Common Errors Made by People Wishing to Travel

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May 19, 2025

Common Errors Made by People Wishing to Travel or Those Who Have Started a Travel Procedure

Introduction

Embarking on a journey to travel abroad—whether for education, work, or permanent relocation—is a major life decision filled with anticipation and hope. However, this journey can quickly become stressful, expensive, and even futile if not approached with the right mindset and careful planning. Many aspiring travelers make costly errors, especially when influenced by urgency or misinformation. This article explores the most common mistakes individuals make before and during the visa and immigration process—and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a new chapter abroad or you’re already mid-way through your travel application, this comprehensive guide will help you avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize your plans.

1. Quitting Your Present Job Too Soon

One of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes hopeful travelers make is resigning from their current employment as soon as they initiate the visa application process. The rationale behind this move often stems from the assumption that things will move quickly, or a belief that leaving the job will allow them to focus fully on travel preparations.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Even with a complete and accurate application, visa denial is possible.
  • Employment history is part of your application strength. Being employed shows economic ties to your home country, improving your credibility in the eyes of visa officers.
  • Financial stability matters. Quitting your job prematurely can dry up your income, leaving you unable to pay for further visa steps or respond to additional document requests.

What You Should Do Instead:

Remain in your current job until your visa has been approved and your departure date is confirmed. Keep earning, stay stable, and continue to build your credibility as a responsible applicant.

2. Liquidating Your Business or Assets Too Early

Some travelers go a step further than quitting jobs—they close down businesses, sell properties, and liquidate assets under the assumption that they’ll no longer be needed.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Assets serve as proof of ties to your country. Embassies and consulates evaluate whether an applicant has reasons to return.
  • You might need backup funding. Travel arrangements, document procurement, and emergency delays can arise.
  • Visas can be denied or delayed. If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll have given up a source of income or value for nothing.

Smart Alternative:

Only take irreversible actions (like selling your business or home) once your visa is approved, flight is booked, and departure is imminent. Until then, maintain your businesses and income streams.

3. Abandoning Your Daily Activities While Waiting for a Visa

Many people put their entire lives on pause as they wait for visa outcomes. They stop working, cancel educational programs, avoid starting projects, and withdraw from community involvement.

Why It’s a Mistake:

  • Wasted time and mental energy. Visa decisions can take weeks or even months.
  • Leads to emotional burnout. Being idle often creates stress, anxiety, and false expectations.
  • Affects your consultant relationship. Desperation puts pressure on consultants or advisors, often leading to poor decisions or strained communication.

What You Should Do Instead:

Continue living normally. Work, learn, volunteer, or take short courses that can boost your CV. Being active not only keeps you balanced but also strengthens your application by demonstrating productivity and motivation.

4. Wanting to Travel as Urgently as Possible

Impatience is one of the biggest downfalls for visa applicants. People want to travel “next month” or even “next week” and grow frustrated when the process takes time.

Why This Hurts Your Chances:

  • Visas are procedural. Rushing leads to errors in documentation or incomplete applications.
  • Emergency travel planning is costly. You may end up paying premium rates for services you could have gotten cheaper with patience.
  • Scammers target the desperate. Individuals in a hurry are more likely to fall victim to fraudsters promising fast results.

What You Should Understand:

Immigration is not an event—it’s a process. Take your time. Set realistic timelines. A well-prepared application is always better than a rushed one. Be flexible and prepared for delays.

5. Ignoring Expert Advice

Some people attempt to go through the immigration or visa process completely on their own, ignoring professionals in the field. Others take advice only when it suits them, disregarding important recommendations because they seem inconvenient.

Why That’s Risky:

  • Immigration rules change constantly. Professionals stay updated; the average person may unknowingly follow outdated procedures.
  • Not all countries suit every applicant. A consultant may recommend another destination based on your eligibility and goals.
  • Poor advice from friends can mislead you. Just because someone got a visa doesn’t mean their path is right for you.

Best Practice:

Seek advice from licensed, experienced travel consultants or immigration lawyers. Be open to recommendations—even if they differ from your original plan. The right guidance can make all the difference.

6. Relying on Rumors and Social Media Groups

Many prospective travelers turn to forums, WhatsApp groups, or Facebook communities for answers. While some information there may be helpful, much of it is based on personal experiences that do not apply to everyone.

The Danger:

  • Misinformation spreads fast. One person’s story becomes gospel for hundreds.
  • It leads to unnecessary panic or false confidence.
  • Some sources are biased or fake.

What To Do:

Always verify information from official sources like embassy websites or through certified consultants. Don’t rely on secondhand stories as your guide.

7. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the top reasons for visa delays and refusals. Many applicants rush through their paperwork, skip details, or fail to double-check information.

Examples of Common Errors:

  • Mismatched travel dates and document dates
  • Misspelled names or wrong passport numbers
  • Missing required forms or attachments
  • Using low-quality scanned documents

Avoid This By:

  • Carefully following checklist provided by your consultant or the embassy.
  • Reviewing every page multiple times before submission.
  • Getting help from a professional if needed.

8. Not Demonstrating Strong Ties to Home Country

When applying for a temporary visa, one key requirement is proving that you will return home after your visit. Many fail to provide strong evidence of such ties.

This Includes:

  • Lack of employment or business documents
  • No family ties or dependent evidence
  • No property or investment ownership

Improve This By:

Providing detailed information about your job, family, property, and responsibilities at home. The stronger your ties, the more credible your return promise.

9. Financial Mismanagement

Some applicants assume they can fake bank statements or borrow lump sums to “look rich” for their visa application.

The Risk:

  • Embassies can detect fake statements or sudden deposits.
  • It could lead to visa bans, not just rejections.
  • You may be asked for proof of income sources.

Proper Approach:

Maintain a clean, consistent financial history. Show real income and expenditures. Use official documentation to explain where money comes from.

10. Overconfidence or Dishonesty During Interviews

A common error during embassy interviews is being overly confident—or dishonest.

Examples:

  • Memorizing answers instead of speaking honestly.
  • Giving misleading information to impress the officer.
  • Saying “I have no intention of coming back” jokingly.

Interview Tips:

  • Be honest and clear.
  • Know your application inside out.
  • Be respectful and concise. Arrogance or nervousness can raise red flags.

11. Failing to Prepare a Strong Travel Plan

Traveling without a defined itinerary is often a red flag.

Why This Fails:

  • Immigration officers want to know your purpose of visit.
  • Lack of plan suggests your travel isn’t genuine.
  • It affects visa types like tourist, student, or business visas.

What You Should Include:

  • Arrival and departure dates
  • Accommodation booking
  • Purpose of visit
  • Activities planned or documents related to studies/work

12. Not Being Patient with the Process

Patience is perhaps the most underrated quality in visa applications.

Why Impatience Backfires:

  • It leads to pressure on consultants and agencies.
  • Causes errors due to rushing.
  • Increases anxiety and poor decision-making.

The Right Mindset:

Visa applications can take time. Trust the process, prepare ahead, and manage your expectations wisely.

Conclusion

Traveling abroad is a major life move that requires calm, strategic planning—not hasty actions or emotional decisions. By avoiding the errors listed in this article, you greatly increase your chances of success and reduce stress during the process.

✔️ Keep your job or business until your visa is confirmed.
✔️ Take expert advice seriously.
✔️ Don’t rush the process or stop living your current life.
✔️ Be honest, well-prepared, and patient.

At FABureau International SARL, we specialize in travel consultancy, visa support, and global relocation services. With a proven track record of helping individuals and families migrate, study, or work abroad—our consultants provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Need help with your visa process or travel plans?
👉 Contact us now and let our professionals guide you with confidence.

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