How eVisa APIs work: Step by Step
eVisa APIs are fairly new to the travel industry. Here is a step-by-step guide of how these travel visa API work.
Every year some new innovative software and technologies get introduced to travel summits such as the Aviation festival Americas, the Aviation festival Asia or the Future Travel Experience Show. This year, it is a new way for travelers to manage their visas application that got discovered. It is now possible for travelers to apply directly with their travel agency (online and physical agencies) or through the airlines when booking their trip. While the travel industry has been using seat selection, additional baggage and meal reservations as a means to increase their ancillary revenue, the passenger was on its own when it came to visa requirements and application. Travel visa requirements are becoming more common and an eVisa API simplifies the process for the passenger and increases the ancillary revenue for the booking platform. Here is how it works:
Retrieves the data
While using a travel document system, the software will retrieve and analyze the passenger’s data such as where the country of the multiple countries they are traveling to. The citizenship of the traveler will also be taken into account to determine if a visa is needed. If the software determines that the passenger will need an eVisa for one of the destinations, it will automatically determine which one according to the law and regulations of the country that will be visited during their travel.
Submission of the form electronically
Depending on the eVisa needed for your client to be able to travel, the API will send the appropriate form for them to fill. The form must be filled in advance as the government can sometimes take time to approve or not an application. This is due to high demand or other circumstances.
It gives you the option to apply directly for your eVisa while you are booking your plane ticket or travel experience. The option can be applied as an add-on. If the passenger chooses the option, the API will send directly the information filled by the customer to the appropriate government or agency to apply for an eVisa. They won’t have to leave the company’s website anymore and spend time looking for what visa is needed, when and where to apply.
Sends confirmation of application and approval or refusal
Once the API submits the application, the government will then decide if the application is approved or not. At this stage, the government can also ask for more information from the traveler. If the government approves, the passenger will then receive an eVisa confirmation and eVisa number on the email address provided. At this stage, the government may ask for further information. An eVisa application can also be denied for various reasons. In this case, the passenger should contact their embassy directly or follow the instructions given. If the eVisa application is approved the passenger will receive a visa confirmation number and will now be able to travel safely to the country of destination.
eVisa API benefits
The Customer benefited from not having to leave the website to find how and where to apply for their e-visa. On the company side, the benefits come from are the increase in revenue and better client satisfaction If you want to learn more about using eVisa as an ancillary revenue for your company, you can book a demo directly with our API software developer.