Passport And Visa Basics For First International Trips
Most holidays do not go wrong in the air. They go wrong at the check-in desk, when someone notices the passport expires in four months or that the destination wanted a visa you never applied for. The good news is that both problems are easy to avoid if you check things in the right order.
This guide is for first-time international travellers from India. It gives you a checklist, four destinations to check, and the mistakes worth dodging. Rules change by country, so treat it as a checklist and confirm details for your destination.
At A Glance
- Check your passport first: name, validity, blank pages and condition.
- Then find out whether your destination needs a visa, and which type.
- Apply as soon as your dates are fixed, and keep digital copies of everything.
Step 1: Check Your Passport
You need a valid Indian passport before anything else.
- Name and details. Your name must match your tickets and other documents.
- Validity. Many countries ask for at least six months of validity from the date you enter. Singapore, for example, asks for six months from your date of entry. Check the rule for your destination.
- Blank pages. Some countries need one or two blank pages for stamps.
- Condition. A torn or damaged passport can be refused.
If you do not have a passport, apply through the Passport Seva portal and book an appointment. Start well before your trip. Allow time for police verification, which may be needed.
Step 2: Find Out If You Need A Visa
Some countries let Indians enter without a visa, some offer an e-visa, some give visa on arrival, and some need a sticker visa from an embassy or a visa centre. These rules change, sometimes quickly, so check the current position close to your booking date. The Ministry of External Affairs publishes passport and consular information.
| Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Visa-free | You usually need a valid passport and often proof of onward or return travel |
| E-visa | You apply online and receive the visa by email |
| Visa on arrival | You collect it at the airport |
| Sticker visa | You apply through an embassy or visa centre |
Four Places To Check Before You Book
The same passport gets different treatment in different countries, which is why you check each one.
| Destination | What Indian Passport Holders Do |
|---|---|
| Thailand | The rule has changed in recent years. See the Royal Thai Embassy or ask us. |
| Singapore | A visa is required, applied for through authorised agents, within 30 days before arrival. See the Consulate-General in Mumbai. |
| Vietnam | Check the official portal or ask us for the current rule. |
| Kenya | Apply for an electronic travel authorisation on the official portal. |
Rules change, so confirm each one close to your booking date.
Step 3: Collect Your Documents
Requirements differ, but most visa applications ask for some of these:
- Passport (original) and copies of earlier visas, if any
- Recent passport-size photographs as per the country’s specification
- Flight tickets and hotel bookings, or a day-wise itinerary
- Proof of funds, such as recent bank statements
- Income tax returns or employment letter
- Travel insurance, where required
Keep digital copies of everything.
Step 4: Apply Early
Apply as soon as your dates are fixed. Processing time varies by country and by season, and you do not want to wait until the last week. Do not book non-refundable tickets until you are comfortable with the visa position.
Step 5: Prepare For The Journey
- Check airline baggage rules and carry-on limits.
- Carry a mix of forex and a card that works abroad. Tell your bank you will travel.
- Buy travel insurance for medical cover.
- Check vaccine or health rules for your destination. Some countries ask for a certificate.
- Save the address of your hotel and the number of your travel agent on your phone and on paper.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling differences between the passport and the ticket.
- Booking before checking passport validity.
- Leaving the visa application to the last week.
- Forgetting the photo specification, which varies by country.
How We Help
Green Orbit’s Passport and Visa page lists what we handle and what you need to bring. We guide you through documents, forms and appointments. We cannot promise a visa, because the decision belongs to the embassy or the authority of that country.
Questions People Ask
Can a travel agent get me a visa? An agent can guide you and submit the application, but the country decides.
What if my visa is refused? Ask for the reason, fix the issue and discuss next steps with your agent. Some refusals can be re-applied.
Do children need their own passport? Yes, every traveller needs one. Applications for minors also go through the Passport Seva portal.
Start With A Conversation
Not sure what you need? See our international tours, or tell us where you want to go and when. We will tell you what to prepare. Send Us Your Dates. Our WhatsApp and phone numbers are on the Contact Us page.
