Questions about travelling overseas.

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DeadmanResting

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Hi
For a while I've been thinking about taking a trip overseas at a European county (a life long dream because you only live once, right?). But my biggest concern after doing some research is getting my visa application denied. I've started saving up some money for the trip. My questions are:
1. Are the chances of getting my visa application accepted higher if I book through a travel agent rather than me putting it together?
2. Since I'm saving money for the trip, it means I'm not earning much. Won't that hurt my chances of getting my visa approved because they'll I earn too little and needed to save up for the trip instead?
3. What other things do must I avoid in order to make my application successful?

By the way. I've started saving up this year and planning on going for my trip around the end of next year.
 
I would put all my savings for a trip like this into a dedicated savings account and then include the statement in the visa application, explaining that all funds in the account are for the trip.

I don't think hiring a visa agent is worthwhile for a tourist visa. Just read the requirements carefully and meet them all.
 
Where do you wanna go? You can visit Ireland without a Visa FYI.

They will probably ask you how you intend to finance your trip. My answer was Credit Card
 
Do it yourself it's not too complicated, make sure you have the disposable income they require if you plan on a shengen visa and make sure you plan every detail.

They don't care how much you earn they care that you have enough to sustain you for your whole trip. Spain requires R1100 per day x how many days.
 
Sounds like you're on the right track and won't have a problem.

Very few people earn enough to take overseas trips on a whim. They either go into debt, or save in advance.

The foreign authorities' main worry is that you don't intend to go home again, and their other worry is that you take a local job while on your "holiday". So they want to see that you have a return flight, an itinerary, and how you'll be paying for it.

If you give them all this info in a neat file then you've just made their job easy for them and they should be happy to return the favour and grant your visa.
 
DeadmanResting said:
Hi
For a while I've been thinking about taking a trip overseas at a European county (a life long dream because you only live once, right?). But my biggest concern after doing some research is getting my visa application denied. I've started saving up some money for the trip. My questions are:
1. Are the chances of getting my visa application accepted higher if I book through a travel agent rather than me putting it together?
2. Since I'm saving money for the trip, it means I'm not earning much. Won't that hurt my chances of getting my visa approved because they'll I earn too little and needed to save up for the trip instead?
3. What other things do must I avoid in order to make my application successful?

By the way. I've started saving up this year and planning on going for my trip around the end of next year.
Click to expand...
Like mentioned above, put everything in one account and show that statement for proof of funds. Also mention a credit card if you have one that is available for emergencies while over there.
You can do it yourself, as long as you can support yourself while you there, they don't really care about how much you earn here.
One of the airlines let you book and pay later, they love to see a return ticket booked aswell to show you have plans to come home.
 
3WA said:
I would put all my savings for a trip like this into a dedicated savings account and then include the statement in the visa application, explaining that all funds in the account are for the trip.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a good idea.
 
werfie said:
Where do you wanna go? You can visit Ireland without a Visa FYI.

They will probably ask you how you intend to finance your trip. My answer was Credit Card
Click to expand...

I'm still not sure about the country yet, but I'll include Ireland as well in the list and see what it has to offer.
 
EADC said:
Do it yourself it's not too complicated, make sure you have the disposable income they require if you plan on a shengen visa and make sure you plan every detail.

They don't care how much you earn they care that you have enough to sustain you for your whole trip. Spain requires R1100 per day x how many days.
Click to expand...
I'm planning on looking at how much a return flight costs, hotel stay, activities + transport + meals and add R5k on top of that just in case and save around that.
 
Tomtomtom said:
Sounds like you're on the right track and won't have a problem.

Very few people earn enough to take overseas trips on a whim. They either go into debt, or save in advance.

The foreign authorities' main worry is that you don't intend to go home again, and their other worry is that you take a local job while on your "holiday". So they want to see that you have a return flight, an itinerary, and how you'll be paying for it.

If you give them all this info in a neat file then you've just made their job easy for them and they should be happy to return the favour and grant your visa.
Click to expand...
The only problem I might run into is making an itinerary. I was planning on winging it.
 
1. No, it doesn't matter.
2. They don't look at your income, they look at how much money you have saved up. They have a table that will say something like, for 16 days holiday you need R25000. Can't remember the exact figures but it is something like that. That does not take accommodation into account by the way.
You need to have accommodation booked for every single day that you will be there. You have to book in advance even if you don't pay for it.
 
DeadmanResting said:
The only problem I might run into is making an itinerary. I was planning on winging it.
Click to expand...
Your itinerary just needs to be when you arrive when you leave where you will be staying and movement between cities countries, which you can change after you get your Visa.
 
This has been very helpful guys. I guess the main point here is affording your trip and everything that comes with it and making sure your paperwork is well put together.
 
I've only been to Europe twice but both times (last being 4 months ago) I did the application myself. Depending on where you go, they have a set amount of cash you should have access to per day for the duration of your stay.

If you have a statement reflecting that + proof of employment, property or family to return to then you should be good to go.
 
DeadmanResting said:
I'm still not sure about the country yet, but I'll include Ireland as well in the list and see what it has to offer.
Click to expand...

Remember the Schengen Visa have rules on where to get it. So plan ahead. IIRC you need to get it at the consulate for the country you will spend the most time in, if you spend similar time frames in multiple countries you need to get it at the first port of entry’s consulate (or associated agency). They will also each have slightly different rules in the application process. So working on your desired itinerary would be a good first step both in planning financially and also to get clarity on the Visa process you will end up following.
 
Why Europe? Why not exciting countries like Singapore, Japan, Thailand, etc? They are much easier to travel to. And with some you can transit from one to another and include a stop-over.

Europe can be quite strict, but mainly what they are looking for is that you are actually going to leave afterwards. As well quite a few dont, and then it becomes a problem. So you would have to show them you have enough funds for the trip, that you have a return airline ticket and that you have booked accomodation (and ideally paid for it already). If you are staying with friends you will need to provide a letter of invitation by the friends.

Visa fee and costs in Europe can be pretty expensive.

If you are set on Europe, a popular area is Salzburg, Austria and Bavaria in Germany across the border. Lots of history to see there. That will really give you a bit of Europe. Snow peaks, to salt mines, to staying in castles (backpackers), concentration camps, auto technic museums, raceways, lots of autobahn. and more. Lots really there.

Italy is nice if you're more religious but soo many scammers there these days, and Paris gets a bit crowded. If you're coming alone well its just a metal tower, but the museums are nice.

Amsterdam has quite a few nice places too. But why your interest to come to Europe. Surely something must want you to have chosen Europe? So if you can say why, then would be easy to suggest where to go for you.

Ive been to Japan and personally I wont mind going away. Its a real culture shock. But you can meet some great people. And if you want to meet potential gfs then countries like Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), and Vietnam may be better options.
 
3WA said:
Perv.
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The fact that he is travelling along means more than likely that he is single. Is it wrong to try and help him along?

Also the girls from there are polite and well mannered (most of them). You're just jealous that you're not going.
 
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