Visa 101 for Family Travel

Thanks to the Internet, you can be armed with knowledge on the specific requirements of visa application. Nowadays, first-hand accounts of those who have applied for travel visas can be found in blogs and wikis, giving you quick references. So find out which documents you’ll need and prepare them, especially since it’s very important that you make a good first impression to the embassy you’re sending your application to.

Eye the official websites

The fastest and most reliable way to find out how to acquire a visa is to visit the website of the embassy concerned. Official embassy websites, such as the ones for Japan, China and South Korea, usually have a section devoted to visa applications. These contain a detailed list of requirements, such as the specific size of passport photos, and types of official documents needed, like birth and marriage certificates issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Some even ask for your possible itinerary.

Some websites may also indicate if a personal appearance is required or if going through a travel agency is necessary – things you would need to know to avoid going back and forth to the embassy to complete the requirements, or worse, having your application denied and going through the process all over again.

Application forms are also available for download to minimize your visits to the embassy.

Click here to read more on travel blogs and securing visa requirements.