ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new electronic pre-travel screening for visa-exempt visitors to 30 European countries, launching in late 2026, requiring citizens from over 60 nations (like Australia, US, Canada) to get an online authorisation for short stays (up to 90 days in 180) for a €7 fee, enhancing security by checking travelers against databases before they travel, similar to the US ESTA. 

What it is:

• An electronic authorization, not a visa, for visa-free travelers to the Schengen Area and Cyprus.
• A security measure to pre-screen travelers for security, illegal migration, or public health risks. 

Who needs it:

• Nationals from visa-exempt countries like Australia, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, etc..
• If you currently don’t need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180). 

When it starts:

• Operations begin in the last quarter of 2026, with a six-month transition period. 

How it works:

• Apply online with personal and passport details.
• Automated checks against security databases (Interpol, Europol).
• Most approvals are within minutes; some require manual review. 

Key Details:

• Cost: €7 (around AUD $11/USD $12).
• Validity: Linked to passport, valid for up to three years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple short stays.
• Action Required: No action needed yet, but apply well before travel once live (ideally weeks in advance). 

The post What you need to know about ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) first appeared on My Visa Shop.

Join the MyVisaShop.com Community on Discord!

Are you passionate about immigration, travel, global opportunities, or getting the most out of your visa services? Then you’ll want to be part of the growing community at MyVisaShop.com — now on Discord!

We’re excited to invite you to a vibrant, friendly space where people from all over the world connect, share, learn, and support one another through every stage of the visa journey.

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/nCknqj6h

Why Join Our Discord Community?

Connect With Like-Minded People
Whether you’re navigating visa applications, exploring relocation tips, or just love talking about global mobility — our Discord is the place to meet others on the same path. You’ll find people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries, all coming together to share insights and experiences.

Real Conversations, Real Help
Have a question about documents, timelines, embassy appointments, or travel planning? Ask in the chat! Our community members and moderators are ready to help, share their journeys, and offer advice based on real life experience.

Get Exclusive Updates & Support
Be the first to know about:

• Helpful guides and resources
• Live Q&A sessions
• Community events
• Tips and tricks to simplify the visa process

Safe & Supportive Environment
We’re building a welcoming space where respect, encouragement, and authentic sharing are key. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned expat, everyone has a place here.

Ready to Join Us?

It’s easy — just click the invite link below and hop into the conversation:

https://discord.gg/nCknqj6h

We can’t wait to welcome you to the MyVisaShop.com Discord community — let’s make your global journey smoother, smarter, and more connected!

The post Join our Discord Community first appeared on My Visa Shop.

For many Australians, the dream of living and working in Europe has long been limited by restrictive visa rules and bureaucratic hurdles. That could soon change. In 2026, a suite of proposals and evolving agreements between the European Union (EU) and Australia promise to make it significantly easier for Australians to live, work and build careers across Europe — potentially reshaping international mobility for a generation.

A New Mobility Deal on the Horizon

At the centre of these changes is a proposed labour mobility scheme being discussed as part of renewed negotiations toward a long-awaited EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This proposal would represent one of the most substantial shifts in mobility rights for Australians since the inception of the working holiday visa regime.

Under the plan currently being floated by EU and Australian officials:

Australians could be allowed to live and work in EU member states for extended periods — potentially up to four years — without needing to secure a job offer before arrival. This contrasts sharply with many current working visas, which require sponsorship or pre-arranged employment.

The scheme is envisioned as reciprocal, meaning European citizens would gain similar rights to live and work in Australia under comparable terms.

Importantly, the agreement is broader and more flexible than traditional working holiday visas, which often come with age limits and rigid time caps. Early reporting suggests this new arrangement could provide pathways to longer-term stays and even future settlement options.

What This Means for Australians

If agreed, these mobility changes could alter how Australians think about international careers and lifestyle choices:

Extended opportunities: Instead of strict 12-month or two-year visitor visas, Australians may be able to commit to multi-year stays, taking up full-time jobs, internships, freelance roles or entrepreneurial ventures across Europe.

Greater flexibility: With job-offer requirements removed or eased, Australians could travel first and seek employment once in Europe, making relocation less risky and more appealing for young professionals, mid-career workers, and families.

Reciprocity and global ties: Because the plan is mutual, Europeans would enjoy easier access to the Australian job market — strengthening cultural and economic links between the regions.

The Context: Trade Negotiations and Strategic Incentives

These mobility proposals don’t exist in isolation. They are deeply tied to broader political and economic negotiations between Australia and the EU, which have been under way since 2018. Talks have previously stalled — particularly over agricultural market access and Europe’s strict protections on geographical product names like feta and prosecco — but mobility has emerged as a practical and popular issue that could help bridge long-standing divides.

European officials see labour mobility as a way to address skill shortages in key sectors, while Australia hopes easier access to European talent will help industries facing domestic labour constraints.

Timing and What’s Still Uncertain

As of early 2026, no final deal has been signed. Negotiations are ongoing, and the specific legal mechanisms, eligibility criteria and detailed implementation timelines have yet to be finalised. There are also broader changes on the horizon for travel to Europe: from late 2026, Australians — like most visa-exempt visitors — will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit to enter the Schengen Area for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.

A New Era of Mobility?

Should these proposals become reality, they would signal a transformative shift in how Australians access opportunities abroad. Europe could transition from a predominantly short-stay destination for working holidays and tourism to a viable, long-term option for those seeking to live, work and thrive internationally.

The post How New Europe–Australia Agreements Could Transform Life and Work Opportunities for Australians first appeared on My Visa Shop.

Official Travel Advisories

• Do not travel to Iran — most Western government travel advisories now place Iran at the highest risk level. Some nations explicitly tell their citizens not to go and urge those already there to leave immediately due to violent protests, security risks, and worsening conditions.
• Australia has updated its advice urging Australians to leave Iran now while commercial departure options remain available.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly recommends deferring all non-essential travel and cautions Indian nationals in Iran to avoid protest sites and register with the embassy.
• Pakistan and other regional governments have also issued warnings to nationals to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
• US (Level 4: Do Not Travel) — US citizens are advised to depart immediately if possible due to terrorism risks, civil unrest, arbitrary detention, and limited consular support.

On-the-Ground Situation

• Widespread Protests & Unrest: Nationwide demonstrations over economic hardship and political grievances have been ongoing since late December 2025, with hundreds reported killed and thousands detained.
• Civil Unrest Risks: Public gatherings, marches, and protests can turn violent with little warning. Foreigners risk being caught up in clashes or arbitrary detentions.
• Communications Blackouts: The Iranian government has enforced extensive internet and phone blackouts in response to protests, severely limiting digital communication and access to information.

Travel & Transit Disruptions

• Flight Suspensions: Multiple international airlines have canceled or suspended flights to and from Iranian cities due to security and protest escalation.
• Airspace Risks: Conditions are volatile — airspace closures and sudden flight cancellations could occur without notice, potentially making departure difficult later.

Safety Summary

Current advice for travelers:

• Avoid all travel to Iran at this time.
• If you are in Iran, seek safe exit options immediately while flights are still operating.
• Stay informed via official government advisories and local updates if already inside the country.
• Avoid protests, demonstrations, and large crowds.

The post Iran Travel Update: Travel Advisories first appeared on My Visa Shop.

What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Changes

The United Kingdom is in the process of implementing one of the most significant reforms to its immigration system in decades. The UK is moving away from physical visa documents and introducing a fully digital visa and travel authorisation framework. These changes will affect tourists, students, skilled workers, family visa holders, employers and carriers, and are being rolled out progressively through 2025 and 2026.

Understanding how the new system works is essential to avoid travel disruptions and compliance issues.

From Physical Visas to Digital Status

The cornerstone of the reform is the replacement of paper visas, passport vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with electronic visas (eVisas).

An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status, stored online and accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Immigration permission will no longer be evidenced by a physical document placed in a passport.

Key Rollout Dates

• From July 2025: Most new applicants for work, study and other long-term visas will receive an eVisa only, with no physical visa vignette.
• From October 2025: Applicants on these routes will no longer receive any physical immigration documents at all. Status must be accessed online before travel.
• By 2026: All UK visas are expected to be digital, completing the transition to a paperless immigration system.

What This Means for Visa Holders

Visa holders will need to:

• Create and maintain a UKVI online account
• Ensure their passport details are correctly linked to their eVisa
• Travel using the passport connected to their digital status
• Rely on online verification when proving their right to work, study, rent or re-enter the UK

Losing a passport will no longer mean losing a visa, but failing to keep passport details updated in the system may result in boarding or entry issues.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visitors

Alongside eVisas, the UK is also introducing a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for most visa-exempt visitors.

This system is similar to travel authorisation schemes used by countries such as the United States and Australia.

When the ETA Becomes Mandatory

From February 2026, travellers who do not normally need a visa to visit the UK must obtain an ETA before travelling.

Airlines, ferry operators and train companies will be required to check ETA approval before allowing passengers to board.

Who Needs an ETA

• Visitors from visa-exempt countries travelling to the UK for short stays
• Tourists, short-term business visitors and those transiting the UK (unless exempt)

An ETA is not a visa, but a pre-travel permission to board transport to the UK. Border officers will still make the final decision on entry.

Key Features of the ETA

• Application fee: £16 per person
• Validity: Multiple short visits (up to six months each) over two years or until passport expiry
• Application method: Online or via the UK ETA mobile app
• Passport-specific: Must be applied for using the same passport used for travel

Why the UK Is Making These Changes

The UK Government has identified several objectives behind the move to digital immigration systems:

1. A Digital-First Border

Replacing physical documents reduces fraud, loss and administrative delays while modernising border management.

2. Faster Processing and Verification

Digital records allow airlines, employers, universities and landlords to verify immigration status instantly, without handling physical documents.

3. Improved Security

Pre-travel screening through ETA applications enables earlier risk assessment before travellers depart for the UK.

How to Prepare for the New System

For Visitors

• Check whether your nationality requires an ETA
• Apply before booking or travelling
• Use the same passport for your ETA application and travel

For Visa Holders

• Create your UKVI account as soon as your visa is granted
• Check that your passport details are accurate and up to date
• Update your account promptly if you renew or replace your passport
• Keep access to your digital status when travelling or dealing with employers, schools or landlords

Broader Immigration Context

The move to eVisas and ETAs is part of a wider reform of the UK immigration framework, which includes changes to work visa thresholds, sponsorship rules and long-term settlement pathways. Together, these reforms signal a long-term shift toward automation, digital identity verification and stricter pre-travel screening.

The post UK eVisa System Overhaul: first appeared on My Visa Shop.

The Global Entry program is designed to make international travel to the United States faster and easier. Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to skip long immigration lines and use automated kiosks when arriving in the U.S. An added bonus is that Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits for faster security screening on domestic flights.
This article explains how to use Global Entry in practice—from departure to arrival—and how to get the most value from membership.
What Global Entry Does for You
Global Entry streamlines two key parts of travel:
Arrival in the United States
Instead of waiting in standard passport control queues, members use automated kiosks or facial recognition gates to complete entry formalities in minutes.
Airport Security Within the U.S.
Your membership includes TSA PreCheck, allowing access to expedited security lanes at participating airports, where shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets usually stay on or in your bag.
Using Global Entry When Arriving in the U.S.
When you land at a U.S. international airport:
Proceed to the Global Entry area
Follow signs for Global Entry kiosks or automated entry gates.
Verify your identity
Most airports now use facial recognition. Some kiosks may still ask you to scan your passport.
Declare items
Answer customs questions on the screen, or verbally if prompted by an officer.
Exit to baggage claim
In many cases, no paperwork or printed receipt is required. If an officer needs clarification, you’ll be directed for a brief check.
For most travelers, this process takes under two minutes, even during peak arrival times.
Using TSA PreCheck Benefits
Once you’re a Global Entry member, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
To use it:
Enter your KTN when booking airline tickets.
Confirm that “TSA PreCheck” appears on your boarding pass.
Use the designated PreCheck lanes at airport security.
This benefit applies only on participating airlines and airports, but it covers most major U.S. carriers.
When Global Entry Works Best
Global Entry is especially valuable if you:
Travel internationally to the U.S. more than once a year
Frequently arrive during busy periods (afternoons and evenings)
Take domestic U.S. flights where security lines are long
Transit through major hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Miami, or Chicago
Important Practical Tips
Keep your passport updated: If you renew your passport, update the details in your Global Entry account to avoid problems at kiosks.
Always declare items honestly: Global Entry does not exempt you from customs rules. Failure to declare items can lead to penalties or loss of membership.
Membership validity: Global Entry is valid for five years, making it cost-effective for regular travelers.
Family travel: Each adult traveler must have their own membership. Children also need approval to use Global Entry lanes.
Final Thoughts
The Global Entry program is one of the most practical travel tools available for frequent international travelers to the United States. By combining fast immigration processing with TSA PreCheck security benefits, it saves time, reduces stress, and makes airports far more manageable.
For travelers who value efficiency—and especially those who regularly cross U.S. borders—Global Entry is often one of the best travel investments you can make.

The post How to Use the TSA Global Entry Program first appeared on My Visa Shop.

It will soon be compulsory to have REAL ID to travel domestically in the United States due to changing requirements from the federal transport security administration (“TSA”). The TSA is creating a national identification system to allow travellers to seamlessly travel domestically within the United States.

To get a REAL ID, you need documents proving your identity/citizenship, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency, plus any name change documents, but requirements vary by state, so always check your state’s DMV website for their specific checklist. Generally, you’ll need a birth certificate/passport, your Social Security card/W-2, and utility bills/bank statements to show you live where you say you do, along with a fee. 

Common Document Categories

• Proof of Identity & U.S. Citizenship:
  • U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Proof of Social Security Number:
  • Original Social Security Card
  • W-2 or 1099 form
  • Pay stub with full SSN
• Proof of Residency (Two Documents): (Must show your name and physical address, not a P.O. Box)
  • Utility bill (electric, water, gas)
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Bank statement or credit card statement
  • Mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency
  • Vehicle registration or insurance policy (in some states like Texas)
• Proof of Name Change (If Applicable):
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Divorce Decree
  • Court order for name change 

Key Steps

1. Visit Your State’s DMV/DPS Site: This is crucial as specific lists and procedures (like scheduling appointments) differ.
2. Gather Documents: Collect originals or certified copies of all required documents.
3. Bring All to Office: You must apply in person at a state licensing office. 

The post What documents do you need to get a REAL ID? first appeared on My Visa Shop.

The United States will be one of the host countries for the FIFA World Cup 2026, welcoming millions of international visitors for one of the world’s largest sporting events. If you plan to travel to the U.S. to attend World Cup matches, understanding the visa requirements early is essential. This article explains which visa you may need, how to apply, and what to expect when travelling to the U.S. for the tournament.

Do You Need a Visa to Attend the World Cup in the USA?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and passport.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may travel to the U.S. without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days, provided they:

• Hold an eligible passport
• Obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
• Travel for tourism or business purposes only

Attending World Cup matches counts as tourism, so ESTA is sufficient for eligible travelers.

Visitors Who Require a Visa

If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Tourist Visa to attend the World Cup.

The B-2 Tourist Visa Explained

The B‑2 Tourist Visa is the standard visa for:

• Tourism and holidays
• Attending sporting events, including the World Cup
• Visiting friends or relatives

This visa typically allows stays of up to six months per entry, subject to approval by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

How to Apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

All B-2 applicants must complete the DS‑160 online. This form collects personal, travel, and background information.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee and keep the receipt for your records.

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview

Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

4

Step 4: Attend the Interview

During the interview, a consular officer will assess:

• Your purpose of travel (e.g., attending World Cup matches)
• Your ties to your home country
• Your financial ability to support your stay

You may be asked to show match tickets, accommodation bookings, or a travel itinerary.

Important Timing Considerations

World Cup–related travel will significantly increase visa demand. You should:

• Apply as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months before travel
• Check local embassy appointment wait times regularly
• Avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved

Entry to the United States During the World Cup

A visa or ESTA does not guarantee entry. Final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry. Be prepared to explain:

• Where you are staying
• How long you plan to remain in the U.S.
• That your visit is temporary and for tourism only

Can You Work or Volunteer During the World Cup?

No. A tourist visa or ESTA does not allow employment or volunteering, even if unpaid, in connection with World Cup events. Any form of work requires a separate employment-authorized visa.

Tips for a Smooth World Cup Trip

• Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay
• Carry proof of onward or return travel
• Keep copies of accommodation and match tickets
• Allow extra time at airports during peak match days

The post Getting a Visa to Attend the FIFA World Cup in the United States first appeared on My Visa Shop.

This travel update provides important, practical information for Australians planning travel to the United States, including entry requirements, border procedures, safety considerations, healthcare, and consular support. Australians are encouraged to remain informed and prepared, as U.S. entry and security arrangements can be strict and are enforced rigorously.

Entry Requirements and ESTA

Australians travelling to the United States for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits generally travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure.

Key points:

• ESTA must be approved before boarding a flight to the U.S.
• Approval is not a guarantee of entry—final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport.
• Your Australian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Travellers with previous visa overstays, criminal convictions, or recent travel to certain countries may require a full U.S. visa instead of ESTA.

Border Screening and Arrival Procedures

Australian travellers should expect robust screening on arrival, including:

• Biometric collection (fingerprints and photographs),
• Detailed questioning about travel purpose, accommodation, and length of stay,
• Inspection of electronic devices in limited circumstances.

U.S. border officials have broad discretion. Calm, cooperative behaviour and clear, consistent answers are essential. Carry supporting documents such as return tickets, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds.

Safety and Security

The United States is generally safe for visitors, but safety conditions vary significantly by city and region.

Australians should:

• Stay aware of local conditions and crime patterns,
• Avoid demonstrations or protests, which can escalate quickly,
• Follow local laws strictly—U.S. law enforcement practices may differ from Australia.

Firearms are legal in many U.S. states, which can be confronting for some visitors. This does not usually affect tourists directly but is worth being aware of.

Healthcare and Travel Insurance

Healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia.

Australians should:

• Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation,
• Ensure insurance covers pre-existing conditions if applicable,
• Carry insurance details at all times.

Even minor medical treatment can result in very high costs without insurance.

Driving and Transport

Australians can usually drive in the U.S. using an Australian driver licence, though requirements vary by state.

Important points:

• Some states recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP),
• Road rules and signage differ by state,
• Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced and penalties are severe.

Rideshare services and domestic flights are widely available and often more practical than driving in large cities.

Legal and Cultural Differences

Australian travellers should be mindful that:

• Laws vary significantly between U.S. states,
• Penalties for drug-related offences are severe, even where cannabis is legal under state law,
• Behaviour considered minor in Australia can attract serious consequences in the U.S.

Respect for local laws, customs, and authorities is essential.

Consular Assistance for Australians

If you require help while in the U.S., support is available through the Australian Embassy and Australia’s network of consulates.

Consular services include:

• Emergency assistance (serious illness, arrest, death, or crisis),
• Passport replacement in limited circumstances,
• Notarial and document services by appointment.

For urgent assistance after hours, Australians can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia.

Travel Advice and Staying Informed

Australians are strongly encouraged to:

• Register their travel on Smartraveller,
• Monitor official advice for safety updates, natural disasters, or changes to entry rules,
• Keep copies of passports and important documents separate from originals.

Summary

Travel to the United States remains popular and straightforward for most Australians, but strict entry controls, high healthcare costs, and differing legal standards mean preparation is essential. By ensuring the correct travel authorisation, comprehensive insurance, and awareness of local conditions, Australians can enjoy a safe and successful visit to the U.S.

If you’d like, I can adapt this update for tourists, business travellers, or students, or localise it for specific U.S. states such as California, New York, or Texas.

The post Travel Update for Australians Travelling to the United States first appeared on My Visa Shop.

VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. If you’re applying for a visa, passport service, consular service, or biometric appointment, you’ll likely need to use VFS Global’s appointment portal. Although the process is straightforward, many applicants find the system confusing—especially when navigating different country-specific requirements.

This guide explains, step by step, how to book an appointment with VFS Global, what documents you need, how to avoid common pitfalls, and tips to make the process smoother.

1. Determine the Correct VFS Centre and Service

Before starting the booking process, you must identify:

• Which country’s visa or service you are applying for (e.g., India, China, UAE, UK, Canada, etc.).
• Which type of service you need (visa submission, passport renewal, biometrics, OCI application, etc.).
• Where you will lodge the application (city and centre).

Different VFS centres offer different services. For example, India visa and OCI services in Australia are handled through specific centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra.

2. Create or Log In to Your VFS Global Account

Most VFS appointment systems require an online account.

To create an account:

1. Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ and choose the country you are applying from and the country you are applying to.
2. Click “Book an Appointment”.
3. Select “New User?” if you don’t already have an account.
4. Register with:
   • Your full name
   • Email address
   • Mobile number
   • A secure password
5. Verify your email if prompted.

Once logged in, you can access the appointment dashboard.

3. Select the Type of Appointment

You will be asked to choose the service required. Common types include:

• Visa Application Submission
• Biometrics Appointment
• Passport Services
• OCI, PIO, and Miscellaneous Consular Services
• Premium Lounge or Optional Services (fees apply)

Make sure the service matches the application form you have completed. Choosing the wrong service may result in refusal at the counter.

4. Complete Applicant Details

You will need to enter the applicant’s personal information exactly as it appears on the passport. Details typically include:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Passport issue and expiry dates
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Email and phone number

For family bookings, you can add multiple applicants in one session.

5. Choose Your Appointment Date and Time

The system will display a calendar showing available dates. If all dates are greyed out, it means:

• No appointments are currently available
• New slots will open soon
• The centre may be fully booked for several days or weeks

Tip: Appointment slots often refresh early in the morning or at off-peak times. Keep checking.

Once you select a date and time, confirm your appointment.

6. Pay Any Required Fees (If Applicable)

Some VFS centres require payment in advance—for example:

• Premium lounge
• SMS updates
• Courier return
• Some visa or administrative fees

If payment is required, you must complete it to finalise the booking.

7. Download and Print Your Appointment Confirmation Letter

After booking, you should immediately receive:

• An on-screen confirmation
• An email with your appointment letter

Download and print this letter—it is required for entry into the VFS centre.

The confirmation letter includes:

• Appointment date and time
• VFS centre address
• Services booked
• Applicant details
• Reference number

8. Prepare the Required Documents Before Your Appointment

Make sure you bring:

• The printed appointment confirmation
• Your passport (and old passports if required)
• Printed visa application form
• Required photographs
• Supporting documents (e.g., invitation letters, itineraries, legal documents)
• Photocopies of all documents
• Payment receipts and passports for family members if joint booking

Each country has its own checklist; check the official VFS website.

9. Arrive at the VFS Centre on Time

Most centres require you to arrive no more than 15 minutes before your appointment. Security checks are standard, and some personal items may not be allowed inside.

Late arrivals may be turned away.

10. After Your Appointment

Once your application is submitted:

• Keep your receipt safe
• Track your application online using the VFS tracking tool
• Wait for notification from VFS or the consulate

Processing times vary widely depending on the destination country.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

• Check for appointment releases regularly—slots often open suddenly.
• Avoid third-party agents unless you have a trusted provider.
• Double-check all documents—incomplete files may cause delays.
• Use premium services if you need extra assistance or faster processing.
• Consult a professional (like a notary or migration adviser) if your case is complex.

The post How to Book an Appointment With VFS Global: A Step-by-Step Guide first appeared on My Visa Shop.