Your passport is the first document any embassy looks at, and small problems with it can hold up an application. A few minutes of checking now can save you delays later. Here’s what to look at before you apply for a visa.
Validity beyond your stay
Many countries ask for your passport to stay valid for several months beyond the date you plan to leave, commonly six. Some ask for less and some count from a different date, so check the rule for your destination.
If your passport is close to expiry, consider renewing it before you apply. A visa is usually linked to the passport it’s issued in, so renewing soon after getting a visa may create extra steps.
Blank pages
Visas and entry stamps need space. Many embassies ask for blank visa pages, and some specify how many, so count yours before you apply.
If you travel often, your pages may run out sooner than you expect. It’s easier to deal with this before you book an appointment than after, because a new passport also means updating the details on your application.
Damage and wear
An embassy may not accept a damaged passport, and border officers may question it. Look for water damage, torn or loose pages, a damaged cover or a photo page that’s hard to read.
Unofficial marks can also cause problems, so don’t write on the pages or staple anything to them. If you’re unsure whether your passport is in good enough condition, bring it to us and we’ll take a look.
Name and personal details
The name on your passport should match your other documents, including your visa application, tickets, bank statements and letters. Differences in spelling, initials or the order of your names can lead to questions.
Common cases include a surname added or changed after marriage, initials in some documents and full names in others, or a spelling that differs between certificates. We can help you work out whether a passport update or a supporting document makes sense in your case.
Renewal timing
If you need a new or re-issued Indian passport, apply through Passport Seva, the official Government of India service. Depending on your case, the process may include an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra and police verification, so leave enough time before your visa application.
Our passport assistance service can help you prepare the application and documents and understand the appointment process. Only the passport authority can issue the passport itself.
Before you book your visa appointment
Once your passport is in order, the rest of your application becomes much easier to plan, from photographs and forms to your appointment date. The exact checklist depends on your profile and the current embassy, VFS or official checklist, and we confirm it with you at consultation.
Contact us to book a consultation at our Chennai or Bangalore office.