs to be checked based on the category of visa that you fall under. For non-immigrant categories, you will need to take approvals from either USCIS or SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) or DOL (Department of Labor). Whether you are an athlete or a performing artist, a traveller or a businessman, before applying you will need to check thoroughly whether you fulfil all the requirements and eligibility criteria of the respective visa category.

How to Check Status of USA Visa

Non-Immigrant Visa: You can check the status on theofficial website of CEAC– Consular Electronic Application Centre

Immigrant Visa: You can check the application status on theofficial website of USCIS.

How to get US Visa

Once the application is done and the appointment is completed, you will receive your passport by courier at home with a US visa stamp. Usually, it is received in under 7 days after the interview.

Is there a Separate Process to Apply for Bharti AXA Travel Insurance?

Yes, you will need to apply fortravel insuranceseparately. In order to ensure that you are safe and covered in case of any emergency or ill-fated incidents, traveling along with comprehensive travel insurance is highly advisable. It will surely provide you financial back-up and mental peace while you freely enjoy the trip to make the most of it. Just log onto the Bharti AXA website and choose a travel insurance plan that fits both your requirements as well as your budget. With the various plan options that we offer, finding the perfect Bharti AXA travel insurance plan will be easier than ever.

US Visa Document Requirements

Basic Types of Visas

The two main types of visas for US are immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa. Immigrant visas are for those willing to shift to US for residence purpose, sponsored either by a potential employer or a well-earning relative who is a residence of the country. Non-immigrant visas are for those who are traveling or shifting to the US on a temporary basis for leisure, studies, performance, training, off-site, temporary work, religious work, etc.

Documents Required for US Visa application

Mandatory Documents:

• Current as well as all old passports
• Photographs not more than 6 months old and as recommended by the embassy
• Confirmation page of the DS-160 form submitted online
• Visa fee receipt
• Original appointment letter for the face-to-face interview

These are the mandatory documents you will need to produce during the interview. Apart from these, there would be a series of other supporting documents that you would need to produce based on the category of the visa that you are applying for. Common supporting documents for non-immigrant visa would include:

Sponsorship Documents:

In case you are sponsored by a US resident for visiting the country, you will need to produce the following documents:

• An affidavit letter that confirms that the sponsor is capable of taking care of your financial needs.
• A bank letter from the sponsor's bank that shows the current balance, date of account opening, and the total deposits over the last year.
• Employment letter of the sponsor proving that he is salaried and capable of supporting you financially.
• Payslips of the sponsor for the last three to four months.

Previous US Visits Related Documents:

• In case you have visited US before and came back on time, as per US visa requirements, you will need to present the proofs for that including stamped visa and flight tickets.
• In case you visited US before and had to extend the stay, present the Form I-797 for extension of status approval.
• In case any of your close relatives have visited US and came back on time, present the proof of the same.

Travel Documents:

• US tourist visa requirements for leisure travellers include presenting their onwards as well as return flight tickets.
• You will also need to submit a proof of accommodation confirming the place where you will be staying. It could be a hotel, rented house, friend's place or relative's place.
• In case you do not have the accommodation booked, you need to show the financial capability to book it once you reach there.

Property Documents

In case you own a property in your home country or any other place, you will need to present the proofs for the same. For non-immigrant visa, this will ensure the consular about your strong ties with your home country. Following documents related to the property should be submitted:

• Ownership papers
• Personal affidavit related to the property
• Photos of the property

Employment Documents:

• If employed, furnish details on salary, position, employment duration with the company, holiday authorization, and purpose of visiting US.
• If self-employed, furnish details on company incorporation certificate and overall income.
• If retired, present the pension book.

Family Documents:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Adoption certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse's death certificate (if applicable)
• Photographs of close family

Personal Documents

• Before the interview, you are required to visit a physician approved by the US embassy panel. After undergoing a thorough medical check-up, he will issue a medical certificate to you which will need to be presented during the interview.
• Documents of any criminal/civil case records or convictions in the past (if applicable).

Other Visa Category Specific Documents Required

For Medical Travel:

USA visa requirements for medical travellers include the following apart from the documents listed above:

• Medical diagnosis from a local doctor explaining the unavailability of the required treatment and expertise in the home country.
• Letter from a medical facility in the US confirming that they can provide the required treatment. You will also need to present the cost breakdown for the same.
• Proof of financial means with which you will support your travel and treatment.

For Studies:

• Admission confirmation in a US institute.
• Apart from the normal visa fee, you will also be required to pay the fee for SEVIS I-901 and submit the payment receipt during the interview.

For Work:

• Degree and diploma certificates that make you eligible for the work profile.
• Job offer letter from a US employer
• CV
• Letter from previous employer
• Additional fee

US Visa Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for US visa depend on the category of visa you are applying for. You should gather all your US visa documents based on the list provided in this article and then work on the eligibility requirements. Apart from the documents as enlisted above, you will need to seek special permissions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS), or Department of Labor (DOL).

US Tourist Visa

What is US Tourist Visa?

US tourist visa is for non-immigrant travellers who are not visiting the country for the purpose of residence. Tourist visa can be availed by a range of people including, but not limited to:

• Leisure travellers
• Business travellers
• Artists
• Athletes and sports people
• Short term worker and laborers
• Travellers for off-site, meetings, conferences, events, etc.
• Medical travellers
• Religious travellers
• People transiting the country
• Crew members
• Exchange visitors
• Expat military professionals
• Expats with extra-ordinary abilities
• Cultural exchange travellers
• Travellers for journalism and media related work
• Physicians and Doctors
• Academic or vocational students
• Temporary agricultural worker
• Investors
• Victim of human trafficking
• Victim of criminal activity
• Spouse of children visiting a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the country

Tourists visit US with a wide range of purposes making it one of the most travelled countries in the world and they are neatly categorized into different sub-categories within the main category of tourist visa.

 

About Vietnam

Vietnam, a beautiful country with a varied history, is also known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The country is Indochina Peninsula’s easternmost country. Vietnam offers numerous serene views throughout the country that symbolize the natural appeal and scenery of the country. For such a beautiful country, the past of the country has been marred with wars. However, the tourism sector of the country has been prospering and is one of the biggest contributors to the economy. Moreover, the tourism sector is experiencing perpetual growth, especially during the last decade. Additionally, the urban development of Vietnam has also experienced substantial growth, signifying the progress the country has made.

Why is Vietnam Visa Needed?

Citizens of most foreign countries require a Vietnam visa to enter and exit any one of the three international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. There are some countries whose citizens do not have to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam but Indian citizens need to have a valid visa to enter the country.

Vietnam Visa Eligibility

One of the most important things that you need to remember while applying for a visa is that the eligibility and requirements differ based on the type of visa you are applying for. However, you also need to remember that the type of visa that you should apply for depends on the nature and purpose of your visit. While there are many types of visas but primarily there are three types of visas:

Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is needed when you wish to visit Vietnam to revel in the tourist attractions offered by the country or if you wish to family or friends that are residents of the country, both permanent and temporary.

Work Visa: A work visa is needed if you need to visit Vietnam for any professional reason such as a business or working for a company.

Transit Visa: Transit visa is different compared to the other two visas mentioned above. It is only issued for a small duration, anywhere between a few hours and a few days. You should apply for a transit visa if you have a flight or ship in and out of the country.

Vietnam Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa

The application process for a Vietnam visa is not as complicated when compared to some of the other nations. That being said, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the process and amass all relevant information before you start the application process.

Apply Vietnam visa online

You can apply for the Vietnam visa online which is known as the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA). You have to visit the website: www.vietnamvisa.govt.vn and download the approval letter after filling in the necessary information. You visa will be at the airport that you choose to land in Vietnam.

Important Note: From 2015, Indian nationality is categorized in difficult nationality groups, with higher visa approval letter fee, passport copy and return flight tickets requirements.

Vietnam visa application process steps are:

Step 1 — You will need to fill out a quick application form online, it requires you to mention the airport at which you will be arriving in addition to you date of arrival.

Step 2 — Pay the visa servicing fee online

Step 3 — You will receive an official approval letter for Vietnam visa within two business days, it will be issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department

Step 4 — You will need to take a printout of the Approval Letter and prepare two (4cm x 6cm) photos of yourself

Step 5 — Bring the printed Approval Letter, photos, and the government Stamping Fee (along with your passport and any other required documents) with you on your trip to Vietnam

Step 6 — When you arrive at your destination airport in Vietnam, show the Approval Letter and photos at the Immigration office

Where to Apply for Vietnam Visa?

To apply for a Vietnam visa, you will need to visit: www.vietnamvisa.govt.vn, the official site of the Vietnam Immigration Department. You will need to fill the form online and download a print out.

How to Book Appointment?

One of the best things about the Vietnam visa application process is that you do not have to book an appointment. You will just need to take your print out along with relevant documents and photographs of yourself when you land at one of the international airports in Vietnam. You will have your appointment to stamp the visa once you reach.

Vietnam Visa Document Requirements

Along with your visa application, you will also need to provide relevant documents that provide the necessary information. The Vietnam visa document requirements are mentioned below:

• The application form should be completed and signed by the applicant
• Valid passport that should have at least two of its pages blank and should not be more than a decade old. Additionally, no amendment or alteration (handwritten) should exist on the data page
• Two photographs
• Valid permit of return (may not be applicable in every case)
• Cover letter: it should explain the nature and purpose of of the trip
• Travel itinerary in case of round-trip flight bookings
• Copy of the present passport in its entirety
• Original(s) of previous passport(s) or proof of loss

In addition to the documents mentioned above, you may also need to provide other relevant documents depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, the immigration department of Vietnam at the embassy in India will update you about the types of documents that will be required.

Important note: It is imperative that the information provided by you in the visa application matches that on the documents provided by you, including the passport.

Vietnam Tourist Visa

What is Vietnam Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is needed when you wish to visit Vietnam to revel in the tourist attractions offered by the country or if you wish to family or friends that are residents of the country, both permanent and temporary.

Duration of Vietnam Tourist Visa

Generally, the duration of Vietnam tourist visa is 15-30 days. However, you can extend the duration of tourist visa once your reach Vietnam.

Eligibility Criteria for Vietnam Tourist Visa

The eligibility criterion for Vietnam tourist visa is the same as the general eligibility criteria for visa applications mentioned above.

Application process for Vietnam Tourist Visa

The application process for Vietnam tourist visa is the same as the general application process for visa applications mentioned above.

Documents required for Vietnam Tourist Visa

1. Visa application form

2. 2 Recent Photographs (taken within 6 months, coloured, 2 inch x 2 inch)

3. Passport with at least SIX months validity and at least TWO blank pages.

4. Supporting documents.

5. Photocopy of passport

6. Visa Fee (as per Fee schedule)

Overview

Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world, in terms of its geography. Chile looks like a thin strip of land on the western coast of South America continent. It stretches almost 4270 km from North to South but even with such a massive length, Chile averages only 177 km in width, from East to West. It extents to the southern tip of South America, up to the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Oceans converge.

In the North, Chile has borders with Peru & Bolivia and In the East it has along border with Chile which extends to the Southwards till the end of the land. In the West, there is the majestic Pacific Ocean and in the East there is the Andes mountain range. Entire Chile is concealed between these two natural marvels. Even in such a narrow territory, there are so many different terrains and climatic conditions, which make Chile really unique.

In the Great Far North region, there is the desert plateau of Atacama and ice-capped mountains of Andes; but if you go to the Far South Austral region, there are vast swathes of tundra lands around Chonos Archipelago. The capital of Chile is Santiago and it is situated in the center of Chile. The central part of Chile is home to the majority of the population and most of the metro cities of Chile. Central Chile exists in the valley of two mountain ranges - Andes mountain range and the Chilean Coastal mountain range. Chile offers you an amazing cultural, culinary and climatic experience. Here is the complete Travel and Visa Guide for Chile.

Application Process

The Visa process for Chile can be done Online only. The applications are not accepted through courier/ post. There are four main types of Chile Visa that a foreigner can apply for...

1. Tourist Visa and Business Visa [VISIM, VISMUL and VISMUL - Business]

2. Work Visa subject to Contract [VISCONTI and VISCONDE]

3. Student Visa and [VISESTI and VISESDE]

4. Temporary Residence Visa [VISRETI and VISREDE]

If an applicant wishes to obtain a Visa for recreational, sports, health, business, family, religious or other similar purposes, he/ she can apply for the VISIM (Simple Tourism) or VISMUL (Multiple Tourism) categories. Under these categories, immigration, residence or business activities are not allowed. In case, the applicant wants to engage in business activities, he/ she can apply for the VISMUL - Business (Multiple Business) category. Please note that these categories are applicable for Indian nationals only. VISMUL - Business Visa are not available for Bangladeshi, Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals.

- The Visa application for Chile can be submitted online only. Applicants can visit this link to apply for the Chile Visa. https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx

- There are six main sections of the application form and the applicant needs to furnish correct information in all the fields marked with ‘*’. Furnishing false information will lead to rejection of the application.

- Section 1 - Details of trip: Fill all the details requested in the form such as your birth date, passport details, trip details, and most importantly - select the correct category of Visa for application. Indian nationals can select ‘Nueva Delhi, Seccion Consular’ as their choice of Consulate Office for submitting the Visa application.

- Once you select the Visa category, the online portal will show the details of the Visa category, Visa fees and Visa validity on the screen.

- Section 2 - Applicant’s identification: Fill in the details of your personal information for identification such as names, gender, birth place, nationality of origin, and appearance. Fill the names as they appear on the passport only, any mismatch may lead to cancellation of the application.

- Section 3 - Contact and Family: Fill in the details about your residence address, contact number, marital status, and family’s details such as names, surnames, nationalities and country of residence. Make sure that the names you enter here are the same as mentioned in the passport.

- Section 4 - General Description: Select the appropriate category for your educational and professional information. The applicant also needs to furnish at least one contact in chile. Fill in details such as name, nationality, address, contact number, and the type of relationship with the contact in Chile.

- Section 5 - Activity in Chile: Furnish the details of your activity such as type of activity, name, address and city of activity in Chile. Also, add the details of your other foreign trips in the past, if any.

- Section 6 - Attached Documents: This is the most important part of the application process. The applicant needs to attach their photograph, passport and other relevant documents as per their Visa category. The applicant’s photograph must be at least 90 pixels (w) x 120 pixels (h), and it must be below 100 kb in size. The face must be clearly covering 70% - 80 % of the photograph. The attachments can be in JPG or PDF format.

- The documents issued in India, must be apostilled by the competent authority from the Ministry of External Affairs - India.

- At the end of the application process, the portal will display an application summary, which you can print or save for your future reference.

- After the online Visa application is processed, the Visa officials may ask the applicant to appear for a person interview, if required. The personal appearance may be waived off for the outstation applicants upon furnishing a duly notarized Authority Letter in the form of Power of Attorney.

- After your Visa application is successfully processed and approved, the applicant must pay the Visa fees as per the regulations of the Consular Office. Based on the Consular Exchange Rate fixed by the Consular Section, the applicant also needs to pay the dollar currency difference charges (which is usually 10%).

- The applicant has 90 days to pay the fees and other charges, either in cash or through bank deposit, and enter Chile as per the conditions of Visa.

Documents Required:

- Scan copy of the front and the last page of the Passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Chile.

- The applicant needs to attach a covering letter describing the reasons behind his/ her visit to Chile.

- The applicant needs to attach a Police Clearance Certificate that is issued by competent local authority. Also, the Police Clearance Certificate should not be older than 6 months and it must be authenticated and apostilled by competent authority.

- Round-trip flight ticket booking for Chile

- If the purpose of visit to Chile is tourism, the applicant needs to attach the hotel booking details along with the application.

- Documents establishing the financial security of the applicant such as bank statements, Income Tax Return, etc.

- If applicable, the applicant needs to furnish the original invitation letter/ sponsorship letter, on the letterhead, clearly mentioning the name, address and contact number of the contact in Chile. The letter must be notarized by competent authority too.

- If applicable, the applicant needs to submit a letter of recommendation from the organization he/she is working with; membership certificate or letter of recommendation from relevant Chamber of Commerce and Industry such as FICCI, CII, FIEO, ITPO, Export Promotion Council, etc.

- The applicant should also attach the copies of Visa obtained in the past from Chile or any other country.

- Also, it is advisable to attach a recent medical certificate, duly signed and stamped by a competent medical authority in the last 6 months.

Important Update for Indian citizens

Since April 01, 2019, all Indian travellers who hold a valid USA Green Card, B1/ B2 Visa or a Resident Permit valid at least for the next 6 months, do not need to obtain Chilean Visa such as Tourist Visa and Business Visa [VISIM, VISMUL and VISMUL - Business].

This provision is not applicable to the USA Transit Visa.

Fees for Chile Visa:

For Indian Nationals, the fees for VISIM Visa - valid for 90 days, is approx. 50 USD. The applicant can enter Chile only once using this Visa.

The fees for VISMUL Visa - valid for 90 days, is approx. 81 USD; and the fees for VISMUL - Business Visa - valid for 180 days, is approx. 81 USD. The applicant can enter and exit multiple times during the validity period of Visa.

Overview

Argentina is famous world over for football and of course Lionel Messi but there are so many other things that the world does not know about Argentina. Rivers, canyons, volcanos, glaciers, lakes, mountains and of course the ocean, Argentina is the place where you can see the mesmerising beauty of mother nature. Argentina is heaven for the adventurers and backpackers. And if you like to shake a leg, you can always do Tango in the streets of Buenos Aires.

The name ‘Argentina’ means ‘made of silver or silver coloured’ in Italian language. It is the eighth biggest country in the world. In the North, Argentina shares its border with Bolivia and Paraguay; in the East with Brazil and Uruguay; and in the West with Chile. The federal capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires. The capital city - Buenos Aires is called the Paris of South America. It is a sprawling metrocity where you can enjoy shopping, food and an amazing nightlife. There are many architectural marvels, parks, museums and historical monuments that you can explore on your visit to Argentina.

Argentina holds an amazing history of civilizations and this area was ruled by the Inca Empire in pre-columbian era. Traces of human civilizations from Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic are found in Argentina, the most famous of them being the cave of hands in Santa Cruz province. The country saw many waves of immigration from Spain and Italy, which is why the culture of Argentina has a strong connection with Italian and Spanish culture. In this Travel and Visa Guide for Argentina, you’ll get everything there is to know about Argentina.

Application Process

The Visa process for Argentina needs to be done offline. The application and all the required documents need to be submitted in paper, in person or through an agent. Citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India can apply for Visa at the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in New Delhi. People from Maharashtra and Karnataka state must apply for Visa at the office of the Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Mumbai. There are many different types of Visa available for Argentina but the 3 main category of Visa are: Transitory Visa, Work Visa and Permanent Visa.

• The Visa process for Argentina can only be done offline, hence the application as well as the documents needs to be submitted to the Consulate of Argentina in person or by courier. Applications submitted online or by email will not be considered.
• The applicant must answer all the questions in the Visa application form. Incomplete application form will not be processed further.
• Read the list of documents required for different Visa categories and get the documents/ letters translated into Spanish by professionals. Documents with online/ improper translation will not be accepted.
• The Visa process might take as many as 3 weeks to be completed. So, make sure you apply for Visa well in advance.
• Applicants can do the paperwork themselves or they can get it done through agents, as per their convenience.
• Always check and recheck the application and the documents before submitting because furnishing false information may lead you to permanent ineligibility for Visa.
• Once the Visa application is submitted to the Consulate of Argentina, the Visa Officers will review it and inform the applicant within 3 working days if any corrections/ additional information is required.
• If the application fulfils all the necessary requirements, the applicant will be called for a personal interview with the Consular Officer. The interview is mandatory for all types of Visa.
• If the application is successfully processed and approved, the applicant will need to pay the Visa fees by depositing the money in Bank. The fees are not accepted in cash at the Consulate.
• After the Visa approval and payment of Visa fees, the Visa will be issued by the authority within 5 working days. There is no need to do follow up with the Consulate on the status of Visa during this time. The officials will contact you when the Visa is ready for pick up.

Documents Required:

TOURIST VISA

• All the required documents need to be presented in original, along with the application. Photocopies of the documents will not be accepted.
• A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of entry in Argentina. Also, there must be at least one page completely empty for the Visa.
• One latest passport size (4 cm x 4 cm) photograph with 80% area covering the face of the applicant.
• A round-trip ticket booking for Argentina.
• Hotel reservation details for stay in Argentina.. If the purpose of visit is meeting family or friends and the applicant is planning to stay with them, the applicant does not need to furnish the hotel reservation details.
• Original personal bank statement for the last 6 months as a proof of financial security. The consulate may ask for the credit card statement of the applicant, if necessary.
• A notarised letter describing the purpose of visit to Argentina and tentative itinerary of the visit, including the list of cities the applicant is planning to visit. This letter needs to be translated to Spanish by professionals. The translated letter need not be notarized.
• If the purpose of visit is meeting family or friends, the applicant needs to furnish the original invitation letter from the family members or friends, along with their Argentine ID (DNI). This invitation letter needs to be notarized by Argentine Public Notary.
• If the applicant is self-employed or a student, documents or certificate describing the current occupation of the applicant needs to be submitted along with the application. These documents need to be notarized and translated to Spanish by professional translators. The translated documents need not be notarized.
• It is advisable to furnish documents describing the experience of the applicant in his/her field of expertise and details of current occupation.

WORK VISA

• All the required documents need to be presented in original,along with the application. Photocopies of the documents will not be accepted.
• A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of entry in Argentina. Also, there must be at least one page completely empty for the Visa.
• One latest passport size (4 cm x 4 cm) photograph with 80% area covering the face of the applicant.
• A round-trip ticket booking for Argentina.
• Hotel reservation details for stay in Argentina
• Original personal bank statement for the last 6 months as a proof of financial security. The consulate may ask for the credit card statement of the applicant, if necessary.
• If the purpose of the visit is related to work, the applicant needs to submit a letter from the employer authorising the trip and confirming that applicant is currently employed there along with the details of tenure of the employee. The letter must be on the organization’s letterhead and it must be signed by competent authority. Also, the letter needs to be notarized and translated to Spanish by professional translators.
• The last month’s salary slip also needs to be attached along with the letter from your employer.
• If the applicant is the owner of the organization, the official registration document of the organization and last year’s income tax return needs to be furnished with the application.
• The original invitation letter in Spanish, from the company/ institution/ client in Argentina is also to be submitted along with application. Also, the letter needs to be certified by a Public Notary and Public Notaries Association.
• The invitation letter needs to be addressed to the Head of the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in New Delhi.
• The invitation letter must have details about the applicant’s identity, purpose of the visit, details of tasks that the applicant will be performing in Argentina and the exact period of stay in Argentina. The letter must clarify if the applicant has previously visited Argentina.
• The company/ clients inviting the applicant to Argentina for other than tourism purposes, must be registered with the RENURE of the National Migration Office in Argentina. The RENURE registration number must be clearly mentioned in the invitation letter.
• Also, the invitation letter must be signed only by the person whose signature is registered with the RENURE.
• An original letter from the Chamber of Commerce/ Federation/ Association/ Council of the state where the applicant’s organization is registered, confirming the organization’s registration, is also to be furnished along with the organization’s registration certificate.
• The letter must be on letterhead and signed by competent authority. Also, the letter needs to be notarized and translated to Spanish by professional translators.
• If the applicant is visiting Argentina for participating in Trade Fair/ Exhibitions/ Market Research Activities, the certificate of enrolment in such event and RENURE accreditation of the organizer of the event also need to be attached.

Fees for Argentina Visa:

The documents required depends on the type of visa you are applying for. There are no fees for Tourist Visa for Indians. The fees for temporary/ permanent Work Visa is 250 USD.

Important Update for Indian citizens

Indian nationals with a valid ordinary passports can easily obtain the E-VISA or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourism purpose too, if they hold any of the following Visa.

B2 US Visa valid for 6 months

Category C Schengen Visa valid for 6 months

The multiple entry/ exit ETA will have a validity of 3 months from the date of issue and it might take upto 20 working days for processing. The fees for ETA is 50 USD.

About Bahrain

Bahrain is considered as one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The country belongs to the liberal Muslim. There are places where people are conservative, but that is worth knowing the social norms of the area.

If you intend to visit Bahrain as a tourist then you should know that various archaeological sites are situated near Manama. The Barbar Temple which is known for the god of Wisdom and sweet water and Tiny Ad Diraz Temple is an example of the raw archaeological site. The Hawar Islands would be a good rescue for peaceful place. It is land for various endangered species and marine life. You can also explore excellent opportunities like pearl diving, watching dolphins, and various water sports.

Why is Bahrain Visa Needed?

Indian nationals are required to get the visa to visit Bahrain. The type of visa depends on the purpose, usually for tourism, business, investment or employment.

Bahrain Visa Eligibility

The eligibility criteria are defined for each type of visa. The requirements are aligned with the purpose of the visit, the desired duration of stay, number of entries and other similar factors.

Bahrain Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Bahrain Visa:

You can apply online for a Bahrain visa or through the embassy. In India, Bahrain has embassy offices in Mumbai and New Delhi. Before selecting the appropriate office or mode of application, it is recommended to check the eligibility and requirements that is available on the official website of Bahrain visa application. You have an option to apply for the visa directly by yourself or through an authorized travel agent or authorized representative. Below are the indicative examples of a valid representative on behalf of the applicant:

• In the case of business visa, your company's authorized employee can represent you. Your visa application must have documents to establish employment relations with your company. The person who will serve you must also have a company ID card and authorization.
• In the case of tourism, medical or education visa, your nearest family member can represent you.
• You can submit your application to any government authorized travel agent.

When you apply through a representative, it is mandatory to issue the authority in favor of the representative to submit your application and collect your passport with the visa.

However, Bahrain offers an online visa to the Indian nationals for the majority of the visa types. You can visit the web portal of the Bahrain visa; the processes are as below:

• Click on “Apply for Visa” link.
• The separate window for e-Visa will open.
• If you are applying from India and do not hold the visa of any Gulf country, select the option “No” in the “Residence permit of GCC Country.”
• Select the purpose of your visit.
• Based on the purpose selected, the detailed selection list of purpose will appear. Select the most appropriate detailed purpose for you.
• Select the nationality as mentioned in your passport.
• Click “Next” to proceed.
• There will be several visa options you can select from.
• Based on your desired stay period, you can choose an appropriate visa for yourself.
• Before proceeding, you can check the “Conditions” link. It will give you details about document requirement, fees payment, and essential conditions during your travel to Bahrain.
• Click on “Apply Now”
• Enter required details like your passport number, name, address and other information as requested.
• The further processes will be self-guiding, where you can make an online payment and avail the e-Visa.

Where to Apply for Bahrain Visa?

While most of the Bahrain Visa applications are processed online, you may be required to visit the embassy in case if further clarification is needed. Alternatively, you can visit the embassy if you are not comfortable with the online visa application. Bahrain has embassy offices in India as mentioned below:

How to book an appointment?

For any inquiry you can further reach the below details:

Contact No.: +973-13633433

Email: info.bahrain@ivsglobal.in

Bahrain Visa Eligibility

Before you enter Bahrain you need to fulfill the below-mentioned criteria:

• A valid passport which is valild for minimum six months.
• Duly filled Visa application form.
• Round ticket for your travel.
• One passport size photo.
• A bank statement which can handle your expenses in Bahrain.
• Proof of your stay in Bahrain and the duration of the visit.
• Purpose of the visit should be mentioned.

How to Check Status of Bahrain Visa?

Most visa applications are electronically processed when you apply for e-Visa. Once you submit your application, you shall be provided Application Reference Number. You can click on the “Check on e-Visa” button on the website of the Bahrain e-visa. By entering the Application Reference number, you can know whether your application is under progress, a visa granted or rejected. In case you don’t have Application Reference Number, you can enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Usually, the process takes 72 hours to give the decision.

In case of prolonged delay or rejection of your visa application, you can contact the Embassy office in Mumbai or Delhi, or reach NAPA (The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residence).

Bahrain Visa Document Requirements

Documents Required for Bahrain Visa application

You need to compile documents as per requirement mentioned against each visa type. Bahrain visa applications are simple and mostly decided by the purpose of the visit. The most common conditions are discussed below:

It is necessary to show evidence that you can meet your expenses during your visit to Bahrain. You need to give a copy of the bank statement for the last three months. The ending balance should meet the minimum threshold set for the particular type of Bahrain visa. In most of the visa types, the minimum threshold is for BD 300. Make sure that the bank statement is duly stamped and signed by the bank and it shows your full name.

Overview

Brazil is the enormous triangular shape that makes up the largest part of the South American continent, and enjoys a 4500-mile coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape of Brazil is diverse, with dense forests on one hand and sweeping and intricate urban spaces on the other. There are numerous other natural wonders that the country is known for, the Amazon river being one of the most significant ones, with a length extending beyond 4250 miles. As of now, the Brazilian government has made e-visa or online visa application process available for only citizens of Japan, USA, Canada and Australia. For other countries, like India, it is necessary to visit the Brazilian embassy in order to complete the process. As you read our Brazil Visa Guide and travel handbook, you will understand the various intricacies involved in entering into the region and exploring its various mysteries.

Application Process

When it comes to applying for a Brazil Visa, one needs to go through a series of steps as a part of the preparation phase.

1. Know your visa category

You need to decide upon the type of visa you are applying for, which would be based on the purpose of your trip to the region. You need to go through the visa category list and specifications before applying. Applications need to match ‘Visa Category’ and ‘Purpose of the Trip’ or else they might be rejected.

2. Prepare all the necessary documents

Before you submit the visa application, you must go through the documents list and have all the required documents handy according to your selected visa category. You need to produce the necessary documents along with the copy of your visa request form receipt (RER) during the application process.

3. Fill up the application form

You need to fill in the application form and follow the instructions pertaining to the same. After completing the online application, you can print the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) for submission. The Visa section at the Brazilian Embassy will accept the application once the hard copies of the documents are submitted.

4. Pay your visa fee

The visa fees can be paid only through a non-refundable demand draft. It should be made payable to the ‘Embassy of Brazil- Consular’ at New Delhi. The Brazil visa fees for Indians can range from INR 6800 to INR 8000 and more, depending on the type of the visa. These fees will be properly defined in the coming section where the different types of visas will be discussed.

5. Submit your request

In order to submit a request, you need to meet the following conditions:

• Passport should be valid for six months and should have at least two blank pages.
• Photocopies of documents if needed in case of emergencies
• Dress appropriately as this goes a long way in making a good impression during the interview
• Be prepared to answer unexpected questions like, “We expect you to not return back from Brazil even if you are applying for tourist visa. Can you tell us why we think so?”

Documents Required

Some of the main documents to be submitted during the application process include:

1. Your Photograph

2. Your Signature

3. A Covering Letter which mentions the tentative outcome of the trip

4. An Invitation Letter, only if applicable.

5. Passport - First and the Last Page

6. Document proof such as bank statement for confirming availability of adequate funds

Depending on the type of visa, the document list can be much larger than the one given above, often including things like employer consent letter among others.

The Consular Section can be reached at the following address:

Embassy of Brazil

8, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Road (formerly Aurangzeb Road) ,
New Delhi, 110011
The working hours of the Consular Section are:
9:30 - 11:00 hrs for submitting requests
16:00 - 17:00 hrs for collecting documents

Different Types of Visas

Tourist Visa

If an Indian Citizen is coming to Brazil for tourism purposes, the following details need to be submitted as a rite of passage:

1. A letter which specifies details like the number of people travelling.

2. A passport which is valid for at least six months.

3. Air ticket along with e-ticket number.

4. Income tax returns of the candidates from the previous 3 years.

5. A document must be obtained from the immigration department to grant approval that the traveler(s) are not suffering from yellow fever.

The Brazilian tourist visa takes 5-8 days to process. The fee associated with tourist visas for Indian nationals is Rs. 6400 per person.

If an Indian citizen is visiting Brazil for tourism, cultural interests or recreation, then he/she needs to apply for a visa as a tourist. A Brazilian tourist visa is only valid upto 90 days. The documents required for the approval of a Brazilian tourist visa of Brazil for Indians are as follows:

• Original passport of the applicant not expiring for at least six months from the date of travel.
• Passport size photos with 80% facial coverage upon a white background with a matte finish.
• Online confirmation forms of the candidates applying for the visa.
• A letter with travel details such as the number of people travelling.
• To and fro flight tickets along with e-ticket numbers.
• Approval of leave from the institution or organisation at which the applicant is employed or is studying.
• Itinerary of Brazil pertaining to the applicants’ travel interests.
• The income tax returns filed in the previous three years’ by the applicant.
• Salary slips pertaining to the past three months from the applicant’s most recent place of employment.
• If children below seven years are travelling, polio vaccination certificate as well as birth certificate are required.
• If the applicant has retired, he or she has to show pension order or some proof of retirement.

A Tourist visa is applicable for certain types of individuals who are driven to visit the pristine urban and natural ecosystem of Brazil for different types of reasons. If you fit into any of the following character traits, you can deem yourself worthy of obtaining a tourist visa for Brazil:

1) If you are someone looking to explore the mysteries that lie within the narrow lanes of Rio de Janeiro or the dense forests of the Amazon

2) If you are planning to visit relatives or friends in Brazil

3) If you are a scientist, professor, or researcher looking to attend conferences, seminars or other events

4) If you are a participant in competitions of artistic or sportive nature which do not have any admission fees or any monetary reward associated with the same.

Employment Visa

The short-term work visa is valid for 90 days, and it can be obtained by foreign nationals who wish to work in Brazil by getting an approval from the Brazilian Consular office. The applicant needs to provide the same as a proof to the immigration department. An employment visa will cost a total of INR 8000 for Indian nationals.

To apply for an employment visa to Brazil, the applicant needs to scan the following documents:

1) Passport size photograph

2) Signature

3) A letter stating the trip’s purpose

4) A recent police report without any indication of crime

Business/Employment Visas are issued to travellers who are obliged by contractual agreements to indulge in import/export arrangements with the country. These are also applicable for individuals traveling for more short term business-related endeavors, such as investment evaluation for projects in Brazil, networking for commercial purposes or visiting companies to discuss future engagement prospects.

Some of the other cases during which an employment visa is necessary for travel into the country include:

• For the purpose of Media coverage or Filming of events, locations, people etc for commercial purposes
• For travel into the region as flight/ship crew members who do not hold an international crew card
• Adopting a child from the region

Other Visa Types

As a part of the application process for any type of visa, the applicant will need to take a print out of the application form that he or she has filled. This print-out of the application is known as an ‘online confirmation page (RER) ’ that needs to be submitted at the visa centre in the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi.

Additionally, with the ‘online confirmation form’ other documents such as a letter of invitation from the company in Brazil, CNPJ number of the Brazilian organisation, a passport valid for six months from the date of travel, and applicant’s colour photograph with white background (glued to the print out of the online confirmation page) are also needed. While returning to India, the applicant has to visit a certified practitioner for obtaining a certificate which clears him or her of yellow fever.

The Brazilian Government issues a total of ten different types of visas, many of which are temporary forms. Here, you will find the peripheral forms of visas that exist outside of tourist and employment visa types.

Procuring an Austrian Visa

Overview

Austria is home to scenic mountains and natural beauty. The country may not have any beaches, but it is the perfect place to visit for tranquillity. It is not just an excellent tourist destination but also a perfect place to visit for business. Austria is ranked among the wealthiest countries in the world based on its GDP per capita.

Why is Austrian Visa Needed?

Indian citizens require a visa to visit the nation of Austria. The reasons for visiting Austria range from tourism to business, and even studies.

Austria Visa Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for an Austrian visa are dependent on the purpose, nature and duration of your visit. There are primarily two types of visa:

Schengen Visa C: This type of visa allows you a stay of 90 days in a six-month duration. Since this type of visa is issued for Schengen, it allows you to visit and stay in other Schengen states including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Latvia, Slovakia, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Finland, Norway, Czech Republic, Malta, Lithuania, Switzerland, Estonia, Luxemburg, and Poland. Additionally, no restrictions are placed on the number of times you can visit or enter any of the above mentioned Schengen states. Therefore, the Schengen Visa C is issued not just for a single entry but also for double and multiple entries.

National Visa D: This type of visa allows you a stay of 91 days to 180 days in six-month duration. Visa D can be issued for many reasons including but not limited to Seasonal worker, researcher, guest researcher, short term worker, volunteer and student among others.

Transit Visa: A transit visa is different compared to the two types of visas mentioned above. One of the prime elements of a transit visa is that it is not issued for a long duration. Commonly, it is only issued for a few days at maximum. The reason that transit visas are issued is to facilitate the travel of passengers. For example, if you have a connecting flight from one of the airports in the Schengen area but your next flight is after a few hours or a couple of days, then you apply for the transit visa.
The other eligibility requirements are common for both types of visa. The only difference between the two types of visa pertains to the requirement of documents based on the purpose and nature of the visit. The following could be the reasons for travelling to or visiting Austria:

Tourism

One of the most common reasons for visiting Austria is tourism. The serenity of the natural scenery of the nation is famous throughout the world, and people from all over the world visit the nation for some much-needed tranquillity.

Visiting Friends or Family

This type of visa is for Individuals who have family members or friends legally dwelling or citizens of Austria or the Schengen region. However, the visitors would need a referral letter from the friend or family member staying in Austria. Furthermore, they will need to present the same at the time of the visa application process.

Business

This type of visa is for individuals who need to travel to Austria for the purpose of business. It also includes people who have been employed by companies and organisations operating in Austria or the government. Such visas are issued for individuals who intend to travel to Austria for medical purposes and enjoy the benefits of the medical services in the nation.

Medical reasons

Such visas are issued for individuals that intend to travel to Austria for medical purposes and enjoy the benefits of the medical services in the nation.

Study Purposes

This type of visa is only for individuals who intend to enrol or are already enrolled in any of the educational institutions of the nation.

Cultural, Sports and Film Crews

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are not citizens of any of the nations in the Schengen region but wish to travel to the nation to attend or participate in activities related to culture, sports or religion.

Other Purposes

If the purpose and nature of your visit are not covered under any of the categories mentioned above, then you need not worry. All you need to do while applying for the visa is to ensure that you mention the reasons during your application process.

Austria Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Austrian Visa:

Applying for an Austrian visa is a very straightforward process. The first thing that you should do is check the eligibility requirements for an Austrian visa. You can apply for an Austrian visa by submitting it to The Embassy of Austria at New Delhi. However, it should be noted that you will not be able to send your visa application through courier or post, as the Austria Visa Application Centre in New Delhi cannot process those. In order to submit or collect the applications, you have to do it in person, or you will have to send your travel agent or an authorised representative.

The following will be considered as authorised representatives of the applicant:

• If you are applying as a group or family, then any one individual from the group..
• If you are applying as a group or family, then any one individual from the group
• A person that has been authorised by the government can collect it on the government's behalf. He or she will need a letter from the government to prove the same.
• An official representative of a company but he or she will require a letter from the concerned party at the company. Additionally, he or she will also need to present the official ID of the company.

In all the cases mentioned above, the individual who will be collecting the documents would need to present the following:

• Original and a photocopy of any Government issued ID Card
• Original ICR
• A letter from the applicant where the individual has to be authorised by the applicant

In order to apply for the visa, the first thing that you will need to do is choose the visa category depending on the nature and purpose of your visit and go over the requirements for the same.

The second thing that you need to do is book an appointment before you submit your visa application. Once you arrive at the visa application centre, you need to take a token from the entrance and then proceed to the waiting area. You will be called to the visa application submission counter to submit your application and the required documents. The documents along with your photograph and passport will be scrutinised and verified for their authenticity and validity.

Lastly, you will receive a receipt for the services and fees charged during the process. Do ensure you carry all the originals of your documents.

Where to Apply for Austria Visa?

In order to apply for a visa to Austria, you will need to visit The Embassy of Austria in New Delhi. Additionally, as mentioned on the Embassy of Austria website, you can also visit the offices of VFS Global Services in Delhi, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Puducherry, and Trivandrum. The addresses are given below:

You can also clarify any doubts that you may have by contacting them on:

Phone Helpline: +91 22 67866008

Email Id: info.ausin@vfshelpline.com

Procuring a Belgium Visa

Overview

Belgium is situated in West Europe bordering the North Sea; it is famous for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture. Belgium is also the headquarter of the European Union and NATO. The country has Dutch-speaking people in the northern parts, French-speaking people in the south and German-speaking people in the east. Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, which is also famous for its chocolates and beer. Belgium is a part of the Schengen Zone which comprises 26 European countries which have abolished border controls. You will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Belgium.

What are the Types of Belgium visa?

If you wish to visit Belgium for a short duration, you will have to apply for a Schengen visa to Belgium, which is one of the following:

Schengen Visa C: You will need this visa if you have to pass through one of the Belgian airports for reaching your destination country out of the Schengen Area.

Tourist visa: If you wish to spend your short vacation in Belgium for sightseeing and exploring the country, you will need to apply for this visa type.

Visitor’s visa:This Belgian visa is meant for foreigners who may have family members or friends staying in Belgium and visit them for a short duration.

Business visa: You will need to procure this business visa if you wish to visit Belgium for business purposes or related activities.

Official visit visa: This visa type is for members of delegations visiting Belgium for official purposes

Medical visa: This medical visa is needed by people who wish to visit Belgium for medical treatment.

Study visa: This visa is for students who wish to undertake a short-duration study course in Belgium for up to 3 months.

Cultural, sports and film crew visa: If you plan to visit Belgium for attending a cultural, sports or film activity.

Documents required for Belgium visa

To apply for a Belgium visa, you need to provide the following documents to the Belgium embassy or consulate:

• A Belgium visa application form filled and signed.
• Two passport-sized photographs which should have been taken in the last three months.
• Your passport should not be older than 10 years and should be valid for at least three months until after your intended departure from Belgium.
• You also need to submit copies of your previous visas, if applicable.
• Belgium offers you the choice of three languages in which you wish your visa to be treated. These are the three dominant languages of Belgium- French, German or Dutch. If you wish your visa to be treated in English, you may select the “no preference” option.
• You need to submit your travel insurance policy showing that you are covered for the whole Schengen Zone, for medical emergencies or repatriation in case of death to the extent of a minimum of 30,000 Euros.
• Along with the application you have to submit a cover letter stating the purpose of your visit to Belgium.
• Your round-trip itinerary that states the dates and flight numbers of your entry and exit from Belgium or the Schengen Zone.
• You also need to proffer proof of accommodation showing your hotel reservation or any other arrangement for the whole duration of your stay in Belgium.
• A proof of your civil status has to be submitted, such as a marriage certificate, or a birth certificate of children, or death certificate of spouse, etc. which are applicable.
• A proof of your financial status, showing that you have sufficient resources to support yourself during the whole duration of your stay in Belgium.

Additional documents for employed people:

• Copy of your employment contract.
• Your bank statement for the last six months.
• Written leave permission from your employer.
• Income tax return(ITR) or a certificate of income tax deducted at source (TDS).

Additional documents for self-employed people:

• Copy of your business license.
• Your company’s bank statement for the last six months.
• Income tax return (ITR).

Additional documents for a student:

• Proof of admission to an educational institution.
• No objection certificate from your former school or university.

Additional documents if you are retired:

Your pension statement for the last six months.

Additional documents for minors:

• Birth certificate
• Belgium visa application form signed by both parents
• A family court order in cases where the minor is in full custody of one parent
• Copies of ID proof and passport of both parents
• A notarised authorisation signed by both parents or guardians in case the minor is travelling alone

Additional Documents for airport transit Visa:

• A valid visa for the final country in the Schengen zone that you are going to visit.
• Your fight ticket to the final country Schengen Zone that you are travelling to.

Additional documents for a tourist Belgium Visa:

• Your bank statement for the last six months should be submitted.
• Your travel itinerary that includes your entry and exit dates in the Schengen zone.
• Your travel itinerary including the period of stay, specifying entry and exit dates to Belgium, and hotel reservations. Also, list out the places you plan to visit and the activities you will be undertaking during your stay in Belgium.

Additional documents for a Belgian Visitor Visa

While applying for a Belgian visa to visit a friend or a family member, you need to provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of your financial status, if you are going to support yourself, such as your bank statement of the last 6 months, should be submitted.
• If someone else is going to support you, you will have to submit an obligation letter invitation, not older than 6 months from your guarantor, their salary statements for the last three months and proof of their tax payment.
• Copy of your guarantor’s ID and proof of their residence permit in Belgium.

Documents required for a business Schengen visa:

• An invitation letter from the company in Belgium with whom you will be engaging in business, along with the dates of your entry and exit from Belgium.
• If you are going on a business visit on behalf of your company, then you need to submit a certificate from your company to this effect.
• A bank statement of your business of the last 6 months has to be submitted.
• The memorandum and article of association of your company as officially registered. This should be an original certified copy.
• A copy of your trade license, both when it was originally issued and when it was renewed.
• You must submit proof of how your trip is being financed.

Additional Documents for a Student Visa to Belgium:

• You have to submit an enrollment certificate from the school, college or university where you have been admitted for the course.
• A no objection letter from your last (or current)educational institution.

Additional Documents for a medical visa to Belgium:

• A medical report stating that you need medical treatment in Belgium issued by a doctor, clinic or hospital in your home country.
• A medical attestation certificate from a hospital or a doctor in Belgium confirming your appointment for treatment.
• A receipt of the medical fees you have paid to the concerned clinic or hospital in Belgium.
• Proof that you have sufficient resources to meet any other related expenses for your medical treatment in Belgium.

Additional documents for a Belgium visa for cultural, sports, film crew or religious purposes

When you apply for a Belgium visa for attending a cultural, sports, or a religious event, you need to provide the following additional documents:

• You need to submit an invitation letter from the appropriate organisation in Belgium which outlines the type of events and activities being organised.
• Your entry ticket for the event taking place in Belgium.
• The conditions of your enrollment in the event.
• A detailed schedule of the event to take place in Belgium.
• Other documents of the names of the crew members and all relevant details of the event.
• You will also need to submit a proof of your previous performance in similar activities at your national level or elsewhere on the international level.

Additional documents for joining your spouse who is a Belgian citizen:

• A Belgian marriage certificate
• The Belgian family record book

The process of applying for a Belgium visa

The procedure for applying for a Belgium visa for a short duration is as follows:

• You will first have to find out where you need to apply for a Belgium visa. It could be the Belgian embassy or consulate in your residence country. It could also be a visa application centre which has been authorised by Belgium to process the visa applications. It could also be an embassy or consulate of any other Schengen country which Belgium has authorised to undertake the visa submission process.
• You will need to select the right type of visa, that you need depending on the purpose of your visit to Belgium.
• Compile all the documents as outlined above to meet the specific criteria as required by the Belgium embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
• Make an appointment with the Belgium embassy or consulate to process your visa.
• Attend the visa interview in the Belgium embassy or consulate as per the appointment.

Eligibility criteria for applying for the Belgium visa:

• You must be a citizen of the country from where you are applying for the Belgium visa.
• You should be a foreign citizen who is currently on a temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.
• You are eligible to apply for a Belgium visa if it is the only country in the Schengen Zone that you are going to visit.
• You are eligible to apply for a Belgian visa if you are going to spend most of your trip duration in Belgium.
• If Belgium is the entry point of your visit to the Schengen Zone.

Time taken to process a Belgian visa

The entire process for processing a Belgian Schengen visa should take around 15 days under normal circumstances. However, the period may get extended depending on the number of applications being received by the Belgian embassy at the time you apply. If it is peak season, the process could go up to 30 days. And it could take up to 60 days in extraordinary circumstances, especially if your case is sensitive and when the Belgian embassy has to consult the embassy of one or more Schengen member countries.