If you’re from a country that has to go through the depths of hell just to file a visa application, you probably know exactly how I feel and where this is going. If you’re from one of those countries that have it easy in getting visas (or rather DON’T EVEN REQUIRE A VISA), then you definitely need to read this. It’s simple – visa rejections really suck!

In December, Kanika and I had planned to visit Turkey. We thought it was a sure thing. I mean it’s another Muslim country after all and with all the turmoil there, they probably want tourists. Right?!

Apparently not. But let’s rewind a little bit before the visa rejection itself.

The process was grueling

Firstly, the visa process took us 3 tries! Each time we arrived at the embassy, they pointed out something or the other that was wrong with our application.

“You were supposed to make an online application” said the visa officer.

“But it was not working and I asked them on the phone and they said we can show up” I said.

“It’s working now. Please make online application and come back” he replied.

He also checked our documents and noted that we were missing a few.

So we did just that and went back the next day.

He takes our documents and goes inside while asking us to wait. 15 or so minutes later he comes to the window and says there is a problem.

“You are married?”

Well, not technically but it worked with our visa for South Africa and we did have separate applications. However, the problem was that we had filed the application online as one. That was a problem since I’m Pakistani and Kanika is Indian.

For Indians, it takes 1 day to get the visa while for Pakistanis, the application could take up to 2+ weeks as it was sent to Turkey.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I exclaimed to Kanika.

Frustrated and almost giving up, we went back and we fixed this issue and lodged two separate online applications. We visit the embassy the 3rd time and it was finally accepted. 3rd times a charm eh?

1 day Vs. rejection

So a day later, Kanika goes back and sure enough, she got her visa for Turkey. I was optimistic about mine. I mean all that work, it had to be worth it.

Weeks later, I’m a bit anxious. Especially after being denied visa to New Zealand a while back. I’ve also been denied visa to Australia and a student visa to Singapore.

I open my email and see one from Turkish Embassy. I open it as my heart is beating like a drum only to sink when I read a mere 2 line message.

“We regret to inform you that your application has been denied”. I don’t really remember because I deleted it with frustration and sadness.

Defeated & Demotivated

It was as if my dreams were shattered. First New Zealand, which has always been top on my bucket list, and now this.

Since then, I lost the will to want to travel. The process of filing applications and facing judgemental, dismissive faces of the visa staff just gets to me. I feel defeated and cheated.

As my twitter and Instagram feed flood with overly optimistic and naive travel quotes, I’m left with this battling feeling.

I WANT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD BUT THE WORLD DOESN’T WANT ME TO TRAVEL.

These are the thoughts in my head and I can’t help it.

Then comes the Muslim Ban by Trump that doesn’t help the situation either.

Shifting Focus

So for the past few months, we haven’t traveled. We haven’t made plans or itineraries. Not even in Thailand.

Only to shift focus to other things. To our friends. To our lifestyle in Bangkok. We’re visiting new restaurants and bars. Going to weddings and dancing the night away.

And it has reminded us that we didn’t create Dose of Life just to travel. We did it to live our life to the best we can. To make everyday exciting, doing something new, together.

Sure we haven’t traveled and it sucks. Visa rejection sucked and continues to but now I am rejuvenated. I’m ready to get back into it and put myself out there again.

So ready or not, here I come!