Passport privilege is a thing that’s why you see people do the most unthinkable just to secure one of the world’s powerful passports. If you have passport with limited travel freedom, like this mine, there are still many travel options you can try. So, how can you travel better on a passport with limited travel privileges? These tips are in no particular order.
1. PRIORITISING VISA-FREE AND VISA-ON-ARRIVAL COUNTRIES
Start with visa-free countries and gradually build up your travel history for further visa applications. In doing that you are skipping the hassles and hullabaloo of visa application process, save your travel expenses since visa-free countries tend to have a lower cost of living.
As you know, there are many reasons why countries are ranked higher or lower than others. The top two reasons according to Henley’s Global Passport ranking have been broken down here.
2. RESEARCH BEFOREHAND AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR VISA IN ADVANCE
If you’re from these countries, you already know you need visa. Matter of fact people are surprised when I tell them that they can visit some countries visa free on their Nigerian passports. They be like “you say what”. Absolutely correct! So do your research! If you are a Nigerian passport holder, learn about the destinations you can travel to visa free in this post.
Visa application process varies between countries and the process and/or documentation can be different based on your country of citizenship too. As such, you need to invest time to research, careful research, and prep for your visa application. Check out my youtube playlist on coming to New Zealand.
This research should not be limited to visa only, consider things like flight tickets, accommodation, money etc.
Note: you could transit visa through some countries but will require a visa if you need to enter that country.
3. LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF PROOF OF FUNDS AND PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT
Proof of funds! Not something a lot of people want to hear but almost all countries require travelers to provide evidence of their financial capacity before approving visa applications. This can be either showing evidence of personal finance, like bank statements or financial assets such as stocks or bonds, or proof investments for instance, house ownership or proof of employment.
The documents you’ll provide for the last evidence I mentioned will depend on the type of employment that is, are you an employee, employer, freelancer, self-employed, students etc?.
4. You can enlist a travel agent or visa agent
To lower your chance of rejection and reduce stress and anxiety that comes with visa application. These people are expected to have experience in handling visa application. Same with travel agents they can ensure you find the right flights, also can simplify your visa process etc. especially if your case is a difficult one.
A word of caution though, remember not all of travel agents are competent as such you will need to do your due diligence before you pay them.
Now you have all the tips to take your adventure to the next level. Happy exploring!
