A recent case involving a Gauteng family who were denied boarding for Japan due to a visa typo has highlighted the risks of even minor errors in travel documentation.
IOL reported earlier this month that the family were reportedly denied boarding on a Qatar Airways flight to Japan after a spelling error was found on one passenger’s e-visa. The family claim the error was minor and could have been verified against the passenger’s passport.
The family have since launched legal proceedings against the airline, seeking more than R2 million in damages. Qatar Airways denied liability, saying that under its contract of carriage, passengers are required to comply with all immigration laws and entry requirements.
The case highlights the importance of checking visa details carefully and knowing what to do if an error is spotted.
“You cannot and should not travel with a visa that has a typo. Most airlines will not let you board and you can be denied entry at the border. Travellers should double-check the spelling of names, passport details and dates of birth before submitting any visa application,” said Emma Liversage, Senior Consultant at Coast to Coast Visa Services.
Fixing the error
Several processes and actions would depend on when the error had been made, said Belinda Lamb, Business Development Manager at Visas Unlimited.
If the error was picked up after submission but before the visa was issued, Lamb advised applicants to contact the issuing authority as there were several processes that may apply:
- Print the new application page, and bring both the old and new pages to the biometrics or interview appointment.
- Prepare a signed Letter of Explanation detailing the exact typo, referencing application ID, and attaching a passport copy.
- Log in to the application centre portal (such as VFS Global) to upload a correction letter or contact customer support.
If the error was established after the visa was issued, she said it was imperative for applicants to contact the Visa Application Centre or Consulate with immediate effect.
Liversage said the same process would apply for an e-visa or a physical visa. “You need to contact the embassy to fix the issue before travelling. Some government websites have webforms to complete to correct the issue or you can use the online contact options.”
However, some e-visa applications may require an entirely new submission. “They may ask you to submit a new application. However, it is best to contact the embassy and find out directly from them. The website where you applied for the visa should have a ‘help/support’ option,” said Liversage.
Delays and costs
Correcting a visa typo can lead to longer processing times and additional costs.
“Having spelling errors fixed on visas can cause major delays and complications, so be careful to load and check all details very carefully when applying,” said Liversage.
According to her, most embassies stated between five and 10 working days to correct a typo.
“Ultimately, times and processes will vary. These may cause delays and additional fees may be incurred,” said Lamb.
Insurance
Visa errors can also have financial implications, however insurance does not cover financial losses caused by visa typos.
“Visa or passport errors are considered administrative issues and are not covered, no matter who made the mistake. Any costs or losses that result from this error would also not be covered under the policy,” said Anrieth Symon, Head of Travel at Bryte.
Karen Botha, Head of Sales & Marketing at Santam Travel Insurance, said denied boarding by authorities and non-admittance into any country were excluded under a Santam Travel Policy because it was often impossible to determine the exact circumstances that had led to the refusal.
“The policy would not respond where a traveller is denied boarding due to a visa issue, administrative error, incorrect documentation, or an error on a visa stamp. Covering such events would effectively require the insurer to assume liability for decisions or administrative actions taken by third parties, which falls outside the intended scope of travel insurance cover,” said Botha.
