If you are thinking about traveling to another country for a vacation, a business trip or to join your family you may be able to do it without having to go through the usual tedious procedure to obtain a visa. Most of the time, you do not even have to sit for an interview when applying for a travel visa and the process is done fully online. This is something we have labeled as an online travel visa or an e-Visa for short. That way, third-party agencies can assist with the paperwork, thus making it easy and fast through the online process.
The Process of Applying for an e-visa
To start, you need to find an online service or agency that offers e-visa processing. Many companies specialize in this, with one of the more popular options being Law and Visas. Once you’ve chosen an agency and visited their website, you’ll be asked to enter some basic information, such as your country of origin and the country you plan to visit.
For example, let’s say you’re traveling from Australia to the United States. Australia is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means that as long as your trip is for tourism or business and will last less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. However, you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip. This is where an online service like Law and Visas can help streamline the process.
Once you fill out the online application, you’ll typically receive your ESTA approval via email within a short period—often within minutes. All you need to enter the U.S. is the ESTA document, along with your valid passport. Note that your passport must be an e-passport, which includes an embedded electronic chip, and it must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the U.S.
However, if you’re not from a VWP country, like Antigua and Barbuda, you will need to apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa. In this case, you would need to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, and you cannot apply for an e-visa.
The Timeline for e-Visa Processing
The timeline for getting your e-Visa will vary depending on where you’re from and where you’re going. For our Australian example, the process is relatively quick. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that travelers apply for their ESTA at least 72 hours before their departure. However, many applicants get approved almost immediately after submitting their application.
When you apply through a third-party service like Law and Visas, the process can be even faster. They have simplified the application into an easy-to-complete form that takes about 7 minutes to finish (according to their website). You will also be told in advance how much the e-visa will cost, whether it’s for single-entry or multiple-entry, and what steps you need to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some of the most common questions people have when applying for an online travel visa:
1. What do I do if I lose my printed e-visa?
Since your e-visa is usually emailed to you, if you lose the printed version, you can simply print it again. It’s a good idea to save the email in your inbox rather than deleting it, as this will give you easy access to your e-Visa whenever you need it.
2. Is my credit card information safe?
When applying for an e-Visa, you’ll typically need to provide credit card details for payment. Before entering any information, always check the website’s terms and conditions to ensure your data is secure. For example, on the Law and Visas website, they state that they do not store your credit card information. This means your details are not kept in a separate database, offering peace of mind.
3. What documents do I need for an e-visa?
The documents you need will depend on the country you’re visiting and your home country. Most third-party agencies will provide you with a list of required documents based on your specific situation. Typically, you’ll need a valid passport and possibly other supporting documents, like proof of travel plans or accommodation.
Benefits of Using a Third-Party Agency for an e-Visa
Using a third-party service like Law and Visas to apply for an e-Visa can save you time and energy, especially if you want to avoid dealing with the visa process on your own. These agencies make the process much more convenient by handling the paperwork for you and providing clear instructions.
However, it’s important to remember that not all travel situations qualify for an online visa. If your visa type requires an in-person interview, such as for certain types of work visas, or when traveling from non-VWP countries, an e-visa may not be an option. Always check the specific requirements for your trip before proceeding.
In conclusion, applying for an online travel visa can be a quick and easy way to secure the right travel authorization without all the hassle. If you’re eligible, services like Law and Visas can simplify the process, allowing you to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of your trip, like planning your itinerary and packing for your journey!
