Planning ahead is essential when it comes to travel documentation. At Sherpa°, we recommend that travelers apply as early as possible before their intended trip to avoid any last-minute issues. Here's what you need to know about when to apply:
📅 Recommended Application Timing
For most destinations, Sherpa° suggests applying at least 2 to 4 weeks before your departure date. This allows enough time for:
- Any unforeseen delays in processing
- Requests for additional documents
- Resolving issues with application details or images
Even if you're applying much earlier than that, you're welcome to submit your application. Sherpa° will hold and submit it at the best time to avoid processing too early, which could lead to rejections from government systems.
⏳ Why Can’t I Always Choose My Arrival Date?
Some governments limit how far in advance applications can be submitted, sometimes just 30 days before your arrival. At Sherpa°, we implement our own submission rules to help manage the flow of applications and ensure approval odds remain high.
If your travel date is too soon, you may notice that you’re unable to select the correct date on the application form. That’s because your trip is too close for us to confidently ensure approval, and our system will prevent submission.
📌 What If I Need to Apply Urgently?
If you're traveling within the next few days:
- You can still try to apply, but you may not be able to enter the correct travel date
- Applications are prioritized by travel date, but fast approvals are not always guaranteed
- If you’ve added Reapply & Rejection Protection, you’ll be covered in case of mistakes or rejections
We always prioritize applications based on the travel date you provide.
💡 Pro Tip:
The earlier you apply, the more peace of mind you'll have. If something goes wrong, you’ll have time to fix it without missing your flight.
If you have questions about when to apply for your specific destination, check our Travel Requirements Tool or contact our support team here.
