The problem MetaLink solves

The traditional visa application process is often complicated, time-consuming, and lacks transparency and security, making it challenging for tourists to access fast and reliable services. Our platform revolutionizes the visa application process by integrating decentralized identity (DID) and NFTs, offering a seamless, secure, and transparent solution for tourists. By issuing visas as NFTs, the process becomes faster, more secure, and easily verifiable. Our platform also provides integrated currency exchange services, enabling tourists to convert their crypto into local currency efficiently. The combination of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and Web3 principles creates a streamlined and trustworthy experience for both travelers and governments.

Challenges we ran into

Challenge: Environment Variables Not Loading Properly

Issue: During the setup of environment variables for API keys (Infura, Etherscan), the values weren’t being accessed correctly in the React app.
Solution: We ensured the .env file was correctly named and placed at the root of the project (within the src folder). Additionally, variables were prefixed with REACT_APP_ to ensure proper access via process.env.
Challenge: Integrating Wallet Functionality (Metamask)

Issue: The app displayed errors when trying to connect to a wallet, and some users encountered messages indicating Metamask was not installed.
Solution: We handled wallet detection by implementing checks for the presence of window.ethereum and provided clear user instructions to install Metamask if it wasn’t found.
Challenge: Fetching Wallet Balance and Transaction Data

Issue: Errors appeared while fetching wallet data using the ethers.js library, mainly due to incorrect imports and configuration of providers.
Solution: We revised the imports, replaced deprecated methods, and ensured that the correct provider types (like InfuraProvider) were used for balance and transaction fetching.
Challenge: Overcrowded UI and Complex User Flows

Issue: Initial UI designs were cluttered and lacked intuitive navigation, making the user experience complicated.
Solution: We improved the design by refining the sidebar navigation, adding clear labels, and separating key actions like "Create Wallet" and "Connect Wallet" with distinct buttons, leading to a smoother user experience.