Steps to Apply for a Visa Yourself vs Using an Agency: Which One Is More Worth It?

Applying for a visa is now easier, whether you do it independently or through a professional service like Visaloka.

Obtaining a visa is an important step before traveling abroad, especially for countries that don’t offer visa-free entry for Indonesian passport holders. But many people still wonder: is it better to apply for the visa yourself or use a professional agency like Visaloka? This article explains both options objectively so you can decide which is the most efficient for your situation.

Applying for a Visa Yourself: Pros and Cons

You can apply for a visa directly through the official embassy website or visa application centers such as VFS Global or TLS Contact. This option gives you full control, but it requires time, accuracy, and knowledge of the required documents.

Pros:

• Lower cost: You only pay the official visa fee without additional service charges.
• Full control: All personal data and documents are handled directly by you.
• Learning experience: You gain detailed knowledge about the visa process.

Cons:

• More complicated process: Every country has different rules and forms, making it prone to small mistakes that could lead to rejection.
• Time-consuming: You must prepare documents, book appointments, and attend the interview yourself.
• Lack of guidance: There is no assistance if you're confused about terminology or required documents.

Using a Visa Agency: A Fast and Practical Solution

For many travelers, students, and business people, time is valuable. This is where professional visa services like Visaloka help handle the entire process — from document preparation to submitting your application to the embassy.

Advantages of Using Visaloka:

• Faster and more efficient process: Visaloka’s team is experienced in handling all types of visas (Schengen, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, and more).
• Complete guidance: Assistance includes preparing documents, itineraries, sponsor letters, and travel insurance.
• Lower rejection risk: With professional document checking, the chances of errors are significantly reduced.
• Status updates and interview guidance: Visaloka provides notifications at each stage and offers tips for visa interviews.
• Fully online service: You can upload documents and communicate directly through Visaloka.com without visiting in person.

Cons:

• Additional service fees: There is an agency fee besides the official visa fee (but it’s worth the convenience provided).
• Less direct control: Your documents are handled by the agency, so make sure to use a trusted and official agency like Visaloka.

Steps to Apply Using Visaloka

Here is a general guide if you choose to use Visaloka’s services:

1. Visit the official website: Go to https://visaloka.com and choose the visa type for your destination country.
2. Free consultation: You can consult with the team to make sure all requirements and documents are correct.
3. Upload documents: Send your files digitally — the Visaloka team will verify everything.
4. Payment & submission: Once documents are ready, Visaloka helps arrange your appointment and submit the application to the embassy.
5. Track your status: You will receive regular updates via email or your online dashboard.
6. Visa approved: Your approved visa will be safely delivered to your address.

Quick Comparison

Conclusion

Applying for a visa yourself can save money but requires accuracy and time. If you want a faster, more practical, and reliable process, using Visaloka may be the best option. With experience handling thousands of visa applications, our professional team ensures your application process runs smoothly from start to visa approval.