Each country shares more or less the same requirements in issuing a visa to the party in need. However, there are small differences, depending on the consulate/embassy, on the additional documents required, apart from the main identification documents and their current economic status.
Ensure, you have a passport which is valid for six months after your date of departure — and you have purchased travel health insurance as required by your destination country.
What Is a Visa?
A visa is a travel document (containing your name and picture) that allows you to enter a specific foreign country for a specific period of time. Visas are usually affixed onto your passport and state how long you can stay. In some cases, visas are also issued as separate documents and are not attached to your passport – such as electronic visas, which you must print out.
Wen travelling to a country where does not permit Visa Free Entry or offer Visa on Arrival, you have to apply for a visa before travelling, either at an embassy, consulate, or online.
Most countries impose visa requirements for foreign nationals as a security measure: to keep track of who enters and to stop illegal immigration. Visas are also used as a defensive effort, stopping security risks from entering a country.
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.)
What Are The Different Types of Visa?
Some of the common types of Visa issued for the purpose of travel are:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must meet the definition of a digital nomad. This definition varies depending on the country, but it’s usually someone who can work remotely either for a company or individual clients. To apply for this type of visa, you must find a country with a digital nomad immigration program. |
| Family Reunification Visa | This visa is issued when your spouse lives and works in another country. This visa allows you to become a temporary (or permanent) resident in the country where your partner is working. Usually, a family visa is also issued to any minor children you or your spouse have. |
| Investment Visa | This visa allows you to become resident in another country if you make a significant financial investment. The required investment varies (in a startup, bonds, a government fund, etc.) but the result must be the same: a positive financial impact and/or employment opportunities. In some countries, you may also acquire a visa if you purchase real estate property. |
| Medical Visa | You can apply for a medical visa to seek medical treatment in a foreign country. Medical visas are short-term issued for the duration of the medical procedure and the patient’s recovery time. To qualify for this type of visa, you need to provide evidence from your doctor regarding your condition and proof that you have found a hospital and a doctor in your destination country who will perform the required procedure. |
| Official or Diplomatic Visa | Official visas allow you to do diplomatic work as a representative of your country abroad. Some of the most commonly issued official permits are diplomatic visas, but some countries also provide service and courtesy visas. |
| Pilgrimage Visa | This visa is issued to people who want to complete a religious journey in another country. An example of a pilgrimage visa is the Hajj visa issued by Saudi Arabia to Muslims who want to complete the sacred journey of Hajj in Mecca. These types of visas are usually issued for a group of people rather than an individual and are valid only for the time it takes to complete the pilgrimage. |
| Retirement Visa | This visa is issued to foreigners who want to retire outside of their home country. It is issued only to those that have reached their retirement age and is given in form of a residence permit. Usually, authorities require proof of sufficient funds to support yourself. |
| Refuge or Asylum Visa | This visa is required by a refugee or an asylum seeker who is being persecuted in their home country due to religious, racial, or political reasons. Every country issues their own visa to accommodate persons who have refugee status. |
| Student Visa | These are issued for educational purposes and are usually valid for the duration of your study program. As a result, your study visa can last between one to four years, or even more, depending on your course. You cannot work in another country with a student visa unless your host country permits you. |
| Tourist or Travel Visa | These are entry permits issued for recreational purposes. Tourist types of visas are short-term, usually valid for three months, and you cannot work while on a tourist visa. There is usually no limit to how many times you can apply for a tourist visa for the same country— as long as the embassy/consulate grants the visa; you can freely travel. |
| Transit Visa | This visa allows you to pass through a specific country while traveling to a third destination country. For example, if you have an Indian passport and you are travelling to Canada, but during your trip you have a layover in a Schengen country, you will need a Schengen transit visa. Usually, this type of visa is issued for 24 up to 96 hours, but it can also be issued for ten days up to two weeks—depending on which country you transit through. You have to apply for a transit visa before traveling; transit visas are not issued at the airport. |
| Work Visa | This is required if you find work in a foreign country. Work visas are usually issued for long-term purposes from one up to four years, but this changes depending on your work contract. Your working visa serves as a route to a permanent residence permit in most cases. |
| Working Holiday Visa | These are short-term permits that can be considered a mix of the tourist and work visas. The purpose of this visa is to allow you to explore a foreign country like on a holiday while working to support your trip financially. Most countries have restrictions on what type of work you can do and how many hours you can work. Generally speaking, working holiday visas are issued for a year or two, and you can only apply for the visa once (except Australia’s working holiday visa). To be eligible for a work and holiday visa, in most cases, you must be between the ages of 18-30. |
How To Apply For A Travel Visa?
Most commonly, you apply for a visa through one of the following ways:
- At an embassy or consulate of the country that you will visit.
- Online (electronic visa).
- At the point of entry (visa on arrival).
The method of application depends on the specific country and your nationality. You should never travel without checking your visa requirements.
Apply For Travel Visa At An Embassy
In most cases, you can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. You will have to:
- Make an appointment.
- Collect a set of documents.
- Pay a visa processing fee.
- Enter a visa interview (sometimes).
The consular officers will review your application and decide whether to grant you a visa or not. Depending on the visa type, it could take several days to several months to process your application.
Remember
Sometimes, embassies or consulates will outsource visa submissions to private travel agencies. This means the agency collects your documents and sends them to the embassy/consulate, which then makes the decision.
Apply For Travel Visa Online
You can also apply for a visa online. Electronic (online) visas are usually issued as printable documents and are not pasted onto your passport. If a country issues electronic visas, then there will be an official application website, where you can:
- Complete an online visa application form.
- Attach electronic copies of your documents.
- Pay a visa fee.
Make sure that the website you are applying through is the official website, as you may have to provide personal information during the application and even pay a fee.
It can take a few minutes to several days to hear a decision on your visa application.
Apply For Visa On Arrival
You can apply for a visa at the airport or other point of entry of the country you are traveling to. This is known as a visa on arrival (VoA). In these cases, there will be visa counters at the point of entry, where you have to apply, pay a fee, and then wait for the decision to be made before you can pass through. Depending on the country, it could take from a few minutes to a few hours.
Remember
- Not all countries issue visas on arrival.
- Even countries that issue VOAs usually limit them only to certain nationalities.
- Visas on arrival are usually only available at certain airports or entry points.
What Are Different Visa Validity Classifications?
Visas can be issued for the following durations and validities:
| Short Stay | A short-stay visa can be issued for anywhere between a few days to several months. This type of visa is usually issued for tourists, business people, or other short-term purposes, like seeking medical attention or visiting family. |
| Long Stay | A long-stay visa can be issued for months or years. Sometimes, residence permits are also referred to as long-stay visas. |
| Single Entry | As the name suggests, a single-entry visa only allows you to enter that specific country or area once. After you leave, you cannot return, even if you have remaining days. |
| Multiple Entry | With a multiple-entry visa, you can enter a country or area multiple times, as long as the visa is valid. |
Which Countries Can An Indian Passport Holder Visit?
The Indian passport ranks 65th in the world as of August 2023 according to Passport Index. With a Mobility Score of 73, Indian Passport Holders IPH can travel “Visa-free” to 24 countries in the world, can apply “Visa on Arrival” at 49 countries, visit 3 countries with “Electronic Travel Authorization ETA” and apply for a Visa before entering the remaining 125 countries.
Can Travel Without a Visa to These Countries
As of August 2023, Indian passport holders can travel Visa Free (VF) to 24 countries and territories:
| Country | Visa Type | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Barbados | VF | 90 days |
| Bhutan | VF | 14 days |
| Dominica | VF | 180 days |
| El Salvador | VF | 90 days |
| Fiji | VF | 120 days |
| Gabon | VF | 30 days |
| Gambia | VF | 90 days |
| Grenada | VF | 90 days |
| Haiti | VF | 90 days |
| Jamaica | VF | |
| Kazakhstan | VF | 14 days |
| Macao | VF | 30 days |
| Mauritius | VF | 90 days |
| Micronesia | VF | 30 days |
| Nepal | VF | |
| Palestinian Territories | VF | |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | VF | 90 days |
| Senegal | VF | 90 days |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | VF | 90 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | VF | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | VF | 30 days |
Can Travel with an Electronic Travel Authorization ETA to These Countries
Indian passport holders can travel to 3 countries with an ETA.
| Country | Visa Type | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Pre-enrollment | 90 days |
| Seychelles | Tourist Registration | 90 days |
| Sri Lanka | eTA/30 days |
Can Travel with VoA / eV / Both to These Countries
The process of getting an e-Visa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.
After the Visa application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while travelling.
Following 16 out of 49 countries allow Indian passport holders to travel with Visa on Arrival:
| Country | Visa Type | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | VoA | |
| Burundi | VoA | 30 days |
| Cape Verde | VoA (EASE) | |
| Comoros | VoA | 45 days |
| Guinea-Bissau | VoA | 90 days |
| Maldives | VoA | 30 days |
| Marshall Islands | VoA | 90 days |
| Mauritania | VoA | |
| Palau | VoA | 30 days |
| Qatar | fVoA | 30 days |
| Saint Lucia | VoA | 42 days |
| Samoa | VoA | 90 days |
| Somalia | VoA | 30 days |
| Timor-Leste | VoA | 30 days |
| Tuvalu | VoA | 30 days |
| Zimbabwe | VoA | 90 days |
Following 21 out of 49 countries allow Indian passport holders to travel with e-Visa:
| Country | Visa Type | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | e-Visa | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-Visa | |
| Armenia | e-Visa | 120 days |
| Australia | e-Visa | |
| Azerbaijan | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Bahamas | e-Visa | |
| Bahrain | e-Visa | |
| Benin | e-Visa | |
| Botswana | e-Visa | |
| Burkina Faso | e-Visa | |
| Cameroon | e-Visa | |
| Colombia | e-Visa | |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Djibouti | e-Visa | |
| Ecuador | e-Visa | |
| Egypt | e-Visa | |
| Equatorial Guinea | e-Visa | |
| Ethiopia | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Georgia | e-Visa | |
| Guinea | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Iran | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Kenya | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-Visa | |
| Lesotho | e-Visa | 14 days |
| Malawi | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Malaysia | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Moldova | e-Visa | |
| Morocco | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Mozambique | e-Visa | |
| Myanmar | e-Visa | |
| Nigeria | e-Visa | |
| Oman | e-Visa | |
| Papua New Guinea | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Russian Federation | e-Visa | 15 days |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-Visa | |
| Singapore | e-Visa | |
| South Africa | e-Visa | |
| South Sudan | e-Visa | |
| Suriname | e-Visa | 90 days |
| Tajikistan | e-Visa | |
| Uganda | e-Visa | |
| Uzbekistan | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Vietnam | e-Visa | 30 days |
| Zambia | e-Visa |
Following 12 out of 49 countries allow Indian passport holders to travel either a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa both:
| Country | Visa Type | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bolivia | Both | 30 days |
| Cambodia | Both | 30 days |
| Indonesia | Both | 30 days |
| Jordan | Both | |
| Laos | Both | 30 days |
| Madagascar | Both | 30 days |
| Mongolia | Both | 30 days |
| Rwanda | Both | 30 days |
| Sierra Leone | Both | 30 days |
| Tanzania | Both | |
| Thailand | Both | 30 days |
| Togo | Both | 15 days |
The Bottom Line
- Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid last-minute surprises.
- If you're still in the planning stages of your holiday, consider alternatives that don't have strict time frames for immigration formalities.
- Countries that offer e-Visas are the best options for your last-minute vacations.
- A fast-track Visa on Arrival programme, was introduced by Indonesia for 86 nationalities, including India in 2022.
- Do not apply for Schengen visas for countries wherever appointments are available, as this could lead to visa rejections due to improper documentations.
FAQs
Both are 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.
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:
| Country | ETA Cost | ETA Approval Time | ETA Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada eTA | CAD 7 | Approved within a few minutes | Valid for up to five years, and allows you to stay six months per trip. |
| United States ESTA | USD 14 | Approved within a few minutes. | Issued for up to two years, and allows you multiple entries to the US, with a maximum three months per trip. |
| Australia ETA | AUC 20 | Approved within a few minutes. | Issued for one year, and allows you to visit Australia multiple times during its validity. |
| European Union ETIAS | €7 | Will be mandatory from November 2023 | Valid for three years and 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.
Some countries that are a part of a regional organization issue a common visa for all organization member states. Some of the most well known common visas include:
| Scheme Name | Scheme Description |
|---|---|
| The Schengen Visa | The Schengen visa is a shared entry permit that will allow you to enter any of the 27 European member countries in the Schengen Area, currently a part of this agreement. |
| EU-Mercosur Agreement | Composed of four entire member states, (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), along with several other associate countries, the EU-Mercosur Agreement allows visa-free travel for its citizens. However, each country regulates its visa policy for international visitors. |
| The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa) | The BIVS is a visa scheme between the United Kingdom and Ireland allowing foreign nationals to travel with one visa between these two countries. For example, if you have a valid visa for Britain you can enter Ireland with the same permit. |
| Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) | This is an agreement between several Middle Eastern countries that include the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Citizens of these countries can travel visa-free within their borders, but due to political strain, visa-free travel is not always permissible. |
| The Pacific Alliance | The Pacific Alliance includes Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, allowing its citizens to travel visa-free. Tourists can also travel in each member state with one visa. |
| The Central American Single Visa | This is a joint visa agreement between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Citizens of these countries can travel visa-free between member states. Tourists can also visit all member countries with one visa. |
| The CARICOM Visa | The CARICOM Agreement comprises 15 Caribbean countries which allow visa-free travel among their citizens. Furthermore, the agreement issues a joint CARICOM passport for their nationals which can be used for domestic and international travel. |
| Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) | This agreement includes 15 member states in West Africa whose citizens enjoy the freedom of movement between the countries. |
| The KAZA Univisa | The KAZA Univisa agreement allows you to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days. |
In addition to joint visa schemes, a visa issued by another country can also 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.
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