r/ForeignTravelIndia

UK visa, second time round (Indian passport holders). Wife has a clean passport. Agent or DIY?

Got my UK visa solo in 2019 on my Indian passport, no issues. It's in my old (now cancelled) passport. This time applying with my wife, also an Indian passport holder, who has zero visa history.

Also just had three back to back Georgia visa rejections (name mismatch twice, then a made up reason on attempt three, which was via an agent). So my faith in agents is shot right now.

Agent's quote for the UK visa for 6 months multi entry tourist visa:

  • Agent fee: ₹3,000/person
  • VFS "scanning fee": ₹1,700
  • Embassy fee: £135

Questions:

  1. Does my old visa history change the paperwork for either of us? Old passport needed physically at VFS, or scan enough?
  2. Is ₹1,700 a real VFS line item or agent markup? I've read VFS's own service charge is usually ₹2,000-3,500 total, not a separate scanning fee.
  3. Is ₹3,000/person fair for a standard visit visa case?
  4. I applied myself in 2019 with no issues. Worth an agent this time, or is that just Georgia-induced anxiety talking?
  5. Any recent refusal patterns for Indian applicants I should watch for?
  6. Can any part of the VFS fee be avoided by doing the paperwork or formalities ourselves (self-scanning, self-upload, direct submission) instead of paying for it as a bundled service?

Want this frugal but not at the cost of another rejection.

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u/_Floydimus — 4 days ago

Which European city left you thinking, "That's it?" after all the hype?

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Every destination seems to have that one city people insist you have to visit, but sometimes the experience just doesn't match the reputation.

Have you ever traveled somewhere in Europe that everyone raved about, only to leave feeling underwhelmed?

Maybe it wasn't a bad place, it just never lived up to everything you'd heard beforehand.

Which city was it, and what made it fall short for you?

u/GildedRetreats — 5 days ago

My 10 days in Japan

My itinerary

Day 1 : Shinjuku,did some shopping in yodobashi camera, tried some street foods.

Day 2: shibuya & Akhibara ( sensoji temple, Shibuya crossing, 3D cat billboard, hachiko statue)

Day 3: odaiba divercity mall (Gundam base shopping)

Day 4: took bullet train to osaka, evening went to dotonbori(did shopping and tried street foods)

Day 5: kyoto ( hiked to fushimi inari shrine, yasaka shrine, gion district)

Day 6: Nara Day trip

Day 7: osaka castle, namba shrine, return to tokyo

Day8 : Had a lazy day

Day 9 : did some souvenir shopping in Akhibara and attended a japanese Tea ceremony.

Day 10: Disneyland,Tokyo

Day 11: Gotokuiji cat shrine, meiji jinju shrine,sake testing

Day 12: left japan

u/ObjectiveWeakness373 — 4 days ago

First Trip abroad with kid

Hello Everyone,

I am planning a week long trip to Switzerland and Italy ( TBC ) with my wife and 3 year old son. This is my first international travel with my son.

Can you please suggest places and activities for a chill vacation ?

Edits:

Travel time frame : September
Budget : 3.5k to 4.5k euros.

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u/SkyAgrawal — 5 days ago

Which non-famous cities deserve more hype and recognition?

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Would love to hear others’ opinions!!

My vote goes to Bruges, Belgium.

u/GildedRetreats — 7 days ago

Which city could you explore endlessly without getting bored?

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I'd say Tokyo.

The things to explore, do, and eat never end.

u/GildedRetreats — 9 days ago

Which famous attraction wasn't worth the hype when you visited?

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Not necessarily because it was bad, maybe you just imagined it would be better, or it simply didn't live up to your expectations.

What’s a tourist attraction (anywhere in the world) that disappointed you the most?

For us it was Mona Lisa.

u/GildedRetreats — 10 days ago

Which City Has Shockingly Good Food that Nobody Talks About?

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I was blown away by the food in Crete - had average expectations but it was amazing.

Which city exceeded your food expectations completely?

u/GildedRetreats — 11 days ago

What’s a place that used to be a bargain for travelers but now costs a fortune?

For us it was Croatia - we went there 15 years back and it was pretty inexpensive.

This year we were very surprised with the cost.

Which is other ones have you noticed?

u/GildedRetreats — 12 days ago

Singapore travel

How long does it take to get a Singapore Visa? I have gotten it before and have a US visa existing, is it possible to get it before my travel date of July 26?

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u/KetamineGod420 — 9 days ago

What’s the most surreal city you’ve visited in the United States?

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My pick would Venice in the evening after the crowds have left.

u/GildedRetreats — 13 days ago

Planning a road trip across Europe by car. Do I need an IDP, or will my regular Indian driving licence be sufficient?

I am planning a road trip from Lisbon, Portugal to Rome, Italy, covering the journey over 30–40 days by car.

I plan to use my sister's car, so I would like to know what documents I will need for both myself and the vehicle while traveling across different European countries.

Could you also advise if any additional authorization or insurance documents are required when driving a car.

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u/Brilliant-Intern-754 — 11 days ago

Which "tourist trap" in North America is absolutely worth the hype?

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The architecture boat tour in Chicago (pictured). I think it's very cool and definitely worth it.

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Overall, I love the typical bus and boat tours in any place I visit.

u/GildedRetreats — 14 days ago

Sri Lanka Iteniary and Suggestions

Hi everyone!

Planning our first trip to Sri Lanka from 10th July onwards and would love some feedback on the itinerary.

10 Jul: Arrive in Colombo early morning and drive to Kandy (1 night)

11–13 Jul: Nuwara Eliya (2 nights)

13–15 Jul: Ella (2 nights)

15–17 Jul: Mirissa (2 nights)

17 Jul: Head back to Colombo for our flight.

We're looking for a relatively relaxed trip and don't want to cram too many places into a week. We enjoy scenic views, good food, nice stays, and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.

A few questions:

Does this itinerary look well-paced, or would you suggest any modifications?

What are the absolute must-do activities in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Mirissa?

Any recommendations for beautiful stays (mid-range)?

Looking for good vegetarian food recommendations as well.

Since we'll be visiting in mid-July, is Mirissa still a good choice, or would another beach destination be better?

Any hidden gems or experiences that you'd highly recommend for a first-time visit?

Thanks in advance!

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u/rayquaza_95 — 14 days ago