Applying for a Visa – Good Practice Notes
Before you send your application
Do not finalise any flights/travel unless it is an explicit requirement for the visa process. Where you have to provide a flight itinerary please make sure you have left enough time to process the visa and navigate any potential delays. Most embassies recommend applying for a visa 4-8 weeks prior to travel. If you are unsure please contact us.
Check you have enough time to process the application. Be aware of any bank holidays or embassy closures that may affect processing times. Also keep in mind the delivery and return times; this can add 2-3 days to the overall processing time.
Applications received at our offices before 9.30am will be processed and submitted to the respective Embassy/High Commission that day. Anything received after this time will be processed the same day and submitted the following working day.
Contact us if you need to send your documents before 9am. A surcharge of £30+vat will apply to collection of pre 9am post.
Let us know of any upcoming travel dates or special requirements. Applying 4 weeks before travel is not always possible so please use our order form to let us know of any special requirements. We will work with you to meet any realistic deadline.
Check you have the correct documents. We do not charge extra to check scans of documents by email in advance of receiving an application and are here to help with any questions/queries you may have. If you’re unsure about anything please contact us.
All visa applications unless explicitly stated require your original passport to be sent. All signatures should be original or ‘wet’ unless otherwise stated. Applications must be signed, if there is no space for a signature the application form is incomplete.
Sending your documents. Use a guaranteed/insured service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery, or other tracked courier services to send your passport. Do not send original documents by 1st Class post or Recorded Delivery.
If you prefer to hand over your documents in person please do contact us in advance to let us know. We have parking and are close to London Bridge station (See map). Recommended methods for delivering documents to Action Visas include:
- Royal Mail Special Delivery https://www.royalmail.com/personal/uk-delivery/special-delivery
- DHL http://www.dhl.co.uk/en.html
- City Sprint https://www.citysprint.co.uk/
- In Person at our London Office – (See map) – No appointment necessary
During the application process
Track your passport. Feel free to track the progress of your application through the passport tracking section of our website. Alternatively feel free to call or email or team to get an update on the progress of your application.
Contact details. Please make sure you leave a preferred contact instruction via the order form facility. If there are any questions or queries on your application we will use your preferred contact method to contact you.
