Visa category encyclopaedia

No visa or permit is needed before departure — you receive a stay permit at the border with a valid passport. There is usually a cap on the length of each stay and on the total time within a rolling period (for example, 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area).

Best for: Suited to short tourism, family visits, transit and informal business meetings — paid work is not allowed.

Not a visa but a pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers. Most decisions arrive within minutes to 72 hours, the authorisation is electronically linked to your passport, and it is usually valid for 2–5 years with multiple entries. Examples: US ESTA, Canada eTA, Korea K-ETA, UK ETA, New Zealand NZeTA.

Best for: Mandatory for visa-exempt travellers heading to countries that pre-screen arrivals electronically — without it you will be denied boarding.

You apply and pay at the airport or land border on arrival, filling in a form and presenting a photo, return ticket, proof of accommodation and cash. Some countries require an online pre-approval first.

Best for: A fallback for late bookings — expect queues at peak times.

Complete the form on the official immigration portal, upload a photo and passport scan, pay online, and receive the visa as a PDF to print or keep on your phone. Processing usually takes 1–7 working days.

Best for: Ideal if you want a fully online process without posting your passport or attending an interview.

The most common short-stay category, used for sightseeing and visiting family or friends. Typically requires a passport, photo, itinerary, hotel bookings and proof of funds; some countries also require an interview and biometrics.

Best for: When your destination offers no visa-free, VOA or e-Visa route for your passport.

For meetings, negotiations, contract signing, after-sales service and short training. Usually requires an invitation letter from the host company plus a dispatch letter. It does not permit long-term employment.

Best for: Short business trips that do not amount to taking up local employment.

Needed when connecting through a third country. Some places offer 24–240 hours of transit without visa (China 240 hours, Singapore 96-hour VFTF, Japan shore pass), usually requiring onward tickets and staying within a designated area.

Best for: Long layovers, airport changes, or a short stopover en route.

For long-term work, study or residence. Usually requires sponsorship from an employer or school, qualifications, a police clearance certificate and a medical exam, plus residence registration after arrival.

Best for: When staying longer than a visa-free or short-stay entry allows.

Requires prior government approval, an invitation letter, or travel via an authorised tour group; independent travel is limited.

Best for: Confirm through official channels whether ordinary tourists are admitted before planning.