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Tourist Visa

What Is a Tourist Visa?

Tourist visas are official travel documents issued to foreign visitors for leisure purposes. For example, if you are from India and want to visit the US, you need to apply for a tourist visa. Every country regulates its visa policy for tourists, and their corresponding embassies and consulates will help you obtain a visa for short-term visits.

Tourist Visa Guidelines

While you are visiting a foreign country under a tourist visa, you must keep in mind the following rules:

  • You cannot work with a tourist visa.
  • You cannot do business under a tourist visa.
  • You cannot study while you have a tourist visa.
  • You cannot become a permanent resident with a tourist visa.

Here is a list of some of the most popular tourist visas:

  • Schengen Visa
  • United States tourist visa
  • Australia tourist visa
  • Canada tourist visa
  • Chile tourist visa
  • Costa Rica tourist visa
  • Indonesia tourist visa
  • Israel tourist visa
  • Japan tourist visa
  • Mexico tourist visa
  • Taiwan tourist visa
  • Thailand tourist visa
  • United Kingdom tourist visa
  • Vietnam tourist visa

Most popular Schengen Visas

Europe is responsible for being home to some of the most attractive destinations in the world. However, many travellers may need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit European countries. Some of the most sought after tourist visas for Europe include:

  • Germany tourist visa
  • France tourist visa
  • Spain tourist visa
  • Italy tourist visa
  • Netherlands tourist visa

Is the Schengen Visa the Same as a Tourist Visa?

A Schengen visa is very similar to a tourist visa. However, unlike other traditional visas, the Schengen permit (C visa) allows you to visit any country within the Schengen area— provided that your visa is valid.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa?

To apply for a tourist visa, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Locate an embassy/consulate. 
  2. Assemble the documents required. 
  3. Pay the required tourist visa fee. 
  4. Attend the visa interview. 

Locate an embassy/consulate

You have to find an embassy or consulate of your destination country near you which can issue visas— keep in mind that an embassy and consulate are not the same. Either way, once you find the correct visa office, you have to make an appointment to submit your application.

Assemble the documents required

To submit a successful tourist visa application, you need to prepare your documents. If your documents are only in your native language, you must translate them as per the consulate’s instructions. Plus, some civil documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and so on may require an apostille stamp.

Pay the required tourist visa fee

To have your application processed, you need to pay the required visa fee— the amount of which varies depending on your destination. Some embassies require you to pay the fee before attending the visa interview, while others may ask to pay the same day.

Attend the visa interview

Once you have prepared your application documents, you can attend the interview. You will be asked questions about your trip, the reasons for your visit, your plans, and how long you will be staying in the country. The interview is required so that the embassy can see you do not plan on overstaying.

Documents Required for a Tourist Visa

Generally speaking, you need to prepare the following documents of a tourist visa application:

  • Tourist visa application form. 
  • Passport with six or three months validity period.
  • Passport pictures. 
  • Valid travel insurance. 
  • Evidence of financial means. 
  • Proof of accommodation. 
  • Proof of a booked return flight ticket. 
  • Proof of paid visa fee. 
  • Invitation letter. 
  • Civil documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) 
  • Any other supporting documents. 

How Long Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is usually issued for 30 days. However, some countries may issue a tourist visa for a year with multiple entries— still, you’re allowed to stay only 30 days per entry.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Tourist Visa?

Tourist visa applications are usually processed within two weeks. But, the processing time may take less or more than two weeks— it depends on your home residence, the season, and the embassy’s workload.

Tourist Visa Cost

A tourist visa can cost between $25 and $160, depending on which country you visit. Sometimes, the visa application fee may not cost that much, but you must pay other service and translation fees.

Can You Extend a Tourist Visa?

In most cases, you cannot extend a tourist visa unless one of the following applies to you:

  • You have an unexpected family matter (birth, illness, death, etc.).
  • There is a complex political situation in your country, making it dangerous to go back.
  • There is an unexpected problem due to ‘Force Majeure,’ i.e., storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.

How Many Times Can I Apply for a Tourist Visa?

There is usually no limit to how many times you can apply for a tourist visa— as long as you meet the requirements and you’ve respected the guidelines of your previous visas.

Tourist Visa Denial

Your tourist visa application can be denied for any of the following reasons:

  • You provided false information on your visa application.
  • Your passport is not up-to-date as per the embassy’s requirements.
  • You submitted an incomplete application.
  • You have been convicted of a serious crime.
  • Your destination country previously deported you for violating visa rules.