Answers to your most Frequently asked Questions

If you cannot find answers to your questions then please call us on 0208 571 0883 and we will try our best to assist you.

General FAQ’s

What is a visa?

A visa is an authority issued by the Embassy/Consulate of a country that permits a traveler to visit that particular country. The majority of visas are stamped inside your passport. (A small number of visas are either separate document to be carried with the passport or issued electronically.) Visas are issued with specific limitations regarding the purpose of visit, length of stay, the validity of the visa, etc... Some countries do not require a visa or do not require a visa in some situations, such as a result of reciprocal treaty arrangements. The possession of a visa is not in itself a guarantee of entry into the country that issued it, and in certain cases, a visa can be revoked at any time.

Where can I travel with my travel visa?

Usually, you can travel within the entire country if you are holding that country’s visa. However, some countries place restrictions on travel to certain destinations within that country. We strongly advise you to call us or the concerned embassy for more information.

How does it all work?

Its simple, just check the requirements on our website and if required, make the visa application online. We will process the visa on your behalf and email or post it to you. All your questions and queries about the process with be managed by our experienced team.

How long is a visa valid for?

Visa validity depends on your application and the individual embassy’s discretion. For example, an Indian tourist visa is valid for six months starting from the date it is issued.

How far in advance can I apply for a visa?

Most visas are valid from the date of issue, NOT your date of arrival in the country concerned. You should ensure you get your visa well in advance, but not too much in advance if you want to make a long trip. Plan accordingly.

Can I apply for a visa online?

It depends on the country of travel. A lot of visas are now e-visas and can be applied. If a regular visa is required then your passport will be required to be presented at the embassy concerned. You check the process online on our website or call us with further details of your trip.

Can I fax my passport copy and/or completed applications for the issuance of a visa?

A majority of the embassies only accept original documents like actual passports. No photocopies or fax copies are accepted. These include embassies like India, China, and all Schengen countries embassies. An actual passport is required to stamp your visa in it. Please call us for further details.

Do I need to send my actual passport?

For the majority of countries like China, a visa is stamped on a visa page inside your passport. Hence we would require your passport in such cases. However, there are a few exceptions e.g. India, U.S.A. and Australia.

How long will it take to process my visa?

Different embassies have different visa processing times. Indian embassy usually takes 3 working days to process an application – For example, if an application is submitted on Monday then your passport/visa can be collected on Wednesday.

We strongly advise you to add at least 3 extra days to allow for the delivery of your documents to us and later back to you. Do not purchase your tickets till you get your visa. However, if you already have purchased your tickets and traveling in the next 10 days then call us to arrange express service at no extra cost.

When should I book my flights?

It normally takes a week to process your application. However only book your flights once you have acquired your visa. If you already have booked your travel and require a visa urgently, then we can provide you with express service at no extra cost. Please call us if you are traveling in the next 10 days.

I do not have a printer to print visa form. What should I do?

If you do not have a printer then we can post the form to you. You can use the contact us section to send us an email or call us and request your desired application form.

PAYMENT RELATED FAQ’s

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major UK debit and credit cards. Alternatively, you can send us a cheque along with your application. Please make the cheque payable to ‘VISA GENIE LIMITED’. You can also deposit money into our bank account. Call us for our bank details.

Is it secure to give my personal details online?

It is 100% secure to use our website. We use the best technology available to safeguard your details. Our payment processing system is provided by one of the world's best banks. We do not sell or share your details with anybody other than the concerned embassy.

What does your price include?

Our price includes the service of checking your application for errors, submitting it to the embassy, later collect it from the embassy, and mailing it back to you. Visa Genie has no control on the application process or its outcome. Although forms are checked by our experienced staff for any errors, we do not take any responsibility for the same. Applicants have to ensure that correct and complete information is provided at all times.

How do you know that I have paid?

Once you book your case online, we receive a confirmation from the bank immediately. Once we receive your application in the post, we verify your name and address with this confirmation. This helps us allocate the payments to correct cases. In short, your money is in good hands.

I cannot travel for a reason. Can I get a refund?

If the visa has been processed, then we will not be able to refund the visa fee or our handling charges. If the visa has not been applied for then you will be refunded only the embassy fees. Our service fees are non-refundable.

DELIVERY RELATED FAQ’s

How should I send my documents to you? How will you send them back?

You should always send your documents either by Royal Mails recorded or guaranteed delivery so that you can keep track of your documents. Alternatively, you can use a reputable courier. We send all our applications by Royal Mails recorded delivery unless you opted for Royal Mails special guaranteed delivery.

How do I know you have received my documents?

We notify you by email on receipt of your documents. Alternatively, you can call us to confirm the safe delivery of your documents.

Can I deliver and collect my passport in person?

Yes. We are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. We can have a cup of tea if you like.

Can you deliver my passport at the airport?

We can deliver passports to the airport at an additional charge of £80. Please call us in advance to check for courier availability.

What happens if my documents get lost in the post?

All reputable courier companies have insurance and compensation policies against loss and we suggest you contact them for these details. All the documents Visa Genie sends back to the clients are through Recorded or Special Delivery run by the Royal Mail, and the claims will have to be handled directly through Royal Mail. Although we do not take any responsibility for any documents lost in transit, we will try our best to help you in that situation.

OUR SERVICE

Is my visa guaranteed?

As the visas are granted by the Embassy, no one can guarantee its outcome. However, based on our experience, we can advise you of the potential outcome with a great deal of certainty. Our service takes the ambiguity out of the application process.

I am traveling soon. Do you provide an URGENT service?

We always try our best to process your application at the earliest. We can provide express service. If you need your visa urgently then please call us before booking your applications as the requirement may differ for such applications.

I have incorrect details printed on my visa. What happens now?

We can contact the concerned embassy to rectify the details. Although Visa Genie does not charge for this service, additional charges may be payable to the embassy.