Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.
You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay.
Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category.
If your documents are not in English , you may need to get translations prepared before applying.
Once you are ready to apply, you can , complete it, print the complete form and bring it with you to the Visa Application Center (together with the documents required for the Visa category chosen) for submission.
Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’ .
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee.If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment.
You can pay the visa fee at the visa application centre
You’ll have to submit your completed visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have your passport returned to you by courier for an additional fee. Please check Contact us page to order service.
Collecting your passport in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre upon submission of documents and copy of your passport.
Collecting passport on behalf of a family member: a copy of the passport, a receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre when submitting documents; the original marriage certificate (when received for the spouse) or the original birth certificate of the child (when received for a minor by one of the parents), as well as the original passport of the person receiving the documents. If your name has changed, an additional official document confirming the name change must be provided.
Collecting passport by a third party with a power of attorney: a copy of the passport, a receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre; a notarized power of attorney valid for no more than 6 months from the date of issuance by the notary, as well as the original passport of the person authorized by the power of attorney.
Please check the Visa Application Centre opening time for the options available to collect your documents.
Ready to apply?
Start your application process and then come back to VFS Global with your reference number to take advantage of the premium services on offer.
Additional Information
Here is what else you can do