International travel is a common entry in our bucket lists, but it isn’t as simple as booking a plane ticket as soon as seat sales drop. For many, the visa application process is a tough hurdle to face before pursuing their dream vacation. As you start planning for future trips, it’s essential to make sure you have the proper requirements before flying off. Here are six common visa application mistakes travelers need to watch out for when applying.

Most embassies have a set number of days to process visa applications. To ensure a smooth process, it’s best to take care of your visa application process as early as possible. Book your visa application at least three months before your intended travel. Remember that there is no way to speed up the process, as embassies have fixed procedures.

Double check the information you fill in for your application. Ensure that your personal details have no typos. See to it that your passport is up-to-date. Verify how many days you intend to stay, the address of where you’ll be staying, and your purpose for travel.

Some embassies have different photo requirements. For example, Japanese visas require 45x35mm (2x14 inches), whereas US visas require 51x51mm (2x2 inches). Make sure the photos are taken recently, within at least six months of your application. Sometimes you also need to have proper attire in the photo, though most photography stores offer edits, so you don’t always have to dress up.

To make things easier, always keep a list to check if you have all the required documents for your visa application. Most applications require your passport, completed forms provided by the embassy, recent photographs, bank statements, a detailed itinerary, and information about your flight and accommodations.

Bank statements are required for visa applications to prove that you have the funds to travel and return to your country of origin. Only take statements directly from your bank to ensure the proper details are included. Often, these also include an official seal or stamp from the bank that allows the embassy to verify the account’s authenticity. Make sure the bank statement is also addressed properly.

As with all application processes, always make sure you’re submitting your details to the proper channels. Check to see you are on the correct website when filling in your personal information to avoid phishing scams. Embassies may sometimes charge a small amount in the form of a service fee, though these are usually to fend off any fraudulent applications. Only use trusted services backed by the embassy to ensure the complete safety of your personal details.

These are just some of the handy tips we learned from VFS Global. VFS Global operates over 3,500 application centers in 153 countries. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visas, passports, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment. By providing these tips and information, here’s hoping you can be more aware of how to avoid visa fraud and have a seamless application process.