Obtaining a tourist visa for most countries involves a structured, multi-step process, though the specific requirements and duration vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination.
Essential Steps for Visa Application
The application process generally follows these steps:
1. Research and Determine Visa Type
First, use the official government immigration website of your destination country to check if you need a visa at all. Many countries offer visa-free entry or a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for certain nationalities. If a visa is required, confirm the specific tourist/visitor visa category and its restrictions (e.g., maximum stay, no work permitted).
2. Gather Required Documents
The core of your application rests on providing comprehensive documentation. Typically required documents include:
Valid Passport: Must usually be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from the destination country, with sufficient blank pages.
Completed Application Form: Often filled out online.
Passport-Sized Photos: Meeting specific size and background requirements.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, pay slips, or audited accounts demonstrating you have enough money to cover your trip expenses.
Proof of Travel Arrangements: Round-trip flight itinerary (or booking confirmation) and accommodation bookings (hotel reservations or a letter of invitation/sponsorship from a host).
Proof of Intent to Return: Strong ties to your home country, such as a letter from your employer/school, proof of property ownership, or evidence of immediate family, to assure the consular officer you will not overstay.
Travel Insurance: Required by some nations, especially in regions like the Schengen Area.
3. Application Submission and Interview
Many countries require you to schedule an appointment at the country's embassy, consulate, or a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) like VFS Global. This is where you submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and, often, attend a visa interview. You must also pay the non-refundable visa application fee at this stage.
4. Processing and Collection
Processing times vary significantly, from a few days for some e-Visas to several weeks or months for complex cases. Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport, which will either contain the visa sticker (a traditional visa) or a refusal letter. For e-Visas, the approval is typically emailed. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Taking care of a tourist visa, whether it's single-entry or multiple-entry
Primarily means adhering strictly to the terms and conditions set by the issuing country. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines, deportation, and being barred from future entries:
1. Understand the Type and Validity:
- Single-Entry: Allows you to enter the country only once.1 The visa becomes invalid the moment you leave, even if the expiration date hasn't passed. You must apply for a new visa to re-enter.
- Multiple-Entry: Allows you to enter and exit the country multiple times while the visa is valid.4
- Validity Period: The "Valid From" and "Valid To" dates indicate the window during which you can use the visa to enter the country.5 Your total stay must also respect the maximum duration allowed per entry.
2. Respect the "Duration of Stay" Limit:
- This is the maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in the country per visit (e.g., 30 days, 90 days).6
- NEVER Overstay: Overstaying, even by a single day, is a serious violation and can lead to immediate penalties and affect your travel history globally.
3. Adhere to the Purpose of Travel:
- A tourist visa is for tourism, visit, or short-term leisure activities only.7
- Do Not Work: You cannot engage in paid or unpaid employment (unless explicitly allowed by a specific visa type/country).8
- Do Not Study Long-Term: You cannot enroll in long-term educational programs.
4. Keep Your Passport Valid:
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the host country, as is often a requirement.9
5. Carry Required Documents:
Always carry your passport and a copy (or the original, if digital) of your visa/e-visa when traveling and during your stay.
6. Follow Local Laws:
While in the country, you must comply with all national and local laws and regulations.
Special Considerations for Multiple-Entry Visas
A multiple-entry visa offers more flexibility but comes with a crucial rule:
1. Observe the Maximum Stay Within a Rolling Period (e.g., Schengen Visa):
Many multiple-entry visas (like the Schengen visa) have a maximum stay limit within a larger period, such as "90 days in any 180-day period."10
You must calculate your stays carefully to ensure you do not exceed this limit, even if the visa is valid for several years. This 180-day period is constantly "rolling."
2. Maintain Compliant Travel History:
Multiple-entry visas are often granted to applicants with a history of using previous visas responsibly (i.e., not overstaying, complying with conditions).11
"Taking care" of this visa means you must continue to be a compliant traveler to ensure your visa remains valid and you are eligible for future visas.
3. Use the Visa for its Intended Purpose:
If the multiple-entry visa is for tourism, don't use it to attempt to live permanently or work illegally. Immigration officials may cancel the visa if they suspect misuse.
