Fifth of Visa Applications Are Rejected
Applying for a visa to travel abroad is a process that can be frustrating at times and now, new research has found that a fifth of visa applications for travelling abroad are either rejected or refused.
The most common reason for a permanent refusal was due to the applicant having a ‘criminal record’. Rejection reasons were topped by ‘typographical errors’ on the application form.
The reasons for visa rejection are often down to basic errors, so it’s important that you fill in any forms correctly, and that all information provided is the truth.
The statistics, from www.GlobalVisas.com, were compiled as part of research into the visa application process for both working and travelling visas and what issues most commonly affected travellers.
The data revealed that a fifth of all visa applications are initially either rejected or refused entirely.
The top five most common reasons for visa refusal were revealed as; having a criminal record; having unclear intentions, applicant does not have a good moral character; applicant is unskilled professional; applicant has previously violated visa rules.
Gary Smith of www.GlobalVisas.com said: “People may think that going abroad is a simple case of buying plane tickets. But there’s far more that you need to take into account.
“If you simply got on a plane to some countries, you’d be sent back on the next flight if you didn’t have the correct documentation.”
It also appears that many people make mistakes on their applications, as the top reason for visa rejection was ‘typographical errors’ when filling in the necessary forms.
Other reasons for visa rejection were; misrepresentation on the application; lack of supporting documents i.e. proof of address; unsuitable passport photograph; and incorrect fee.
When looked at from a country-by-country perspective, the most top 10 common countries for visa refusals were; China, Russia, Vietnam, Israel, India, Saudi Arabia, USA, Cuba, Brazil and Angola.
The most frequent reasons for visa refusal in the United States was having a ‘criminal record’ and ‘unclear intentions’. In Saudi Arabia, a quarter of visas were rejected if an unmarried man and woman planned to travel together as a pair rather than as a group.
Gary added: “The reasons for visa rejection are often down to basic errors, so it’s important that you fill in any forms correctly, and that all information provided is the truth.
“When it comes down to refusal, there’s often not a lot that can be done. Some countries, such as the US, are very strict when it comes down to criminal records.
“It seems in these instances; although you might have done the ‘time for the crime’ in your home country it still impacts on your life.”
Have you been refused a visa for travel? Tell us abour your experience in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK