Tourist Visa
Visiting a new country, whether for leisure purposes, business, or visiting friends and family, is exciting. The first step in planning your international trip is getting a Tourist visa. Several countries require you to have permission to enter temporarily.
In this article, we will take you through the application process for a visitor visa, the necessary documents that you will require, and tips to ensure that your application is successful.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits you to stay in a specific country for a particular or shorter period. A visitor visa allows you to attend short-term business activities, family/friends visits, or go as a tourist and also for medical treatment.
Best Countries to Visit for Travellers
You must be wondering about one of the best countries for travelers. Don’t worry—we have your back. Below, we have mentioned one of the best countries you can visit.
Country | Top Attractions | Travel Experience |
Canada | Whistler, CN Tower, and Niagara Falls | Scenic landscapes, adventure tourism, outdoor activities |
Australia | Bondi Beach, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef | Iconic beaches, nature reserves, vibrant cities, wildlife |
Singapore | Sentosa Island and Marina Bay Sands | Modern architecture, multicultural experiences, shopping |
USA | Grand Canyon, New York City, Yellowstone, Las Vegas | Diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, entertainment |
UK | Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Stonehenge, Edinburgh | Rich history, royal landmarks, cultural heritage, theatre |
New Zealand | Milford Sound, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Queenstown | Outdoor adventures, hiking trails, stunning landscapes |
Netherlands | Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Cruises, Keukenhof | Picturesque canals, tulip fields, vibrant cities |
Ireland | Dublin Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher | Lush landscapes, historical sites, charming villages |
Malaysia | Petronas Towers, Langkawi, Batu Caves, Penang | Exotic beaches, rich culture, rainforests, food tourism |
Dubai | Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Desert Safari | Luxury shopping, innovative architecture, desert adventures |
Types of Visitor Visa for Indian Citizens
The following information explains the types of Visitor Visa for Indian Citizens.
Visa Type | |
Single-Entry Visa | Allows one-time entry. Becomes invalid once the traveler leaves, requiring reapplication for return. |
Multiple-Entry Visa | It permits multiple entries within a specified timeframe, which is ideal for frequent travelers. |
E-Visa | Electronically issued and applied for online, generally offers shorter processing times. |
Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Obtained upon arrival in the country of destination; eligibility is contingent upon the nationality of the tourist. |
Transit Visa | It allows short stays during layovers en route to another destination and is useful for brief explorations. |
Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians
You must fulfill the following requirements to get a tourist visa from India.
Requirements | |
Passport | Should remain valid for at least 6 months after the planned stay. |
Visa Application Form | A completed and signed form is typically available online or at the consulate. |
Photographs | Passport-sized photos that meet specific criteria (e.g., background color, size). |
Proof of Funds | Bank statements or financial documents prove you can support yourself financially. |
Travel Itinerary | Details your travel dates, accommodations, and planned activities. |
Flight Bookings | Proof of return or onward travel to confirm intent to leave after a visit. |
Travel Insurance | Some countries require medical expenses to be covered during the stay. |
Additional Documents | Depending on the destination, it may include invitation letters, proof of employment, or accommodation reservations. |
Documents Required for Tourist Visa from India
The document checklist required for a Tourist Visa for different countries may vary based on their unique requirements. However, the following are the necessary documents for a Tourist Visa.
• Valid Passport (With at least 6 months validity after the visa expires)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Proof of funds
• Travel Itinerary
• Flights Tickets Booking
• Travel Insurance
• Complete the Visa Application form
• Invitation Letter from Sponsor
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Additional Documents (Proof of Employment, Hotel Bookings)
Apply for a Tourist Visa from India
The following information explains the steps to apply for a Tourist Visa from India.
Conduct an In-Depth Research
Understand the requirements of your destination country. Every country has different requirements and procedures. Remember that requirements may change regularly, so make sure you're up-to-date with the latest updates.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all required documents, passport photographs, financial proofs, and an itinerary.
Fill Out the Application Form
Fill in your application form with complete accuracy and honesty. Some countries accept online applications, while others ask you to submit applications in person.
Pay the Visa Fee
Because a fee is charged for an application, visas come with a fee amount, depending on the country, visa type, and nationality. That's about all one is going to get from it.
Submit the Application
You can apply online, at the Consulate, or at the authorized visa service centers of the U.S. Embassy/Consulates.
Undergo an Interview (if mandatory)
Some countries may insist on an in-person interview, especially in high-risk nationalities or those staying for a considerable time.
Wait for Processing
Processing takes days to even weeks. You can check on the average processing time for your destination country.
Get Your Visa
The visa will be stamped on your passport or issued electronically when approved.
Validity of Tourist Visa for Indians
The following information explains the validity of a Tourist Visa for Indians. However, the validity of a tourist visa for Indians varies according to the country’s unique requirements.
Short-term visas: A few weeks up to three months for short-term stay, mainly for tourism or family visiting.
Long-term visas: Some countries issue visas valid for six months or even a whole year. It would enable more time to explore such a place; however, these mostly require stronger ties to their country of origin.
Multiple-Entry Visas: In this regard, some countries also issue multi-year tourist visas similar to the U.S. tourist visa, which, depending on the country of issuance, could be valid for 10 years and admit multiple entries if there is not a stay of more than six months.
Top Opted Tourist Visa Destinations and Their Requirements
The following are some of the top opted tourist visa destinations for Indians and their requirements.
Visa Type of Each Country | Processing Time | Key Requirements | |
2-4 weeks | Provide proof of sufficient funds, a detailed travel itinerary, and evidence of strong ties to your home country. | ||
Australia Visitor Visa | 3-4 weeks | Financial documentation, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and return ticket. | |
USA Tourist Visa | 1-2 months | Strong home ties, proof of financial stability, detailed itinerary, and sometimes an in-person interview. | |
UK Standard Visitor Visa | 3 weeks | Financial proofs, travel itinerary, return/onward travel booking, and sufficient funds to cover stay. | |
New Zealand Visitor Visa | 20-30 days | Provide proof of financial sufficiency, a confirmed return ticket, accommodation details, and travel plans. | |
Ireland Tourist Visa | 8-10 weeks | Financial documentation, travel itinerary, proof of return, and sometimes an invitation letter if visiting friends/family. | |
Instant (e-Visa) | Valid passport, return flight tickets, sufficient funds, and accommodation details. | ||
Dubai Tourist Visa | 1-3 days | Provide proof of accommodation, a confirmed return ticket, and sometimes an invitation from a resident or hotel booking for short-term stays. | |
Tourist Visa Fee for Indians
The following information explains each country's Tourist Visa Fee for Indians.
Country | Visa Type | Fee |
Canada | Visitor Visa | CAD 100 |
Australia | Standard Single Entry Visa | AUD 195 |
USA | Tourist Visa | USD 185 |
UK | GBP 115 | |
Dubai (UAE) | 30-Day Single Entry Visa | INR 7,300 |
Malaysia | Sticker Visa | INR 7,099 |
Singapore | Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) | Some extensions at SGD 40 |
New Zealand | Standard Visitor Visa | NZD 441 |
Netherlands | Tourist Visa | EUR 90 |
Ireland | Single-Entry Tourist Visa | INR 5,300 |
What are the significant differences between a Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa?
The following information explains the differences between a visitor visa and a tourist visa.
Criteria | Tourist Visa | Visitor Visa |
Primary Purpose | For leisure, tourism, and sightseeing purposes only. | Broader purpose, including family visits, tourism, or short-term business activities. |
Duration | Typically shorter, ranging from a few days to months, based on the country. | Often flexible; may allow longer stays, especially for family or business visits. |
Restrictions | It generally prohibits work or formal studies strictly for leisure activities. | It may allow limited non-work activities like conferences or short training sessions, depending on the rules. |
Examples | E.g., tourist visas for countries like Thailand or Italy are often short-term and tourism-based. | For example, In nations such as the United States, visiting visas (B-2) are valid for short-term activities, tourism, and family visits. |
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