Travel Visas
Find answers to the most common questions about working with Swift Journey Visa Ltd, travel visas, passports, ETAs, and travelling with children.
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (GMT). Our customer support team is available by email at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com and by phone at +44 20 3633 9397.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd is based at 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. We process documents from our London office and through our network of consular liaisons worldwide.
Yes. You may refer travellers directly to Swift Journey Visa Ltd for document processing or enquiries. Ensure your travellers have their Swift Journey Visa client reference number to ensure correct billing.
Document routing is determined by consular jurisdiction, which varies by consulate and the traveller's country of residence. Contact our Customer Service team at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com for guidance on the correct submission route for each specific case.
Processing times vary depending on the issuing embassy or government authority. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can process travel visas and passport services in as little as one business day for many destinations. Visit the Visas or Passports section of our website for specific timelines.
Most visa and passport requirements are sent within 30 minutes of our representative receiving all relevant information. In some cases, research may take longer, depending on how quickly we can obtain the requirements from the consulate or embassy.
Use the Order Status option on our website for real-time updates. You can also reach our Customer Service team at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com or +44 20 3633 9397.
Having your Swift Journey Visa client reference number available makes it easier for our Visa and Passport Specialists to locate your account and provide assistance efficiently. If you do not have it to hand, our team can look it up though we strongly recommend having it ready before you contact us.
We ask for your required return date and your travel departure date to ensure your passport is back in your possession before your trip. Processing timeframes and fees are based on the date your passport must be returned to you.
The cost of using Swift Journey Visa Ltd varies based on the services requested and how quickly documentation is needed. Our fees are made up of five major components:
We accept payment by major credit and debit cards including:
Use the Order Status option on our website to view, print, or download your invoice. You may also request one by emailing info@swiftjourneyvisa.com or calling +44 20 3633 9397.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd typically requires a valid payment method before processing your order. Providing a credit or debit card is the easiest and fastest option. If you prefer not to use a personal card, corporate purchasing cards are accepted for most services.
Yes. Your signature confirms that all information on the application is true and correct. Applications without a valid personal signature will not be processed.
Yes. We offer training at various levels for corporate clients depending on their specific needs. Contact your Swift Journey Visa account manager at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com for further information.
Email info@swiftjourneyvisa.com with your client reference number and updated details. We will update your account profile accordingly.
Obtaining a visa can be a complex, time-consuming process. Swift Journey Visa Ltd has the expertise to know precisely what is required for each application. Visiting a consulate directly often means queuing, limited appointment availability, and restricted hours. Our team maintains close working relationships with consular staff, enabling us to handle last-minute requests and navigate complex cases that would be difficult to manage independently.
Sign up for our email update service to receive timely notifications about consulate processing changes, closures, and important travel document news. Email info@swiftjourneyvisa.com with your client reference number and contact details to be added to our distribution list.
Yes. Official documents produced in the UK are not automatically valid in other countries and must typically be authenticated (apostilled) and in some cases legalised by the destination country's embassy. Swift Journey Visa Ltd offers a full range of document legalisation services.
In some countries your domestic driver's licence is valid; however, Swift Journey Visa Ltd strongly recommends obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs are often required when renting a vehicle, even where a domestic licence is technically valid for driving private cars. Contact us to learn how we can assist you in obtaining an IDP.
A travel visa is an official document issued by a foreign country granting permission for you to enter. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required before your trip. Use our Visa Quick Check tool to see requirements for any destination worldwide.
Requirements vary by country, but most destinations ask for recent photographs, a completed application form, and your original passport (the visa is usually affixed to a blank passport page). Additional documents such as a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, health certificates, or invitation letters may also be required. Swift Journey Visa Ltd maintains an up-to-date proprietary database of requirements for over 200 countries.
We submit your completed application and all required supporting documents to the relevant embassy or consulate on your behalf removing the need for you to visit, communicate, or correspond with them directly. Use our Visa Quick Check to review requirements for your specific destination.
For the vast majority of countries, a travel visa is stamped or affixed to a blank page inside your passport. A few exceptions exist. Use our Visa Quick Check to confirm requirements for your specific destination.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd provides visa services and requirements for travellers of many nationalities. Regardless of the passport you hold, we can provide detailed visa guidance for most destinations worldwide.
Processing times vary by destination. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can process travel visas for many destinations in as little as one business day. Visit our Visas section and select your country of travel to view estimated processing times.
Yes. For destinations that require additional documents such as country-specific invitation letters or clearance certificates Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist in obtaining these on your behalf where possible.
For most countries, an original passport and signed application are required. Faxed or scanned copies are generally not accepted. A few exceptions apply visit our Visas section for your specific destination's requirements.
Photographs must meet specific requirements regarding size, background colour, and paper type. The standard is a 2" × 2" colour photo taken against a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last month, and printed on proper photo-quality paper. Digital photos must adhere to the same standards.
Transit visa requirements vary widely from country to country. Many destinations do not require a visa for short in-transit stays, but there are exceptions. Visit our Visas section to view transit requirements for your specific destination.
Some countries issue visas upon arrival rather than requiring prior authorisation. Entry conditions and fees vary. Visit our Visas section for the specific entry requirements of your destination.
Some consulates require applicants to appear in person to verify identity or conduct a formal interview. In these cases, you must submit your application directly to the consulate. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can collect your visa once it has been issued, but cannot submit on your behalf in these situations.
The Schengen visa allows free movement across European countries that have eliminated internal border controls. With a single Schengen visa you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the zone. Apply for the country where you will spend the most time; if there is no main destination, apply for your first point of entry. The Schengen zone currently includes:
Consular jurisdiction is the geographic area for which a consulate is responsible for issuing visas. Requirements vary by country some consulates enforce jurisdiction strictly, others are flexible. Contact our team to confirm which consulate handles your application.
No. While refusals are uncommon, any embassy or consulate may decline to issue a visa at any time. In the event of a refusal, Swift Journey Visa Ltd will contact you promptly to discuss next steps.
Use the Order Status tool on our website for real-time tracking. You can search using your Swift Journey Visa order number and last name, or your date of birth and last name.
Fees include the consular fee charged by the issuing country and Swift Journey Visa Ltd's service fee. Consular fees are subject to change by the issuing government at any time without notice. All applicable fees are clearly itemised in your Swift Journey Visa application kit.
A rush surcharge applies when we have 4–7 business days to process your order from the date we receive your completed application.
An emergency surcharge applies when we have 3 or fewer business days. Standard processing applies to orders with 8 or more business days available.
Refer to your application kit for the most current processing timeframes, as certain clients may have different timelines based on the nature of their travel.
Some countries require proof of vaccination for certain diseases as part of the visa application. Any mandatory vaccinations will be clearly listed in your Swift Journey Visa application kit. We strongly recommend also consulting your GP or a travel health clinic for additional vaccinations that may be recommended for your itinerary.
For UK citizens, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) publishes up-to-date travel warnings and advisories at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. For US citizens, the US Department of State provides travel advisories for American travellers at travel.state.gov.
A passport is an official travel document that proves your citizenship. Issued by your home country's government, it is required to enter and exit the vast majority of countries worldwide.
Yes. All citizens require a valid passport to travel internationally by air. It is your responsibility to carry the correct identification while abroad.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd submits the correct documentation on your behalf to the relevant passport authority saving you from having to correspond directly with the Passport Office. We offer new passport applications, renewals, child's passports, and name change services.
Passports issued to adults aged 16 and over are typically valid for 10 years. Passports issued to children aged 15 and under are valid for 5 years.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If your passport expires sooner, you must renew it before travelling. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist with expedited renewals.
Yes, your previous passport will be returned to you clearly cancelled. If any valid visas remain in the old passport, please advise us before applying so we can accommodate this.
No. Additional pages can no longer be added to passports. If you have run out of blank pages, you must apply for a new passport. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist with expedited renewal applications.
You need enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit stamps for each country on your itinerary. At least one full blank visa page is required for each country that affixes a visa into your passport. A 'blank' page must be entirely clean free of any ink, stains, or bleed-through from adjacent pages.
Yes. Swift Journey Visa Ltd assists nationals of various countries with passport services. Please contact our team to discuss your specific passport nationality and circumstances.
A passport authorisation letter is a document you sign permitting Swift Journey Visa Ltd to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The relevant Passport Office requires this letter before releasing your passport to us once processing is complete.
No. Only original, officially printed application forms are accepted. Instructions for obtaining the correct forms are included in your Swift Journey Visa application kit.
No. You must submit original copies of all documents and order forms for processing. Faxed or scanned copies are not accepted.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd can process passports in as little as one business day for certain services. Visit the Passports section of our website to see processing times for your specific service type.
We recommend using a tracked, insured courier service such as FedEx, UPS, or Royal Mail Special Delivery (for UK clients) to ensure your documents arrive safely and can be traced.
If you are travelling within two weeks, we can help you expedite your passport. Expedited slots for renewals, first-time applications, child passports, and lost/stolen passports typically take 4–14 business days depending on the service. Contact us immediately to discuss your options.
No. All documents must be originals. If submitting a naturalisation certificate, you will not receive it back please make copies before submitting. No one may sign documents on your behalf; any document requiring a signature must be personally signed by you.
Unfortunately, Swift Journey Visa Ltd is unable to assist once documents have been sent directly to a government passport office. Documents must be routed through Swift Journey Visa Ltd first for us to provide assistance.
Yes. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist with first-time passport applications. You may need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility to have your documents certified before submitting them to us. We will guide you through every step of the process.
Yes. With the correct documentation, Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist in replacing a lost or stolen passport as quickly as possible. Contact our team immediately if your passport has been lost or stolen.
Yes. Every individual including infants must hold their own passport. Children cannot be included on a parent's passport. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist with new child passports and renewals.
A child passport is issued to individuals aged 15 and younger. Children aged 16 and over must apply for a standard adult passport.
Both parents or legal guardians are typically required to sign a child passport application. If one parent is unable to be present, a separate consent form must be completed, signed, and notarised. Swift Journey Visa Ltd can help you navigate this process.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. If your passport expires sooner, you must renew before travelling. Check our Visas section for the validity requirements of your specific destination.
Yes. Your cancelled previous passport will be returned to you. If any valid visas remain in the old passport, please advise us before submitting your renewal application so we can accommodate this.
Expedited renewal slots typically take 4–14 business days. If you are travelling soon, contact our team immediately to identify the fastest available option for your circumstances.
Yes. With the correct supporting documentation (such as a marriage certificate, decree absolute, or deed poll), Swift Journey Visa Ltd can assist you in updating your passport to reflect your new name.
There are some additional steps involved, and our team is happy to guide you through the process sensitively and efficiently. Please contact us at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
An Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is an electronically stored visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It authorises eligible travellers to enter Australia without a physical stamp or label in their passport it is linked digitally to your passport number and verified automatically by airlines and border officials.
Yes, there are two types. The Tourist ETA covers holidays, recreation, and visiting family or friends. It is valid for 12 months for multiple entries of up to 3 months each.
The Business ETA covers conferences, negotiations, and exploratory business visits. It is also valid for 12 months for multiple entries of up to 3 months each.
You must reside outside Australia and hold a passport from an approved country. Approved nationalities include:
Australia introduced an electronic visa system so that travellers no longer need to submit their passports to an embassy. Your ETA is stored digitally and is accessed automatically by airlines at check-in and by border officials on arrival.
No. You can apply for an Australian ETA before booking your flights or arranging your travel.
In most cases, ETA applications are approved instantly. Processing may be delayed if incorrect information is entered, if there is a criminal record flagged, or if the application is referred for manual review. Business Long-Validity ETAs may take up to 2 days.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd submits your ETA application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs on your behalf, removing the need for you to navigate the government portal directly. Visit our Australian ETA section for full details and to begin your application.
If you are not eligible for an ETA for example, if your passport nationality is not on the approved list, or if you are currently residing in Australia you will need to apply for a standard Australian visa. Visit our Visas section to determine the correct visa type for your circumstances.
Yes. Every individual including infants must possess their own valid passport to travel internationally by air. Children cannot travel on a parent's passport.
Yes. Swift Journey Visa Ltd provides child passport services by submitting the required documentation on your child's behalf. Both parents or legal guardians may need to provide consent. Visit our Child Passport section for full details.
Children aged 15 and under qualify for a child passport, which is valid for 5 years. Children aged 16 and over must apply for a standard adult passport valid for 10 years.
Swift Journey Visa Ltd can process a child passport in as little as one business day. Visit our Child Passport section to select the processing timeframe that best suits your travel dates.
Passports issued to children aged 15 and under are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Passports for individuals aged 16 and over are valid for 10 years.
Yes. Visa requirements apply to all travellers equally, regardless of age. Visit our Visas section for the specific requirements that apply to your child's passport nationality and intended destination.
Yes. Requirements vary depending on the custody arrangement outlined in your legal documentation. Specific paperwork from both parents or legal guardians may be required. Contact our team at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com for guidance on your specific situation.
Additional legal requirements apply to children in the care of foster parents or legal guardians. All children aged 15 and under must have an authorised adult sign their passport application, regardless of circumstances. Contact Swift Journey Visa Ltd at info@swiftjourneyvisa.com for guidance on the specific documentation required in your guardianship situation.
Still have questions?
Our team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm GMT.