Preparation before travel plans

Here are some common questions on every traveller’s mind and guidelines to assuage their concerns

When visa application centres re-open, they will evaluate at which stage of assessment each applicationis and resume the applicant return process accordingly.

 As per guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organization, as well as local authorities, both customers and employees at the centres will be subject to body temperature checks, face masks and gloves. Centres are also maintaining preventive measures such as disinfecting high-contact surfaces, use of hand sanitisers and social distancing practices 

 Once services resume, customers, who wish to avoid visiting public places, can also use optional services provided. VFS centres have staff visiting customer’s location of choice to complete the visa application submission process. In India, this service is available for select destination countries only and will resume after lockdown, subject to approvals from the embassy/consulate concerned. Customers using regular services as well are encouraged to opt for courier services to get their passports back 

 Medical reports are usually a part of required documentation in some visa applications, though they may or may not be related to COVID-19. However, as governments may beef up health screening measures going forward, make sure you’ve carefully been through the updated document checklist requirements for the country you’re visiting 

 Advisories for various countries differ. Some countries have imposed border control measures that only allow citizens, residents, or specific permit holders to enter the country. Citizens who are yet to travel and whose existing visa has expired or is expiring soon can re-apply for a fresh visa when operations resume. Those who had already travelled before lockdown to a foreign country and whose visas are due to expire soon are urged to reach out to the concerned embassy/consulate for assistance.

 Although most governments have currently suspended travel visa services, customers may still be able to apply for other categories such as long-stay visas or residence permits. However, this remains limited to only a few countries. Several countries have put in place border control measures, temporarily disallowing certain non-essential travellers to submit visa applications. Nevertheless, if you already hold a valid work or residence permit, you may still be able to enter some countries, despite entry restrictions 

 In some cases, even if central/local authorities lift the lockdown, the country you are applying to may not be accepting visa applications. Make sure you’re checking regulations by not only your government but also that of the country you plan to visit