7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Visa

I recently received my Japanese Visa and it inspired me to put up this post about some of the common mistakes to avoid during visa applications. I am no stranger to visa applications and the requirements, sometimes, stringent, to visit certain countries.

As a Nigerian Passport holder who loves to travel both leisurely and for work, I have had my fair share of applications. No matter how often I go through the process, I still get very nervous to hear the decision of the visa officer. One thing I make sure to do though, is to pay very close attention to my applications before I submit them.

mistakes to avoid during visa

In this post, I am going to talk about some of the most common reasons for visa rejections and how you can avoid these mistakes to improve your chances of a successful application. Please note that it is ultimately up to the visa officer to grant or reject your visa.

This post does not guarantee a positive response. Its aim is to give you a few ideas about mistakes to avoid during visa applications and how you can strengthen yours.

With that being said, let’s get into the details!

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #1 – Having an Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form

This may seem trivial but the fact is that your visa appraisal starts from here and a small mistake here can cost you big time. For some application process, you don’t even get an interview. The decision is made based on the information provided in these forms.

Therefore, when filling out them out, be sure to present information clearly, completely and correctly. If something does than apply to you, rather than leaving the spaces blank, always put “N/A”.

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Missing or incorrect information can often lead to delays in processing times or even rejection.

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #2 – Having Insufficient Supporting Documents

The visa officer’s job is to decipher whether you have truthfully stated your intent. When seeking a tourist visa, the official’s role is to scrutinize you through questioning or by examining your paperwork. Their goal? To determine if you’ll actually go back home after your trip ends.

It is your job to provide documents that support your application. Be sure to comb through the requirements on the immigration website of the respective country you’re applying to and include additional documents that may not be stated to show proof of home ties.

Some of the documents to include are your employment and promotion letters, admission letter or one from your school (if you’re a student), marriage certificates, proof of home or business ownership and so on.

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #3 – Having Insufficient Proof of Funds

Having insufficient proof of funds is one of the most common reasons for visa rejections. Many people often believe that the balance in your account is the only amount considered during the processing of your visas but this is not always the case.

Mistakes to avoid during visa applications

Many visa officers take a look at your bank transactions in the statements provided over time and make certain decisions based on these transactions. Therefore, it is not enough to have a lump sum amount in your account when you apply.

Your transaction inflows and outflows must also be consistent with your declared income and should prove that you are financially able to cover the costs of your travels.

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #4 – Having Unexplained Bulk Sums in your Account

This is one of the most common mistakes to avoid during visa applications – which is transferring a huge sum of money right before your application, intending to convince the visa officer that you have enough to cover your trip.

This is a huge red flag and is often the basis for a rejection. If you unavoidably have such large sums coming into your account, for example, if you’re a homeowner who just received rent, make sure to include a cover letter and accompanying receipts to show the source of this amount.

#5 – Submitting your Passport with Less than 6 months Validity or Less than Two Free Pages

Several embassies or consulates have this as a requirement but sometimes, it is overlooked by travellers and becomes the basis for a visa denial.

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This is not the case for every consulate or embassy but to be on the safe side, always ensure that your passport has over 6 months validity and at least two free pages for the visa sticker and stamp.

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #6 – Lying about your Travel History or Previous Visa Denials

This one goes without saying. Don’t lie about anything on your application, and most especially, don’t lie about previous visa denials. At best, if that lie is caught (and it will most likely be), the visa will be denied but lying about previous denials may also result in a ban.

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It certainly isn’t worth it. If your circumstances have significantly changed between when you received a visa denial and when reapplying, it will be taken into consideration during the visa processing.

Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Applications: #7 – Applying Late or too Close to your Travel Dates

I remember seeing a sign at the South Korean embassy stating that a visa application submitted within 14 days of the travel date would not be considered. The visa did come out in 6 days but it was not worth risking submitting the application late.

As a rule of thumb, you should submit your application at least 3 weeks to your travel date. Many embassies begin to receive applications for up to 3 months before your travel date. The earlier you can apply, the better, as this will save you stress and might also save you money in early flight bookings and hotel deals!

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By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful visa application process. Once again, these suggestions do not guarantee a positive outcome, that is always only up to the visa officer. Good luck with your next application and I hope you have a wonderful adventure!

Please feel free to share more tips in the comment section below or let me know if you have any questions about visa applications in general!

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Cheers to successful visa applications!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
18 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

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Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
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When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
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On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
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#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
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Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
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