People urged to check their passports to avoid delays this summer

The return of summer travel has been overshadowed by travel chaos in recent months, leaving passengers anxious and confused.

Thousands of travellers have been left to battle airport queues of up to three hours, delays and thousands of cancellations in many European destinations.

Airports and airlines face staff shortages forcing them to reduce the number of scheduled flights – often at short notice.

Holidaymakers are being warned not to make any costly mistakes before travelling this summer to avoid potential delays and cancellations.

This particularly applies if the country you’re travelling to requires a visa.

Visa applications can be a stressful process due to many factors, especially when it comes to getting all of the documents in order a

Many countries have a lengthy application process, with some requiring more information than others and if this information is false or inaccurate an application can be rejected.

A damaged passport cover or an incorrectly sized passport photo can also lead to the cancellation of a visa application.

Experts at MyVisaSource.com have revealed some of the most common mistakes made on visa applications and how to avoid them.

A spokesperson said: ”Although visa applications can be extremely time-consuming, it is important to take the time to complete them properly in order to avoid any mistakes.

“Ensuring simple information like names, dates, and addresses are correct can prevent potential hold-ups or rejections. Make sure to leave enough time to allow for any interviews, passport changes, and before travelling to avoid disappointment.”

Most common visa application mistakes

Invalid passport
The validity of a passport is very important when applying for a visa in some countries, with these countries will often require passports to have at least six months of validity left before they expire. Visa applications can even be rejected on the basis that the passport is not in a presentable condition.

Cutting it too close
Allow for enough time before travelling to account for any unforeseen delays when applying for a visa. Each country has a different turnaround time when it comes to the process, so it is best to get started with the application as soon as possible. It’s advisable to allow for more time during peak seasons or if there is a high demand for visa appointments.

Mismatched details
A visa application can be denied in the first instance if the details provided are not accurate or correct. This can range from misspelled names to inappropriately sized passport photos. Double checking the application or getting someone else to read through it, can help to identify any mistakes before sending the visa.

Bank statement problems
There are a few problems that can arise when it comes to banking and finances during the visa application process. Some countries may require the applicant to submit their bank statements in the official language of the country being applied to. Showing irregular payments and transfers can also lead to a visa being denied.

Not checking the country checklist
Each country will have its own specific documentation requirements and these requirements can be used as a checklist. Ticking off each document when filling out the application can ensure that nothing is missed in the process.

Applying for the wrong visa
Before applying for a visa, ensure to do some research into the eligibility criteria for each specific visa. Family, spousal, travel, and employment are all common visa types however, the descriptions for these applications differ from country to country. Check the criteria that are specific to the destination country to ensure a hundred percent accuracy.

Not having the right documents
It’s always worth checking that all the documents needed for the application are available to hand. Each country will have its own set of requirements that are usually outlined on its tourism website. Holding digital and printed copies of each document can be helpful should the application ask you to send and upload a particular document.