Travel history is an increasingly important factor for visa applications, especially for those traveling to developed countries. A strong travel history shows immigration officers that you’re a responsible traveler with a good track record of respecting visa regulations. But not all trips are created equal! Here, we’ll explore some destinations that won’t necessarily strengthen your travel history, even though they might be amazing places to visit.
West African Adventures:
West Africa is a vibrant region with a rich culture and stunning scenery. Unfortunately, for visa application purposes, travelling within West African countries (like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, or Ivory Coast) generally won’t be considered significant travel history. This is because many West African nations have relaxed visa policies for neighbouring countries.
The Convenience of Visa on Arrival:
While visa on arrival is a fantastic convenience for travelers, these destinations (think Lebanon) also might not significantly boost your travel history. The ease of obtaining a visa on arrival suggests a less stringent entry process.
Direct Flights from Home: A Double-Edged Sword
Traveling to countries with direct flights from your home country (like Rwanda for Nigerians) might be tempting for a quick getaway. However, the ease of access due to direct flights can sometimes downplay the significance of the trip in the eyes of visa officers.
The Rise of E-visas: Efficiency Doesn’t Always Help
The e-visa process is becoming increasingly popular, allowing travelers to obtain visas online before departure. While this streamlines the travel process, destinations with e-visas (like Tanzania or Kenya) might not hold the same weight for visa applications compared to countries with a more complex visa application process.
So, What Can You Do?
While these destinations might not be ideal for building travel history, they’re still fantastic places to visit and experience new cultures. Here are some alternative approaches:
- Focus on regions with a more formal visa application process.
- Consider countries with a mix of visa requirements, including some that require a full application.
- Look for destinations with a reputation for strict immigration enforcement.
Remember, a well-rounded travel history with a variety of destinations and visa experiences is ideal.
Important Note: Visa requirements and how travel history is assessed can change over time. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Always check the official visa requirements for your target country before planning your trip.
