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[H2] Travel Visa Requirements for Popular Destinations
Schengen Visa (SchengenVisaInfo.com)
US Visa
Canada Visa
UK Visa
Australia Visa
France Visa
Germany Visa
Italy Visa
Spain Visa
For information about other destinations, please choose a region in the map below:
[H2] Visa Information
A visa is a travel document that allows you to enter a foreign country for a specific period of time.Visas are usually affixed onto your passport and contain your name, picture, and the number of days you are allowed to stay in a specific country.
In some cases, visas are issued as separate documents and are not attached to your passport,  such as electronic visas, which you must print out.
[IMG: what does a visa look like]
Types of Visas
History of Visas
FAQs
[H3] Visa Types by Purpose
Some of the common visa types by purpose of travel include:

[H3] Tourist and Visitor visas
Tourist visas are short-term (around three months), strictly for leisure, and you cannot work while on a tourist visa. You can usually apply multiple times, provided the embassy/consulate grants you the visa.

[H3] Transit visas
Transit visas allow you to pass through a country on the way to a third destination. They are usually valid for 24–96 hours (or sometimes up to two weeks). You must apply before traveling; they are not issued at the airport.

[H3] Working holiday visas
A mix of tourism and limited work, usually valid for one to two years. There are age restrictions (often 18-30), and typically you can only apply once (except in certain countries, e.g., Australia).

[H3] Student visas
Issued for educational purposes for the duration of your study program (1–4 years or more). In many countries, you cannot work, or you have limited work hours on this visa.

[H3] Work visas
For employment in a foreign country, typically valid from one up to four years (depending on contract). Often a path to permanent residence.

[H3] Family reunification visas
Allows you to join a spouse or parent working in another country. Minor children can usually be included.

[H3] Investment visas
An investment visa grants residency in exchange for a significant financial investment, such as in a startup, government fund, or real estate.

[H3] Official visas
Issued for diplomatic or official government-related duties abroad (e.g., diplomatic, service, or courtesy visas).

[H3] Refuge or asylum visas
Granted to individuals persecuted in their home country for religious, racial, or political reasons. Each country has its own criteria.

[H3] Digital nomad visas
To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must be able to work remotely. Requirements vary depending on the country’s specific program.

[H3] Retirement visas
A retirement visa is issued to those who have reached retirement age and can provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves abroad.

[H3] Pilgrimage visas
For religious journeys (e.g., Hajj). Usually issued for groups and valid only for the duration of the pilgrimage.

[H3] Visa Types by Method of Application
Most commonly, you apply for a visa through one of the following ways:
At an embassy or consulate
Online (electronic visa)
At the point of entry (visa on arrival)
Bonus: Visa free travel

The method of application depends on the specific country and your nationality. You should never travel without checking your visa requirements.

[H3] A Brief History of Travel Visas
Here is a brief history of how travel documents began:
420 BC.
[H4] First travel documents
The first mention of traveling documents (passport and a visa) in the Hebrew Bible when Nehemiah, who was under the service of the Persian King Artaxerxes I, asked for a travel passage to Judea (region in Jerusalem).
1386-1442
[H4] The first passport
The reign of King Henry the V— who is credited with creating the first passport.
1643-1715
[H4] The “Passe port”
The reign of King Louis XIV of France (the Sun King), who liked to issue personally signed travel documents he called “passe port”— although there is still much debate where the name “passport” originates from.
1918 –
[H4] Obligatory passport
At the end of the First World War, passports became obligatory documents for international travels and were often accompanied by visas.
1922 – 1938
[H4] Nansen passport
The League of Nations in Paris established the Nansen passport to combat the loss of nationality that many refugees experienced after WWI.
1945 –
[H4] Visas
At the end of the Second World War, there was a heavy surge of migration worldwide, requiring stricter border patrol. Both travel documents, visas, and passports were mandatory in most cases for international travel.

The word visa originates from Modern Latin “charta visa,” which means verified paper or translated into “paper that has to be seen.”
Previously, visas were separate documents that went hand in hand with the passport during international travel, but nowadays, most visas are stamps or stickers attached to your passport.

[H2] Frequently Asked Questions

[H3] What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa?
While they are both travel documents, the main difference between a passport and a visa is that a passport is issued from your home country, whereas a visa is issued by the country you want to visit. Other differences include:
The passport is an identification travel document, whereas a visa is attached to your passport, showing you have permission to enter a specific country.
A passport is issued for about ten years, whereas a visa’s duration is shorter, usually a few months.
Passport
Visa
A passport is a national travel document used as identification.
A visa is usually attached to a passport as an entry permit to another foreign country.
A passport is issued by your birth country or current country of residence.
A visa is issued by an Embassy/Consulate representing a foreign country.
A passport is required in most cases when you enter a foreign country.
A visa is not required when there is a visa facilitation agreement between two countries.
A passport is usually valid for 5 to 10 years.
A visa is usually valid for a few days to a few months.
A valid passport from one country is sufficient to travel.
A visa from each destination country is required for entry.

[H3] What is the Difference Between an Entry Visa and a Tourist Visa?
The main difference between an entry visa and a tourist visa is that an entry permit is not an actual visa; instead, it’s permission to allow you to enter a specific country, while a tourist visa allows you to enter and visit your destination country for up to six months.
An entry permit is usually issued on top of a tourist visa, and you have to apply for the permit one or two days before you enter the country, while you need a tourist visa months before you travel.
Here is an extensive list of the differences between an entry visa and a tourist visa:
Tourist Visa
Entry Visa
Valid for up to 180 days.
Valid only until you enter your destination.
It’s issued in the form of a sticker attached to your passport.
It’s either an electronic permit or a paper document.
The application fee ranges from $20 to $300.
The application fee may be free of charge.
You need one for every country that doesn’t have a visa liberalization agreement with your home country.
You need one only for a few specific countries.
Takes a few months to process.
Takes a few hours up to several days to finish processing.
Please note that the requirements for a tourist and entry visa are different based on your nationality and destination country.

[H3] What Is the Difference Between a Visa and a Residence Permit?
The terms visa and a residence permit are often used interchangeably. However, a notable difference between the two is:
You need a visa to travel to and enter a foreign country, either for tourism, business, work, studies, etc., usually for a short period.
You need a residence permit to settle in a foreign country for an extended period.
Sometimes, you receive a visa first and then convert it into a residence permit once you enter your destination country. Other times, you automatically get a residence permit as soon as you apply for a long-stay visa (work, study, family reunion, etc.)

[H3] What Are Electronic Travel Authorizations?
Electronic travel authorizations are entry requirements for nationals who do not need a visa for a specific country. They can be easily obtained online for a small fee, and are valid for long periods of time. The following are examples of electronic travel authorizations:
eTA (Canada). The Canadian eTA costs CAD 7 and is approved within just a few minutes. It is valid for up to five years, and allows you to stay six months per trip.
ETA (Australia). The Australian ETA costs AUC 20 and is approved within a few minutes. It is issued for one year, and allows you to visit Australia multiple times during its validity.
ESTA (United States). The American ESTA costs USD 14 and is approved within a few minutes. It is issued for up to two years, and allows you multiple entries to the US, with a maximum three months per trip.
ETIAS (European Union). The European Union’s ETIAS will become mandatory starting from April 2027. It will cost €7 and will be valid for three years. It will allow multiple trips of up to three months during its validity period.
Electronic travel authorizations are not actual visas and their purpose is to simply keep track of who enters and leaves a country. Because of this, it is unlikely that an application will be rejected.

[H3] What Are the Most Common Reasons for Visa Denial?
These are some of the most common reasons why your visa application may be denied:
Passport validity. Most countries will require you to have a valid passport with at least a three or six months validity period. However, whether this period begins when you enter or depart the country depends on your travel destination.
Passport blank pages. The number of required blank pages on your passport differs from country to country, but it is usually two to four pages. Blank pages are required so there is enough space to stamp your passport and visa.
Vaccination requirements. Several countries in Africa ask you to have an international vaccination certificate; otherwise, you won’t be granted a visa.
Criminal record. It’s almost impossible to obtain a visa with a criminal record; only a few select countries, i.e., the US, and Canada, will grant a waiver for your criminal record when you need a visa.
Travel ban. All governments have the power to declare a person “persona non grata.” As a result, diplomats and non-diplomats will not be allowed to enter a specific country.
Inadequate health insurance coverage. In many countries it is obligatory for all visitors to have travel health insurance coverage.

[H3] What Are Joint Visa Schemes?
Some countries that are a part of a regional organization issue a common visa for all organization member states. In addition to joint visa schemes, one visa issued by another country will allow you to travel visa-free to multiple countries. For example, if you have a valid US visa, you can also visit Costa Rica, Mexico, the British Virgin Islands, and several other countries as well.

[H3] What Is an Exit Visa?
An exit visa is a traveling permit that grants you permission to leave a specific country. Nowadays, exit visas are considered an outdated practice borderline a violation of human rights, so most countries do not enforce an exit visa.
Here is a list of the countries which require some form of an exit visa:
Belarus
Iraq
Kuwait
Lebanon
North Korea
Oman
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
The People’s Republic of China
United Arab Emirates
Exit visas can sometimes be imposed on you because of your nationality, so check the traveling requirements with an embassy or consulate before you depart.

[H3] Click here for more worldwide visa and travel tips

[H3] Latest News

[IMG: US Pauses Visa Processing for 75 Countries]

US Pauses Visa Processing for 75 Countries Starting January 21
14.01.2026

[IMG: mali-border-checkpoint-us-passport-visa]

Mali Imposes $10,000 Visa Bond on U.S. Citizens in Retaliatory Response to Trump Administration Policy
23.10.2025

[IMG: morocco-afcon-2025-airport-eta-check-casablanca]

Morocco Adds Temporary E-Travel Pass for AFCON 2025 Fans
24.09.2025

[IMG: O.R. Tambo International Airport check in hall with South African flag, staff assisting travelers near automated e-gates during South Africa’s AI ETA rollout.]

South Africa Launches AI ETA, G20 Pilot in October
22.09.2025

[H3] Click here for more worldwide visa and travel news

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A US visa is a stamp that you get on your travel document, more specifically your passport, which means that you are eligible to enter the United States.
Having a US Visa does not necessarily mean that you will enter the US, as this is at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Customs and Borders Protection (CPB) Inspectors.

[H2] Do I Need to Apply for a US Visa?
Citizens of Visa Waiver Countries and citizens of Bermuda and Canada can travel to the US for temporary stays of 90 days or less without a visa if they travel for tourism or business purposes. They can instead get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) from the US Customs and Borders Protection’s (CBP)

[H3] List of Countries Whose Citizens Need a US Visa
Citizens of the following countries need to apply for a visa to be able to enter the United States::
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Costa Rica
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cambodia
Chad
China
Central African Republic
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Colombia
Cyprus
Djibouti
Cuba
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Dominica
Egypt
El Salvador
Ecuador
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Equatorial Guinea
Fiji
Gabon
Federated States of Micronesia
Georgia
Ghana
Gambia
Guatemala
Guinea
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
Guinea Bissau
India
Indonesia
Honduras
Iraq
Iran
Ivory Coast
Kazakhstan
Jamaica
Jordan
Kuwait
Kenya
Kiribati
Lebanon
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Libya
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Macedonia
Madagascar
Mali
Malaysia
Maldives
Mexico
Mauritania
Mauritius
Montenegro
Moldova
Mongolia
Myanmar
Morocco
Mozambique
Nepal
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Nicaragua
Niger
Palau
Oman
Pakistan
Paraguay
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Poland
Peru
Philippines
Republic of Korea
Qatar
Republic of Congo
Russia
Republic of Kosovo
Romania
Saint Lucia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sao Tome and Principe
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Serbia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Solomon Islands
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Somalia
South Africa
Suriname
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Tajikistan
Swaziland
Syria
Togo
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uganda
Ukraine
Vanuatu
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zimbabwe
Yemen
Zambia

[H3] Regulations for Canada and Bermuda citizens
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda enjoy the freedom of traveling temporarily to the US without having to possess a nonimmigrant visa or any other pre-entry authorization, such as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Canadian citizens – are free to enter and stay in the US, even to work there (they might even use an NEXUS Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License for identification, instead of a passport)
Bermudian citizens – are exempt from visa requirements, for stays less than 6 months in the US
Benefiting from the agreement “the Compacts of Free Association” with the US, citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau are released from visa requirement for entering, staying, studying, or getting employed in the US without limit.

[H2] US Visa Types
There are about 185 types of US visas, grouped into two main categories:
[H3] Nonimmigrant visas
Issued for temporary visits to the United States such as for tourism, business, employment, family visit, and studying.
[H3] Immigrant visas
Issued to people who will move permanently to the United States under immigrant investor schemes or family reunion.
Here are the main types of US visas:

[H3] Visitor Visas

The US visitor visas are issued to those who want to go to the United States to visit for a maximum of six months and are divided into:
B1 visa for business visits.
B2 visas for tourism visitors.

[H3] Student and Exchange Visas

The study and exchange visas are for academic, vocational purposes, and culturale exchange programs:
F1 visa for international students.
F2 visa for dependents of F1 visa holders.
M1 visa for vocational purposes.
J1 visa for exchange students.
Q Visa for cultural exchange visitors.

[H3] Temporary Work Visas

These visas are issued for temporary work in the United States:
H1B visa for persons who have been employed in highly specialized fields.
H1B1 visa for nationals of Chile and Singapore.
Temporary seasonal work visas H-2A visa and H2B
H-3 visa  for those who want to take advantage of training and education opportunities.
L1 visa for intracompany managers or executives.
O1 visa for people who have what is called an extraordinary ability in Arts, Science, Business, Education, or Athletics and want to temporarily work in their field of expertise.
P visas issued to sportspersons and their coaching teams.
R1 visa for Temporary Religious Workers who want to practice within the US in religious capacities.
TN/TD visas for citizens of Canada or Mexico who will be working in the NAFTA organization.
E3 visas for nationals of Australia. who will be working in specialty occupations.
I visa for representatives of foreign media and journalists part of the press, film, radio, or print industries, who are visiting the US to work or participate in educational media activities.

[H3] Treaty Trader and Investor Visas

The E visas are called Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visas respectively, are for those who have treaties of commerce and navigation in the US. There are two types of this visa:
E1 Visa – treaty trader visa.
E2 Visa – treaty investor visa

[H3] Diplomatic and Official Visas

Categories of official and diplomatic visas are the following:
The A1 visa is for diplomats or foreign government officials who are travelling to the US on official duties or representing their government.
The A2 NATO1-6 visa is designed only for foreign military personnel who are about to serve or be stationed within the United States.
G-1 to G-5 visa for those who have been employed in an international organization.

[H3] Visas for Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking

The following visas are part of this type of visa:
T visas are for victims of human trafficking who have severe trauma, but can also assist in investigating crimes related to human trafficking.
The U visa is for those who have been a victim of certain criminal activities and that can aid in the investigation or prosecution of those criminals.

[H3] Transit and Crewmember Visas

Here are the categories of this type of visa:
The C Visa is a Transit Visa.
The D visa is for crew members who will work on a sea vessel or international airline.

[H3] Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored Visas

Here are the categories of the Immediate relative and Family Sponsored visas:
The F2A and F2B visas are for the families of Lawful Permanent Residents, more specifically their spouses, minor children, or unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 and above.
IR-2 visa – for unmarried children under 21 years old
IR5 visa – for parents of US Citizens who are at least 21 years old
F1 – for unmarried sons and daughters and their minor children
F3 visa – for married sons and daughters and their minor children
F4 visa – for brothers and sisters of US Citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
The IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4 visas are for children from other countries who will be adopted by US citizen parent(s)
The SQ visa is for Iraqi or Afghan citizens who will be working for or on behalf of the US government and get Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).

[H3] Fiance and Spouse Visas

Here are the categories:
K3 visas are for spouses of US citizens who are in the process of obtaining permanent immigration status.
The IR1 and CR1 visas are for spouses of US Citizens.
Children of the K-3 visa applicants are eligible to receive K-4 visas
K1 visa for fiancees

[H3] Employer-Sponsored Visas

The following visas are issued for immigrant employees:
The EB1 visa is called an Employment First Preference Priority Workers visa.
Employment Second Preference Professionals Holding advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability visas are for those who have labor certification and a job offer in the US.
The Employment Third Preference Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers visa are for those who have an approved Petition for Alien Worker filed by their employers.
Eb-5 visa for immigrant investors.
The SI visa is for Iraqi and Afghan Translators or Interpreters working with the US military and who meet certain requirements.
The SQ visa is for Iraqi or Afghan citizens who will be working for or on behalf of the US government and get Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).

[H3] Other Types of Immigrant Visas

The Diversity Immigrant Visas are for persons who are deemed to be “diversity immigrants” meaning that they come from countries that have low immigration rates to the US.
The SB visa or Returning Resident Visa is for permanent US residents who for reasons beyond their control have remained outside the country for more than a year or their re-entry permit is not valid anymore. The SB visa grants them entry into the US again.

The visa application process follows a similar and straightforward procedure for all types of visas. However, there are differences depending on the visa category and type you want to get and the country that you are applying from.

[H2] Frequently Asked Questions

[H3] What is the Difference Between a Nonimmigrant Visa and an Immigrant Visa?

The main difference between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas is the length of time that the visa holder is allowed to stay in the US. Nonimmigrant visas are temporary, which means that they expire and the visa holder must return to their home country immediately.
Immigrant visas are otherwise known as Green Cards and they are permanent. Once the visa holder has an immigrant visa, they can move to the US and stay there as long as they want to without having a deadline to return to their home country.

[H3] What Does a US Visa Look Like?

When you are granted a visa, it will look like the picture below. You should check whether it has your correct information that matches the data in your passport, and all the parts that are in the sample visa. If it does not contain all the information, you should contact the US Embassy that has issued it.
[IMG: us visa number]
>>How to Read the US Visa Foil Number?

[H3] What Happens if I Do Not Get a US Visa?

There are multiple reasons that USCIS or the US Embassy could deny your petition or visa application. You could be ineligible or you might have had a criminal past so you will not qualify to enter the USA.
If you do not get a visa, then you have two options: either appeal to USCIS or the US Embassy or apply for a new visa. It is usually recommended to apply for a new visa rather than appeal since the US Embassy will have a valid reason as to why they denied your visa and you could correct it when you reapply.
For more on this issue, visit the US Visa Denial article.

[H3] How Long Can I Stay in the United States With a Visa?

Since US nonimmigrant visas are temporary, they have an expiration date. This date depends on the type of visa. There are visas which are valid for only 3 months, and some that are valid for 3 years.
You must check the type of visa you want to apply for and see how long it is valid once you get it. US immigrant visas do not have an expiration date so with such a visa, you can stay in the United States permanently.

[H3] What to do When my US Visa Expires?

If your US visa expires, you have the chance to renew it through a similar procedure to the initial US Visa application process. All US visas have a date of issue and a date when they will expire stamped on the passport. It is necessary to renew the US visa only if the expiration date of the visa has passed.

[H3] Can I Bring my Children to the US?

Almost all US visas allow parents to bring their children to the United States. The children must be minors though, so under 18 or 21 years old depending on the type of visa the parent has. Adult children are usually not allowed to get visas if their parents get one unless they are unable to take care of themselves and are dependent on their parents.

[H3] Can I Bring my Parents to the United States?

Most visas do not allow bringing parents to the United States since they are not considered immediate dependents. However, you must look through the Immediate Relative or Family Based Immigrant Visas which might allow you to sponsor your parents or siblings for an immigrant visa.

[H3] Can I Enter the US Without a Valid Visa?

Unfortunately, once your visa has expired and is not valid anymore, you will not be allowed to enter the United States. If you try to enter the United States with an expired visa, the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will make you return to your home country.
You must get an extension of the visa you have had or apply for a new visa to be allowed to re-enter the United States.

[H3] What is the Automatic Visa Revalidation?

If a person travels to Canada, Mexico, or the US adjacent islands with the exception of Cuba for less than 30 days, they can re-enter the US even if their visa has expired. The person seeking revalidation must also have a valid Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, which is endorsed by DHS. The Automatic Visa Revalidation is also known as the Contiguous Territory Rule.

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A Canada visa is a stamp on your passport which allows you to enter the country of Canada.
It is a permission for you to travel to the country and legally be able to stay either temporarily or permanently. Getting a visa to Canada means that the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country decided that you are eligible and fulfill the requirements for entry. However, once you are at the Canadian border and customs, it is up to the officers at the border to evaluate whether you are fit to enter.
If you answer the Canadian Border Services Officer (BSO) questions honestly and correctly, they will allow you to enter. Otherwise, if they suspect that you are not eligible to enter, they can deny you and ask you to go back to your home country even if you have a Canada visa.

[H2] Who Needs a Canadian Visa?

People from countries that do not have a visa exemption or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) agreement with Canada will need a visa to enter the country. More specifically, people from around 148 countries need a visa to visit, work, or immigrate to Canada.
If you are one of these applicants and you need a visa for Canada, you must apply for one. Depending on the type of visa you want, you will have a method of applying, but there are a few general steps you must take.

[H3] Check if You Need a Visa
If you are a citizen of a country the list below, you will need a visa to enter Canada:
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
United Kingdom
Burkina Faso
Myanmar
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cabo Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Costa Rica
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Timor-Leste
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
North Korea
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Macau
North Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan
Suriname
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkiye
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

[H2] What are the Canada Visa Types?

Before you apply for a Canadian visa, you must first know which visa you want to apply for. Here are the types of Canada visas:

Visitor visas. The visitor visas allow the person to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.

Tourist Visa. The  Visitor Visa or the Tourist visa allows the holder to enter Canada for the purposes of tourism in the country.
Super Visa. The Canadian Super Visa allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents to visit their children or grandchildren for an extended stay.
Diplomatic and Official Visa. The Diplomatic and Official visa gives permission to officials and diplomats from foreign countries to enter Canada for official duties and purposes.
Courtesy Visa. The Courtesy visa is given to all those people who do not qualify for a Diplomatic and Official Visa but are considered of importance due to their ranks and positions. This includes for example, members of trade missions or diplomats with touristic intent.
Business Visa. The Business Visa is given to those who are travelling to Canada with business purposes as individuals or as a group of business people.
Visa to Give Birth in Canada. This visa is given to people who fulfill all the criteria to stay temporarily in Canada and who are pregnant and want to give birth in the country. Giving birth in Canada makes the baby automatically a Canadian citizen.
Intending Organ Donors Visa. This visa is given to a person who is traveling to Canada with the purpose of donating an organ to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
Facilitation Visa. Facilitation Visas are given to Canadian citizens with dual nationalities who do not have a Canadian passport but have a passport of another nationality. The facilitation visa is stamped on the person’s other nationality visa due to extreme hardships of the person getting a Canadian passport.

Student Visa. A Canadian student visa is given to those who have an admission from a Canadian university to complete their studies. If you are going to Canada to study for less than 6 months, then you can only get a TRV visa, but for more than 6 months of studies, you will need a Student Visa.
Temporary Work Visa. Canada temporary work visas are given to those people who have a job offer in Canada and will work for up to 6 months. To get this visa, the person must present a valid job offer letter from an employer and qualify for a temporary visa.
Working Holiday Visa. The Canada Working Holiday Visa is given to young people from 30 countries, so they can work in Canada and travel. It is a random selection visa which means that applicants will submit their applications and wait to be randomly selected to apply for the work permit.
Family-Sponsorship Program. The Family Sponsorship Visa allows the spouses and dependent children of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Immigrant Investor Program. The Immigrant Investor Program is for people who will make investments in the Canadian economy and have a net worth of at least CAD$800,000. They must invest at least CAD$400,000 and the government will return this investment to them in 5 years without any interest.
Startup Visa Program. The Canada Startup Visa is for people who will be individually involved in contributing to the economy. They must have a net worth of at least CAD$300,000 and must commit to owning and managing at least one third of a Canadian business as well as create and maintain employment within 3 years of being in the country.
Self-employed Persons Visa. The Self-employed Persons visa is for people who have skills in business, athletics, culture, or farming and can start their own businesses. These people must demonstrate how they will finance the business as well as their skills in those particular areas.
Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). If you have one of the occupations which are required in the Canadian province of Quebec and you are fluent in French, then you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program which will allow you to move and work permanently there.
Express Entry Program visas. The following are part of this program:

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) for people who are qualified tradespeople in occupations.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for people who have professions which are in shortage in Canada.
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) for semi or low-skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy though their work, in various provinces in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class for those who have a temporary student visa or a temporary workers visa and want to switch to a permanent resident status.

[H2] How to Apply for a Canada Visa?

To apply for a Canada visa, you need to go through these simple steps:

[H3] Step 1: Find out if you are eligible for a Canada visa
To find out how to get a Canadian visa, the Canadian government has made it quite easy. They have created different tests that evaluate the eligibility of applicants by asking them to fill out an online questionnaire. Depending on the type of visa you want, you will be asked to answer several questions, and the system will then let you know whether you can apply or not. Additionally, it will also send you the relevant instructions and steps you must take to fulfill all the requirements.

[H3] How to navigate through the Canadian government website?
To be able to access these questionnaires and find out if you are eligible for the Canada visa, you must go to their website here. The website will show you different information and different tabs that you can select, but you must go to the Immigration tab.
When you hover or click on the Immigration tab, it will show you a drop-down list of options. The first one will be My Application, and then there will be tabs for Visit, Immigrate, Work, Study, and others. You must select the one that corresponds with the visa you want to apply for. As a continuation of the example we showed above, if you want to get a tourist visa, you must click on the Visit tab.
After you click on the tab that matches the reason you want to visit Canada and the visa you want to apply for, you will see more information there. Whichever tab you have clicked, one of the links will say “Find out if you can apply” or “Find out if you are eligible”. You must click on this link.
The link will take you to the questionnaire where you will have to answer several questions. They will range from your personal information to reasons why you want to visit Canada, and previous travel history. At the end of the questionnaire, the system will show you the results.

[H3] Receiving the results
You will be able to see three different types of results which say one of the following:
You are eligible for the visa you have selected.
You are eligible for a different type of visa that the system will match you with.
You are not eligible for the visa.
If you are eligible for the visa you have selected or a different type of visa, the system will ask you to input your contact information (usually your email), and they will send you a set of documents.
The documents will contain a description of the visa, as well as instructions and details about how to apply. Additionally, they will send you a reference code.
The reference code is one of the most important information on that set of documents because you will have to use it to start your application. Without a reference code, you will not be able to apply. The reference code tells the system the information you have given it during your questionnaire and it will have the type of visa you are applying for.
Because of this, you must save the email and those documents. You can either write the reference code in different ways, such as send it to yourself, write it on your computer, or on a piece of paper, but you must not lose it. If you do, you will have to start the questionnaire process all over again.

[H3] Step 2: Create your online account
Within the instructions sent to you by email, it will show you whether you must apply for a Canada visa online or in person. Since the Canadian government is digitalizing its records, most people will have to apply online. To do that, you must create an account.
There are two ways to create an account for the application:
Using your online banking login since the Canadian Government has partnered with many banks;
Creating a Government of Canada login (GCKey);
You can use whichever one fits you better, since either way you will have to use your banking details to pay the visa fees.

[H3] Step 3: Compile the document file
Once you login to your account, you can start your Canada visa application. Use your reference code to start applying for the visa you have been deemed eligible for. Once you enter the reference code, the system will show you a list of documents for your Canadian visa application.
Completed list of documents required for Canada visa application.
You must submit all of these forms online in the system and then proceed to submit the application.

[H3] Step 3: Pay the fees
Once the system has verified that you have submitted all the necessary documents, it will take you to the payment page. You will have to pay the Canada visa fees depending on the type of visa you are applying for. When that is completed, your application will be submitted.
It will take around 5 workdays for you to see the application on your account, and if you apply in person, you will just have to take those documents to the Canadian Embassy in your home country.

[H3] Step 4: Wait for processing
The Canadian Embassy will then process your Canada visa application for two or more weeks depending on the type of visa. Additionally, they might ask for more documents, or for you to submit your biometrics and have an interview.
If they ask for your biometrics and an interview, this means you will have to visit the Embassy in person even if you applied online. You will have to make an appointment, or the Embassy will make one for you. At your appointment, you will have to submit your photographs and fingerprint, as well as answer questions from a Canadian Embassy official.
The official will determine whether you are fit to get a Canadian visa or not. They can let you know of their decision immediately after your appointment or send you a notification later.
All Embassy notifications regarding your visa will be posted on your account, so you must check it continuously, even if you did not have to submit biometrics or go through an interview.

[H3] Step 5: Submit your passport and processing fees
If you receive a notification that your Canada visa application was successful, the next step is to submit your passport to the Canadian Embassy. This can be done by mailing it to the address of the Embassy in your country, together with processing fees. The processing fees depend on the type of visa you are applying for and will range from $20 to $50, which you must pay by check or money order. You must also pay for a return envelope for your passport.
The Embassy officials will receive your passport and fees, stamp the visa on your passport, and mail it back to you. If you get notified of their decision immediately after the visa interview, then you will have to pay the processing fees there and get the passport immediately.

Once you have your visa, you can travel to Canada. At the point of entry, you will be asked to show your passport and documents. The officials will check them and ask a few questions about why you are going to Canada.
After you answer, they will make the decision whether to let you inside the country or not. The officials at the point of entry have the authority to not allow you inside Canada if they believe that you will commit crimes or not respect your visa restrictions. Having a Canadian visa does not guarantee that you will go to Canada, only the border officials are allowed to do that.

[H2] Frequently Asked Questions

[H3] How Long Does it Take to Get

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The Australia visa you apply for depends on the purpose of your visit – whether it is for tourism, business, work, studying, or to visit a family member. Passport holders of many countries can obtain a visa very easily online, while others may have to submit a paper application at an Embassy or Consulate.
[H2] What Is an Australian Visa?
An Australian Visa is a permit that allows you to travel to Australia for a predetermined period of time. Unlike most other countries, Australia does not issue visa stamps or labels on your passport. Instead, your visa privileges are recorded electronically on an online database and when you travel to Australia, the immigration officer will check the database to learn whether you have a visa.
[H2] Do I Need a Visa for Australia?
Apart from New Zealanders (who can get a visa on arrival), everyone else has to apply for a visa or authorization before they travel to Australia. For short-term visits, you can get an eVisitor, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), or a visitor visa, depending on your nationality:
eVisitorElectronic Travel Authority (ETA)Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream, Subclass 600)
European Union countriesBrunei DarussalamAll other countries.
AndorraCanada
IcelandHong Kong (SAR PRC)
LiechtensteinJapan
MonacoMalaysia
NorwaySingapore
San MarinoSouth Korea
SwitzerlandUnited States
United Kingdom
Vatican City
On the other hand, for long-term purposes such as studying or working, everyone besides New Zealanders will have to get the relevant visa.
[H3] Australia Visa Policy for New Zealanders
Citizens of New Zealand can visit, conduct business, study, work, and live in Australia without applying for a prior visa. As a New Zealander, you are eligible for the Special Category Visa (subclass 444), which you can get upon arrival.
After five years of living in Australia, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency, if you meet all other requirements, such as income and health and security checks. But you may continue to live in Australia even with just an SCV as it does not have a maximum duration.
[H2] How Can I Get an Australian Visa?
You can get an Australian visa online or through an Australian Embassy/Consulate, depending on your nationality:
You apply for the eVisitor through the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ online service.
You apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through the official ETA portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
You may apply for an Australian visa either online or in-person at an Embassy or Consulate.
[H2] Do I Need to Submit Original Documents?
You do not need to submit your original documents for an Australian visa. If you are applying online, you have to scan your documents and attach them as electronic files. If you are applying on paper, then you should submit certified copies. This means that you make a copy of your document, send it to someone who can “certify” it for you, and they must write “This is a certified true copy of the original as sighted by me”.
Not everyone can certify your documents, however. It has to be an Australian citizen or a non-Australian who works in one of the “eligible professions”, like doctors, judges, clerks of court, bank officers, police officers, etc.

[H3] See the required documents for an Australian visa and who is eligible to certify them for you.

[H2] When Should I Apply For a Visa?
The time when you have to apply for an Australian visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for:
If you are applying for a tourist visa, you should apply at least a month before you plan to travel, but you may think of giving it more time. Even though most applications are resolved in a few weeks, some tourist visa applications have taken more than four months.
If you are applying for an eVisitor or ETA, then you can apply about a week before your trip and you should be fine.
If you are applying for a long-term visa, such as a work visa, you will have to start the process as soon as possible since they can take months to over a year to complete.
[H2] Who Issues Australian Visas?
The authority that assesses and decides all visa applications is the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
[H2] Australian Visa Types
Australian visas are divided into the following categories:
Visitor visas. This category is for short-term travellers who do not intend to settle in Australia and includes the following visas and travel authorizations:
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)
Study and training visas. This category includes visas for international students, trainees, as well as parents or guardians of underage international students:
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Parent visas. This category of visas is issued to the parents of Australian citizens, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizens, and are divided into the following types:
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and subclass 864)
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) – Temporary
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Family visas. This category of visas is issued to the minor or adult dependent relatives, or carers of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It is divided into:
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Aged Dependent Relative Visas (Subclass 114 and subclass 838)
Carer Visas (Subclass 836 and subclass 116)
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
Child Visa (Subclasses 102 and 802)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) – Temporary
Orphan Relative Visas (Subclass 117 and subclass 837)
Remaining Relative Visas (Subclass 115 and subclass 835)
Partner visas. This category of visas is issued to the spouses, de facto partners, or prospective spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, and is divided into:
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Partner Visa (Subclass 309) – Provisional
Partner Visa (Subclass 100) – Migrant
Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – Temporary
Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Permanent
Humanitarian visas. These types of visas are issued to refugees who fulfil Australia’s protection obligations and are divided into:
Refugee Visa (Subclasses 200, 201, 203, and 204)
Global Special Humanitarian (Subclass 202)
Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
Bridging visas. These types of visas allow the holder to stay in Australia while their immigration application is being processed. Depending on the circumstances, they are divided into:
Bridging visa A – BV (Subclass 010)
Bridging visa B – BVB (Subclass 020)
Bridging visa C – BVC (Subclass 030)
Bridging visa E – BVE (Subclass 050 and 051)
Work visas. These types of visas allow the holder to work in Australia legally. Depending on the type of work, they are divided into:
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191) – Skilled Regional
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Provisional
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Skilled Recognised -Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Provisional
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 403) – International Relations
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) – Short Stay Specialist
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Business and investment visas. This category of visas is issued to business owners who wish to operate an existing or new business or invest in Australia. Depending on the situation, they are divided into:
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888) – Permanent
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) – Provisional
Business Owner (Subclass 890)
Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132) – Permanent
Investor Visa (Subclass 891)
State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892)
State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893)
Work and holiday visas. These types of visas are issued to citizens of certain countries who have a work and holiday agreement with Australia:
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
Transit visa (subclass 771). This visa allows the holder to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours.
Special Category Visa (subclass 444)
Resident Return Visas ( Subclass 155 and 157)
Declaratory Visa
[H2] Can I Appeal a Visa Refusal?
If your Australian visa is rejected, then you can make an appeal to review the decision to the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Make sure you appeal as soon as possible after you receive your rejection letter, as it will not be considered if you wait too long. You usually have 7 to 28 days to make an appeal.
Your visa rejection letter will let you know whether you are even eligible for an appeal and if yes, how and when you can do so.
[H2] After You Get the Visa
If you receive an Australian tourist visa, you will get a Visa Grant Number. You can use this number to check your visa’s details on the VEVO system (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). You will not get a visa stamp on your passport because all your information is available on an online database.
You should, however, print out the visa grant notice to have with you when you travel. This letter has all the information you need for your visa. The immigration officer at the airport will check your visa status on the online database using your ImmiAccount or visa number.
[H2] How Long Is the Processing Time for an Australian Visa?
The processing time for an Australian visa depends on the visa type. Generally, most tourist stream visa applications are processed within a few weeks, to a maximum of 4 months – but it could also take only a few days if everything is in order.
As for long-term visa applications, it can take several months to more than a year, depending on the visa.
[H2] Do I Have to Provide Biometrics For my Visa Application?
You need to submit your biometrics (visa picture and fingerprints)  if:
You apply for a visa for which biometrics are mandatory.
You apply from a country from which biometrics are mandatory.
[H2] Do I Need Travel Health Insurance for Australia?
For long-term visas, you are always required to have proper Australian health insurance coverage. For visitor visas, on the other hand, it is not usually obligatory to get health insurance, but the Australian government strongly advises travellers to do so.
[H2] How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Valid Visa?
If you are visiting Australia as a tourist or for other short-term purposes, you can usually stay for up to three months at a time:
An eVisitor and ETA is valid for one year from the date of issue. During this year, you can enter the country multiple times as long as you don’t stay longer than three months each visit.
A Tourist Stream Visa is issued for up to three, six, or twelve months.
Work, study, and other long-term visas can be issued from a few months for up to five years, depending on your particular circumstances.
[H3] How Long Do You Have To Leave Australia Before Returning?
If you have an ETA or eVisitor, there are really no rules on how long you need to be outside Australia before you return. You must just take care to leave the country before your 3 months are up. Once you re-enter, you can stay for another three months, provided that you do not exceed your visa’s one-year validity.
Also remember that you are not allowed to work in Australia with an ETA, eVisitor, or a tourist visa and that you cannot pursue a study course that’s longer than three months.
[H2] Can I Extend an Australian Visa?
If you are already in Australia and you want to stay longer, you can apply for a new visa at least two weeks before your current one expires – as long as your visa does not have a “No Further Stay” notice. This means that you cannot extend or apply for a new visa if you have entered using a tourist visa (which has a “No Further Stay”), unless you have extraordinary circumstances.
Once you apply for a different type of visa, you will receive a Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay in Australia until the Immigration Authority makes a decision.

[H3] Australia Visa Extension

[H2] How Long Can You Stay After Your Visa Expires?
Unless you have applied for another type of visa, then you are not allowed to stay in Australia after the expiry of your visa. If you overstay, even by just a few days, then it will go on your immigration record and it could affect your future visa applications.
If you overstay your visa for longer than 28 days, you could be subject to an interview by immigration authorities on your way out, and you may even get a three-year travel ban.
Naturally, there are exceptions if you have a valid reason for having overstayed.
[H2] How Much Does an Australian Visa Cost?
The fees for an Australian visa depend on the visa type, method of application, and the duration of your stay:
Visit visa (tourist stream): AUD 145
eVisitor and ETA: Free of charge, except for a AUD 20 service fee
Student visa: AUD 620
Training visa: AUD 310
Work visa: AUD 310 to AUD 4,045 depending on the visa
[H2] Can I Get a Refund If I Withdraw My Visa Application?
If you withdraw your Australian visa application, you are most likely not going to get a refund. Someone who withdraws their visa application can only be reimbursed in one of the following instances:
The applicant or a family member of the applicant has passed away.
The applicant has received another visa of the same category.
Only for parent visa applications: The applicant has applied for a different type of Australian parent visa, and wants to hear a decision on the second application.
If your visa application is denied, you will not receive a refund either.
[H2] How Can I Check My Visa Validity And Conditions?
You can use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)  to see the details and conditions of your visa. To access VEVO, you need one of the following:
Transaction Reference Number (TRN) – this is the number you get when you start the online visa application.
Visa Grant Number – you receive this number if your visa application is successful.
Visa Evidence Number – you will get this number if for some reason, you do have a visa label attached to your passport.
You will also have to enter the following details: your birthdate, passport number, and country of nationality.
[H2] How Do I Find Out About The Progress of My Application?
If you apply online, you can track your application status through the ImmiAccount. As the Department of Home Affairs assesses your appli