Tourist / Visit Visa
A tourist visa is a government-issued document that enables travelers to enter a foreign country for a limited period, specifically for leisure, sightseeing, recreation, or non-business purposes. Its main uses and features vary slightly across countries and visa categories. Here’s an introductory overview for each major region based on current guidelines.
USA – Tourist (B2) Visa
The USA’s B2 tourist visa allows foreign nationals to visit for leisure, vacation, medical treatment, or informal visits with family or friends. This visa does not permit employment or long-term study; its primary use is for exploring renowned American attractions, enjoying recreation, and visiting loved ones.
Procedure & Process
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
Pay the US visa fee and schedule an embassy/consulate interview.
Attend the biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Submit the required supporting documents including passport, photographs, financial proof, travel itinerary, and letter of intention.
Attend the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate; answer questions about your trip, intentions, and ties to home country.
Decision is usually immediate post-interview. On approval, passport is submitted for visa stamping.
Features
Visa Types: B-2 for tourism, B-1 for short-term business.
Validity: Typically up to 10 years, with max stay per visit of 180 days.
Processing Time: Usually within 4–8 weeks depending on embassy load.
Canada
Canada’s visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa) permits entry for sightseeing, nature trips, and visits to Canadian cities, as well as short stays with family or friends. It ensures legal compliance with Canadian immigration laws and may also be required for travelers transiting through Canada. Business or study activities are not permitted on this visa.
Procedure & Process
Confirm eligibility: financial means, health, valid passport, intention to return.
Prepare necessary paperwork: passport, photos, purpose letter, ties to home country, proof of funds, and travel plan.
Complete the IMM 5257, IMM 5645, and IMM 5476 forms.
Pay visa and biometrics fees using IRCC portal.
Submit application online via IRCC account, attach all documents, then follow biometric instructions as received.
Await decision (usually 2–8 weeks). If approved, passport is submitted for stamping.
Features
Visit Duration: Generally up to 6 months per visit.
Visa Validity: Depends on individual application (single/multiple entry options).
Fees: Application (100 CAD), Biometrics (85 CAD), proof of at least 2,000 CAD for 1-month stay.
Extensions: Allowed in some cases, must apply before expiry.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s visitor visa enables travelers to tour the country’s natural wonders and vibrant urban areas for up to nine months. Holders can visit friends, family, or attend brief courses but cannot undertake work or long-term studies. This visa is ideal for nature enthusiasts and holidaymakers
Procedure & Process
Determine if a visa or NZeTA (electronic travel authority) is needed; most visitors apply for a standard visitor visa.
Decide how to apply: online is faster and cheaper. Complete the online form.
Gather supporting documents: passport (valid for 3+ months after intended departure), photos, financial proof, travel plans, ties to home.
Pay visa fee (NZD 341 onwards). Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Center if required.
Attend interview if required; wait for decision, usually 2–4 weeks.
Features
Visit Duration: Up to 6 or 9 months per visit.
Eligibility: Must have sufficient funds and clear intent to leave after visit.
Fees: NZD 341+, varies by duration and country.
Extensions: Not allowed; new application needed.
Australia – Tourist/Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Australia’s tourist visa supports short stays for tourism, recreation, or visiting relatives and friends. It restricts employment and generally does not permit study beyond a short course. Visitors use this visa to experience Australia’s beaches, cities, and wilderness.
Procedure & Process
Apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) online through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
Create an ImmiAccount, fill out the form, pay the fee.
Mandatory biometric data collection at a Visa Application Center (fingerprints, photo).
Submit all documents: valid passport, photographs, proof of financial means, travel insurance, travel itinerary, and invitation letters if visiting family.
Applications can be for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on profile and travel plan.
Wait 4–6 weeks for processing; submit passport for stamping if approved.
Features
Validity: 3, 6, or up to 12 months, single or multiple entry options.
Fees: AUD 145 for tourist, possible higher for frequent travelers.
Requirements: Proof of funds, medical insurance, travel history, purpose letter
Schengen Countries – Schengen Tourist Visa
The Schengen tourist visa covers travel to numerous European nations for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Uses include exploring historic sites, cultural experiences, and leisure travel across the Schengen area. Holders cannot work or study but may engage in short-term leisure activities or visit friends/family.
Procedure & Process
Apply for the Schengen tourist visa at the main destination country’s embassy/consulate or a designated visa center.
Complete the Schengen visa application form online or download, print, and fill it.
Compile all required documents: passport, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation, proof of funds, travel itinerary, employment/income proof.
Schedule a biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo), attend the interview, and pay the non-refundable fee (€80 adults).
Wait for processing (typically 15 days, can extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons).
Visa valid for travel up to 90 days within a 180-day period for multiple countries in the Schengen zone
Features
Coverage: 29 countries in the Schengen Area.
Purpose: Tourism, family/friends, cultural, medical, etc.
Fees: €80 adult, €40 child (6–12), free under 6.
Multiple Entry: Available for eligible applicants.
UK – Standard Visitor Visa
The UK’s standard visitor visa is for tourism, holiday, participating in short courses, and visiting family/friends. Business, work, or study are generally not permitted unless covered by specific allowances. The visa provides access to the UK’s iconic sites and diverse culture
Procedure & Process
Complete the Standard Visitor visa application online; earliest application is 3 months before travel.
Gather supporting documents: passport, financial proof, travel plans, invitation letter (if visiting family/friends), employment details.
Pay visa fee (standard: £127 for 6 months; long-term options also available).
Schedule and attend biometrics appointment at a visa application center. Interview may be requested depending on circumstances.
Wait for decision, typically 3 weeks after application.
Features
Validity: 6 months (standard), up to 10 years for frequent travelers (multiple entry, max 6 months per visit).
Fees: £127 for standard, £475–1,059 for long-term.
Requirements: Proof of intention to leave, no access to public funds, sufficient means for trip.
Ireland – Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
Ireland’s ‘C’ tourist visa is meant for those wishing to experience Irish heritage, scenery, attend events, or visit family/friends for up to 90 days. It excludes work or long-term study and is designed for leisure travel and short stays.
Procedure & Process
Apply online via the AVATS system; choose “Short Stay C – Visit (Tourist)”.
Submit supporting documents: application summary sheet, valid passport (6+ months post visit), 2 photos, purpose letter, financial proof, travel plans, and proof of accommodation.
Include documentation of how expenses will be covered and ties to home country.
Pay visa fee (€60 single entry, €100 multiple entry).
Send original documents and signed application to the immigration office (details given in AVATS summary).
Processing time is typically 6–8 weeks.
Decision is stamped on passport; may appeal if refused.
Features
Validity: Short-stay (“C”) visa allows up to 90 days.
Entry: Single or multiple entry (multi-entry only for those with compliant travel history).
Requirements: No public services, financial proof, ties to home country, full documentation.