Tips for visa interviews and going through border control.

Visa interviews or going through border control can be a nerve wracking experience but if you have your ducks in a row you should do just fine. Here are some tips.

1. Be organized. Have all your paper works ready. If you are going through borders and you are on a visa, have the documents you used to apply in e-copy or in printed form. Ensure they are authentic and match your initial application/purpose of travel. You don’t want to be in a position where a document is requested and you have no clue where it is. That you have a valid visa does not always guarantee entry. Same applies for visa interviews, ensure your documents are ready and handy even when they are not required. It is better to be over prepared than underprepared.
2. Be articulate and confident. Excessive stuttering over direct questions or showing signs of fear can trigger suspicion from a border agent and may require further checks, which may further make you nervous. Be clear, direct, and ready to confidently answer questions asked at the border or during interview screening. Most questions always revolve around the purpose of your travel, your proof of funds, your accommodation or reservation and when you are leaving the country (if you are visiting).
3. What you say must match your intentions to travel. The reason why many are refused entry at borders vary but one major one is the when there is disparity between your intentions and purpose of travel. For instance, if you say you are visiting for two weeks and you carry two big boxes that is already suspect. Or you cancel your return ticket or you don’t have reservation matching the length of your stay are grounds for entry refusal. Same applies with interviews too. Intentions must match reality.
4. Anticipate eventualities. During interviews or border screening, the visa officer or border agent can ask you questions that are off the script but have tangent to your screening eligibility. You must be able to anticipate and be prepared for these type of questions. For instance, if you stated you are a tourist and the VO asks you to list the tourist destinations and show evidence that you booked some tours how do you respond?
5. Know your why, what, who, where and when questions. Why are you traveling/visiting? What is your purpose of travel? Who are you visiting? Where are you staying? When are you leaving? If you used an agent for your visa application you should know these details before you arrive at the border.

Going through borders with a visa or attending visa interviews can induce anxiety no matter how regularly you do it. Ensure you answer-proof yourself for a greater chance of success at interviews and at the border too.