
A travel visa is an official document that allows you to request entry into another country but doesn't guarantee admission. A border agent will make that determination. Visa rules vary by destination and purpose of travel, and arriving without the correct one can mean denied entry, costly delays, or last-minute rebooking.
This page will guide you through what a travel visa is, when you need one, and how to check the requirements so you can travel with confidence.
Table of Contents
Need a passport fast? Visit iVisa.com.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a travel document that can serve multiple purposes such as:
- Defining the purpose of your travel as a foreign national
- Certifying how long you are legally allowed to remain in the host country
- Attesting that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your visit
- Identifying the business associates and/or permanent residents who may be hosting or supporting you during your stay
There are many foreign countries where no visa is required to visit. Some countries that do require an entry visa issue it upon the visitor's arrival. Most countries require you to apply for a travel visa in advance.
Each travel visa process has its own application, required documents, and wait times. So, if a visa is required, you will want to start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid delays to your travel plans.
Passport vs. Visa
A passport is issued by your home government and serves as proof of your citizenship and identity anywhere in the world.
A visa, by contrast, is issued by the government of the country you wish to visit and is valid only for entry to that country. You need a passport first to even apply for most visas.
Travel Visa, eVisa, ETA and other Entry Documents
Not all travel documents are issued the same way. Here are the most common types and the most popular examples:
- Entry Visa (traditional): A sticker or stamp placed in your passport by a consulate before departure.
Popular Examples: China Visa, Russia Visa
- eVisa (Electronic Visa): An electronic approval you apply for online. It is usually linked to your passport number and may also include a PDF confirmation you print out and carry with you.
Most Popular eVisas: Brazil eVisa, Egypt eVisa, India eVisa
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): A streamlined form of eVisa, often used by countries like Australia or the UK. ETAs are quick to apply for but still mandatory before boarding.
Most Popular ETAs: Australia ETA, UK ETA, South Korea K-ETA
- Other Entry Documents (Digital Forms): Mandatory pre-arrival registration forms that are not visas but are required for entry.
Popular Examples: Aruba ED Card, Jamaica C5-Form, Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Always confirm whether your destination requires a visa in advance, allows an eVisa, or issues ETAs. The format matters for check-in at the airport and entry at the border.
Types of Visas
Your visa requirements will vary depending on your destination country and the visa type you need.
Tourist, Business & More
The most common short-term categories are tourist visas and business visas. A tourist visa covers vacations, sightseeing, social events, and visiting family or friends, and it does not allow employment or business activities. Many tourist visas allow stays of about 90 days from arrival. A business visa permits activities like meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations without taking up formal employment; validity and permitted stay vary by country and trip purpose.
Other common categories include work visas (generally tied to a specific employer and often requiring a confirmed job offer), student visas (usually valid only for the length of the academic program and often requiring proof of funds), and transit visas (short-duration permissions intended solely for passing through a country, frequently without leaving the international transit area).
Getting the right visa for your stated purpose matters. Using the wrong category or violating visa terms can lead to denied entry, removal, or future application problems.
Single vs. Multiple Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows one entry into a country-once you depart, it cannot be reused. A multiple-entry visa lets you exit and reenter during its validity period, which is helpful for regional trips or frequent cross-border travel. Many countries limit the days per stay on each entry (often 30-90 days) even when the visa remains valid longer overall.
Depending on the destination, you may need to justify the need for multiple entries and sometimes complete a separate application with additional documents. Multiple-entry visas are not intended to circumvent residency or long-stay rules; they simply facilitate lawful short visits that require coming and going.
When Should I Get a Visa?
Travelers often ask whether it is better to obtain a visa before departure or wait and get one on arrival. The answer depends on the country's rules and your risk tolerance:
- Before Departure: Applying in advance at an embassy, consulate, or official eVisa portal is the safest option. You will know before boarding that your paperwork is in order, and many airlines will not let you check in without proof of a valid visa if one is required.
- On Arrival: Some countries issue visas at the airport or land border. While convenient, this can mean long lines, unexpected fees, or even being denied entry if you don't meet requirements on the spot. Visa on arrival is best only if the destination explicitly allows it for U.S. citizens and you have flexibility.
- eVisa as a Middle Ground: Many destinations now offer electronic visas. These combine the security of advance approval with the convenience of an online application, avoiding embassy visits and airport delays.
Whenever possible, secure your visa before departure to reduce the risk of problems at boarding or the border. Confirm the latest rules with the destination's consulate or official website.
How to Get a Travel Visa
If a travel visa is one of the foreign entry requirements for the places you plan to visit, you need to obtain it from the appropriate embassy or consulate office. Most foreign consular representatives are located in major cities in the United States such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. There are also a large number of embassies in Washington, DC. Some countries allow you to submit a visa application by mail, others require a personal appearance, and some even require a visa interview.
If you choose to apply by mail, be sure to account for processing time. Just like applying for a new passport, there can be a lengthy wait time before you receive approval for your visa application. Once processed, your travel document and supporting documents will be mailed to you.
Many countries now offer an online visa application. The amount of processing time involved with getting a visa online will depend on the destination country's visa requirements and the efficiency of their systems and bureaucracies. At best, you may receive an evisa instantly. At a minimum, you will eliminate the wait time associated with mailing your application and materials or delivering them in person to an embassy or consulate.
As soon as you receive your travel visa, check for mistakes. Errors can cause problems at ports of entry and should be corrected before you travel. Attempting to use a visa that contains errors could result in being turned away at your port of entry.
What If I Need a Travel Visa Fast?
U.S. passport and foreign travel visa expediting services are helpful if you need to get your visa fast or if you do not have time or the means to submit the application yourself. You can request expedited service online and let the expeditor deliver the application to the embassy or consulate for a reasonable fee.
One reputable visa expediting service that we highly recommend is iVisa. They are experienced visa expeditors with tens of thousands of strong, positive ratings on TrustPilot. If you need a visa quickly, or you just need some extra support through the visa application process, iVisa can help ensure you get the proper visa for your trip and get it as soon as possible.
If you are in a rush, the tool below can help you determine your specific visa needs as well as get you started on the application process.
So, Do I Need a Travel Visa?
Again, not everyone will need a visa for every destination country. A passport valid for the duration of your trip may be sufficient for visa-free travel to many countries. Some countries require a passport valid for up to six months but still do not require passport holders to obtain any type of visitor visa.
Below is a directory of some of the most popular travel destinations and their visa requirements. For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, so it is best practice to reach out to the consulate or embassy of your destination country to be sure you comply with their most up-to-date travel document requirements.
Need a passport fast? Visit iVisa.com.
For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.
Popular Destinations That Require an Entry Document
| Country | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aruba | Yes | ED Card required |
| Australia | Yes | eVisitor or ETA required |
| Brazil | Yes | e-visa required as of April 2025 |
| China | Yes | Tourist Visa (L) / Business Visa (M) required in advance |
| Egypt | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| India | Yes | Tourist E-visa / Business E-visa / Medical E-visa available |
| Indonesia | Yes | e-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival) required |
| Israel | No | ETA required as of January 2025 |
| Jamaica | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days; C5-Form required |
| Kenya | Yes | eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required |
| Mexico | No (Visa-free) | FMM Tourist Card Required |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Yes | E-visa available |
| New Zealand | Yes | NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) required |
| Russia | Yes | Visa required in advance |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | E-visa available for tourism |
| South Korea | No | Visa-free up to 90 days; K-ETA exempt until 12/31/2025 |
| Tanzania | Yes | E-visa or Visa on Arrival (E-visa mandatory for US citizens) |
| Thailand | No | Visa-free for up to 60 days, pre-arrival registration required |
| United Kingdom | Yes | ETA required |
| Vietnam | Yes | Visa-on-arrival with pre-approval |
Key Details for Africa Visa Requirements
- Passport Validity: Most African countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival and have at least one or two blank pages for visas/stamps.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Yes | Visa required in advance |
| Angola | No | Visa-free up to 30 days |
| Benin | Yes | E-visa available |
| Botswana | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Burkina Faso | Yes | E-visa or visa on arrival available |
| Burundi | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) | No | Visa-free up to 30 days for tourists |
| Cameroon | Yes | Visa required in advance |
| Central African Republic | Yes | Visa required |
| Chad | Yes | Visa required |
| Comoros | Yes | Visa on arrival available |
| Republic of Congo | Yes | Visa required |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Yes | Visa required |
| Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Yes | Visa required |
| Djibouti | Yes | visa on arrival available |
| Egypt | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| Equatorial Guinea | Yes | Visa required |
| Eritrea | Yes | Visa required |
| Eswatini (Swaziland) | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| Ethiopia | Yes | E-visa |
| Gabon | Yes | E-visa available |
| The Gambia | Yes | Visa required |
| Ghana | Yes | Visa required |
| Guinea | Yes | Visa required |
| Guinea-Bissau | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| Kenya | Yes | eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required |
| Lesotho | No | Visa-free up to 180 days |
| Liberia | Yes | Visa required |
| Libya | Yes | Visa required; U.S. government warns against travel |
| Madagascar | Yes | Visa on arrival available |
| Malawi | No | Visa-free up to 30 days |
| Mali | Yes | Visa required |
| Mauritania | Yes | e-visa confirmation presented at airport |
| Mauritius | No | Visa-free for up to 60 days |
| Morocco | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Mozambique | No | Visa-free up to 90 days |
| Namibia | No | Visa on arrival available, prior online application required |
| Niger | Yes | Visa required |
| Nigeria | Yes | Visa required |
| Rwanda | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | No | Visa-free up to 15 days |
| Senegal | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Seychelles | Yes | ETA required, obtain in advance |
| Sierra Leone | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| Somalia | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| South Africa | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| South Sudan | Yes | E-visa required |
| Sudan | Yes | Visa required |
| Tanzania | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa (US citizens require Multiple Entry E-visa) |
| Togo | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| Tunisia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Uganda | Yes | E-visa |
| Zambia | No | Visa-free up to 90 days |
| Zimbabwe | Yes | Visa on arrival |
Key Details for Asia Visa Requirements
- Passport Validity and Blank Pages: Most Asian countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have one or more blank visa pages.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Yes | Visa required; avoid travel due to conflict |
| Armenia | Yes | Visa-free up to 90 days |
| Azerbaijan | Yes | E-visa available |
| Bahrain | Yes | E-visa or visa on arrival |
| Bangladesh | Yes | Visa required, obtain in advance |
| Bhutan | Yes | Visa now available through their Department of Immigration website |
| Brunei | No | Electronic arrival card registration required |
| Cambodia | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| China (mainland) | Yes | Tourist Visa (L) / Business Visa (M) required in advance |
| Cyprus | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Georgia | No | Visa-free for up to 365 days |
| India | Yes | Tourist E-visa / Medical E-visa available |
| Indonesia | Yes | e-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival) required |
| Iran | Yes | Visa required; strict entry rules |
| Iraq | Yes | e-visa available |
| Israel | No | ETA required as of January 2025 |
| Japan | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Jordan | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| Kazakhstan | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| Kuwait | Yes | visa on arrival |
| Kyrgyzstan | No | Visa-free for up to 60 days |
| Laos | Yes | Visa on arrival or e-visa |
| Lebanon | Yes | Visa on arrival for up to 1 month |
| Malaysia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Maldives | No | Visa-free with 30-day visa on arrival |
| Mongolia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Yes | E-visa available |
| Nepal | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| North Korea | Yes | Visa required; U.S. travel prohibited |
| Oman | Yes | E-visa and visa on arrival available |
| Pakistan | Yes | E-visa required |
| Palestine (West Bank, Gaza) | Varies | Entry governed by Israeli policy |
| Philippines | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| Qatar | No | visa on arrival |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | E-visa available for tourism |
| Singapore | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| South Korea | No | Visa-free up to 90 days; K-ETA exempt until 12/31/2025 |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required |
| Syria | Yes | Visa required; travel not advised |
| Taiwan | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Tajikistan | Yes | Visa-free up to 30 days for tourists |
| Thailand | No | Visa-free for up to 60 days, pre-arrival registration required |
| Timor-Leste (East Timor) | Yes | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Turkey | No | Visa-free up to 90 days |
| Turkmenistan | Yes | Visa required in advance |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | No-fee visa for up to 30 days |
| Uzbekistan | Yes | e-visa available |
| Vietnam | Yes | E-visa required |
| Yemen | Yes | Visa required; travel not advised |
Key Details for Europe Visa Requirements Table
- Schengen Zone Covers Most of Europe: U.S. citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- ETIAS Authorization Coming Soon: Starting in mid-2025, U.S. travelers must apply for ETIAS before entering Schengen countries.
- Passport Validity: Most European countries require your passport to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond your departure date from Europe.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | No | Visa-free for up to 1 year |
| Andorra | No | Visa-free; entry via France or Spain (Schengen rules apply) |
| Armenia | Yes | Visa-free up to 180 days |
| Austria | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Belarus | Yes | Visa-free up to 30 days |
| Belgium | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Bulgaria | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Croatia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Cyprus | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Czech Republic | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Denmark | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Estonia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Finland | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| France | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Georgia | No | Visa-free for up to 365 days |
| Germany | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Greece | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Hungary | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Iceland | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Ireland | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Italy | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Kosovo | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Latvia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Liechtenstein | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Lithuania | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Luxembourg | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Malta | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Moldova | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Monaco | No | Visa-free; entry via France (Schengen rules apply) |
| Montenegro | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Netherlands | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| North Macedonia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Norway | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Poland | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Portugal | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Romania | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Russia | Yes | Visa required in advance |
| San Marino | No | Visa-free; entry via Italy (Schengen rules apply) |
| Serbia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Slovakia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Slovenia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Spain | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Sweden | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Switzerland | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area |
| Turkey | No | Visa-free up to 90 days |
| Ukraine | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| United Kingdom | Yes | ETA required |
| Vatican City | No | Visa-free; entry via Italy (Schengen rules apply) |
Key Details for North America Visa Requirements
- Most Countries Are Visa-Free for U.S. Tourists: Nearly all countries and territories in North America offer visa-free entry to U.S. citizens for 30 to 180 days.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country / Territory | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | No | Visa-free for up to 6 months |
| Aruba | Yes | ED Card required |
| The Bahamas | No | Visa-free for up to 8 months |
| Barbados | No | Visa-free for up to 6 months |
| Belize | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| Canada | No | Visa-free for up to 180 days |
| Costa Rica | No | Visa-free for up to 180 days |
| Cuba | Yes | Tourist card required; U.S. travel restrictions apply |
| Dominica | No | Visa-free for up to 6 months |
| Dominican Republic | No | Visa-free up to 30 days |
| El Salvador | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days; tourist card fee on arrival |
| Grenada | No | Visa-free for up to 3 months |
| Guatemala | No | Electronic Immigration Form to be completed upon entry/exit |
| Haiti | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days; tourist fee on arrival |
| Honduras | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Jamaica | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days; C5-Form required |
| Mexico | No | Visa-free, but FMM (tourist card) required, valid up to 180 days |
| Nicaragua | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days; tourist card on arrival |
| Panama | No | Visa-free for up to 180 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | No | Visa-free for up to 3 months |
| Saint Lucia | No | Visa-free for up to 6 weeks |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | No | Visa-free for up to 180 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Puerto Rico | No | U.S. territory - no visa or passport required for U.S. citizens |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | No | U.S. territory - no visa or passport required for U.S. citizens |
| Guam | No | U.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens |
| Northern Mariana Islands | No | U.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens |
| American Samoa | Yes | U.S. territory - entry permit required from local authorities |
Key Details for Oceania Visa Requirements
- Australia and New Zealand Require Pre-Approval: U.S. travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before visiting.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country / Territory | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Yes | eVisitor or ETA required |
| Fiji | No | Visa-free for up to 4 months |
| Kiribati | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| Marshall Islands | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Micronesia (FSM) | No | Visa-free for unlimited stay |
| Nauru | Yes | Advance visa required |
| New Zealand | Yes | NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) required |
| Palau | No | Visa-free for up to 1 year |
| Papua New Guinea | Yes | E-visa available |
| Samoa | Yes | Entry permit on arrival for up to 90 days |
| Solomon Islands | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| Tonga | Yes | Visa on arrival for up to 31 days |
| Tuvalu | Yes | Visa on arrival |
| Vanuatu | No | Visa-free for up to 30 days |
| American Samoa | Yes | U.S. territory - entry permit required from local authorities |
| Guam | No | U.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens |
| Northern Mariana Islands | No | U.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens |
Key Details for South America Visa Requirements
- Most South American Countries Are Visa-Free for U.S. Citizens: The vast majority of South American countries allow U.S. citizens to enter without a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
- Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
| Country | Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Bolivia | Yes | Visa required; available on arrival or in advance (approx. $160) |
| Brazil | Yes | evisa required (as of April 2025) |
| Chile | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Colombia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Ecuador | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Guyana | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Paraguay | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Peru | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Suriname | Yes | e-visa required |
| Uruguay | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days |
| Venezuela | Yes | Visa required in advance from Venezuelan consulate |
Travel Visa FAQs
Have questions about travel visas? These are the questions readers ask most often. Each answer reflects current common practices and practical tips for U.S. travelers.
This section is organized into clear categories so you can find answers fast: basics, who needs a visa, applying, validity and entry limits, passport and visa logistics, special cases, and helpful links. Click a question below to reveal the answer.
Basics
A travel visa is authorization from a foreign government that allows a traveler to present themselves for entry for a specific purpose and time. An immigration officer still decides entry on arrival.
No. A passport is issued by your home government and proves identity and citizenship for international travel. A visa is issued by the country you plan to visit and is valid only for that destination.
Visas help governments control entry, enforce immigration laws, and protect security by screening travelers before arrival.
Tourist and business visas are common. Many countries also issue student, work, transit, and immigrant visas, each with different requirements and conditions of stay.
Do I Need a Visa?
Requirements vary by country and purpose of travel. Start with the resources on this page, then confirm with the destination's embassy or consulate:
Some countries offer visas on arrival, others use eVisas, and some require an in-person application. Many travelers prefer eVisas to avoid airport delays. See the eVisa guide and confirm rules before booking.
Applying
Apply through the destination's embassy or consulate, the official eVisa portal, or use a reputable visa expediter. Typical items include a valid passport, photo, completed application, travel plans, and proof of funds or accommodation. See the Embassy directory and eVisa guide.
Most consulates ask for a valid passport with enough remaining validity and blank pages, a completed application, a recent photo, travel itinerary, lodging details or invitation, and proof of funds. Some destinations require travel insurance or extra letters for business, study, or family visits.
For minors, extra documents may be needed such as consent letters or custody orders. See Unaccompanied Minor travel and the Child Passport guide.
Fees and processing times vary by country and visa type. Costs can range from modest to several hundred dollars. Processing may take days to weeks. Confirm current fees and timing with the destination's embassy or consulate.
Consider an eVisa or a trusted visa expediter. Start here: How to get a visa fast.
Validity, Extensions, and Issues
Length of stay depends on the visa type and the country. Many tourist visas allow 30 to 90 days per entry. Multiple-entry visas often limit the days per visit even if overall validity is longer. Check your visa label and your entry stamp.
A single-entry visa lets you enter once. A multiple-entry visa allows exit and reentry during the validity period, though each stay may still have a day limit.
Some countries allow extensions through local immigration offices if you apply before the authorized stay ends. Policies, fees, and timing vary and approval is not guaranteed.
Overstays can lead to fines, removal, future entry bans, or problems in later visa applications. Depart before your authorized stay expires or secure an approved extension in advance.
Passport and Visa Logistics
Some countries allow travel with the new passport plus the old passport that contains the still-valid visa. Others require a visa transfer. See Unexpired visas in an old passport and confirm with the destination's consulate before travel.
Many countries expect six months of validity beyond the intended stay. Check the list here: Six-month validity rule. When in doubt, renew early.
Special Cases
Usually yes. Requirements are similar to adults, but minors may need extra documents such as consent letters or custody orders. See Unaccompanied Minor travel and the Child Passport guide.
No. A tourist visa does not authorize employment or formal study. Apply for the correct visa category and confirm requirements with the embassy or consulate.
Review the refusal reason, correct the issue or provide missing evidence, and reapply when eligible. In some cases a different visa class is more appropriate.
Helpful Links
Use the destination's official site and these resources:
Essential Travel Resources for Your Next Adventure
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