What is a visa?

Traveling the world requires a clear understanding of the different existing types of visas. A world travel guide offers specific information on the various visa categories. Each one has its designs for specific purposes—for instance, work, tourism, study, or transit. Knowing the limitations and requirements of each visa is essential to plan a smooth international trip.

In this article, you can find the different types of visas available and their requirements. Also, ideas about how to choose your visa based on your trip's purpose for each country. Additionally, practical tips to successfully navigate throughout the visa application process.

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In this article:

1.-Visa definition

2.-Type of visa

3.-Visa-free

4.-Find your Visa

What is a Travel Visa?

A visa is a travel document that allows you to enter a country other than your own for a specific period. In most cases, those interested must apply for a visa before traveling. To do so, it is necessary to visit a Consulate or an Embassy or apply online. Sometimes, there is also the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival in the country. 

Generally, visas are attached to passports with valuable information about your staying period. Probably, you are wondering when you need a visa to travel. The answer is simple: A person needs a visa when they want to enter a country of which they are not a citizen. 

There are indeed cases in which you need a visa to enter a nation despite being a citizen. These are exceptions and it is important to know them before planning a trip.

Some nations impose visa requirements on expatriates as a security measure. Thus, authorities can track stopping illegal immigration. Additionally, another purpose of visas is to prevent security risks from entering the country.

In summary, visas are entry permits that the authorities of a country grant to foreigners. Visas may be required for many reasons. For instance, work, study, tourism, or to meet with family. Each nation has its procedures and requirements for issuing visas.

Types of Visa

Let’s explore something essential to plan your journey: The main visa types available are:

Tourist visa: Tourist visas are entry permits for foreigners for recreational purposes. The types of tourist visas are short-term. Generally, they are valid for three months and will not allow you to work legally during your stay in the country. 

Transit visa: This sort of visa allows you to pass through a specific country while aiming to travel to a third-country destination. For instance, if you are traveling to Canada holding an Indian passport, but you have a stopover in a Schengen country, you will need a Schengen transit visa.

Work visa: If you find work in a foreign country, you must apply for a work visa. Generally, work visas are for long-term purposes, with approximately one to four years of validity. 

Student visas: They are for educational purposes and are generally valid for the duration of the study program. Consequently, this visa can last between one and four years, or even longer, depending on the course.

Family reunification visa: This visa is for when your spouse lives and works in another country. In essence, it allows you to become a temporary (or permanent) resident in the country where your partner is.

Investment visa: This allows you to become a resident in another nation if you make a significant financial investment. The minimum investment may vary, but the same result: A positive financial impact on the country.

Finally, there are many other types of visas that we will mention below in this foreign travel guide:

• Digital nomad visas
• Freelance visas
• Work and holiday visas
• Official visas
• Refuge or asylum visas
• Medical visa
• Pilgrimage visas
• Retirement visas

Is it possible to travel without a Visa?

Not everyone needs a visa to travel. Many nations have visa waiver agreements. These arrangements allow citizens of specific countries (for short stays) to cross borders without a visa. Holders from Western countries can travel to most places without a visa, like Australia, the USA, Canada, and EU States.

The time allowed for visa-free stays is normally short, very similar to those for tourist visas. Of course, this usually varies from a few days to a few months. Regardless of your nationality, we recommend checking the visa requirements before traveling with one of our visa specialists.

Remember, if you are visiting a country without a visa, you are not allowed to perform any economic activity, such as work or selling items or services.

Where can I find my visa?

Previously, it was possible to find your traveling visa attached to a page in your passport. Visas are stickers added to passports with different information about the beneficiary. For instance, a standard-size picture, full name, and the number of days you are allowed to stay in a specific country.

In some cases, you can find a worldwide visa that is issued as a separate document from the passport. So, it is not attached to the passport. For example, electronic visas, known as e-visa. You can access them from your portable device or print them to present on the security control. It is important to mention that the design of each visa is different, but its content usually presents the same information. 

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