Understand every type of visa

The purpose of your trip decides which visa you need. Here's what each category covers, who it's for, and what to expect.

Tourist Visa

Leisure & sightseeing

For holidays, sightseeing and short personal visits. The most common visa worldwide and often available as an eVisa or visa on arrival.

  • Holidays, sightseeing and family visits
  • No paid work permitted
  • Often available online or on arrival
Typical validity
30–90 days
Processing
Minutes–3 weeks

Business Visa

Meetings & trade

For meetings, conferences, negotiations and short-term business activity. Usually requires an invitation letter from the host company.

  • Meetings, conferences and trade fairs
  • Invitation letter often required
  • No local employment allowed
Typical validity
90 days–1 year
Processing
1–3 weeks

Student Visa

Study abroad

For enrollment in schools, colleges and universities. Tied to an accepted offer from a recognized institution.

  • Acceptance letter from the institution
  • Proof of tuition and living funds
  • Limited part-time work in some countries
Typical validity
Course duration
Processing
3–8 weeks

Work Visa

Employment abroad

For taking up employment or a sponsored assignment. Normally requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.

  • Job offer and employer sponsorship
  • Skills or salary thresholds may apply
  • Can lead to longer-term residence
Typical validity
1–5 years
Processing
1–3 months

Medical Visa

Treatment & care

For travelers seeking medical treatment abroad, often with a companion. Requires documentation from the treating hospital.

  • Letter from the treating hospital
  • Companion visas often available
  • Extendable for ongoing treatment
Typical validity
Treatment period
Processing
1–2 weeks

Transit Visa

Connecting flights

For short stopovers while connecting between international flights. Some countries waive it for airside transfers.

  • Short airport or city stopovers
  • Onward ticket required
  • Sometimes waived for airside transit
Typical validity
24–72 hours
Processing
Minutes–1 week

Family Visa

Join or visit family

For visiting or reuniting with relatives abroad. Requires proof of relationship and often a sponsor in-country.

  • Proof of family relationship
  • Sponsor or host details
  • Can support longer-term reunification
Typical validity
90 days–1 year
Processing
2–6 weeks

Not sure which visa fits your trip?

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