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58-505: An electronic visa ( E-Visa ) and an electronic travel authorization ( ETA , also styled eTA ) are digital travel permits commonly required in conjunction with a valid passport for entry into specific jurisdictions. These electronic travel documents have gained prominence in the modern era of digital connectivity and streamlined travel processes. Beginning in the 2000s many countries introduced e-visas and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) as an alternative to traditional visas . An ETA

116-486: A Residence Permit after they have arrived in the country. In the United Kingdom, applications can be made to UK Visas and Immigration . In certain circumstances, it is impossible for the holder of the visa to do this, either because the country does not have a mechanism to prolong visas or, most likely, because the holder of the visa is using a short stay visa to live in a country. Some foreign visitors engage in what

174-419: A consulate, embassy, or other diplomatic mission. Also known as visas on arrival (VOA), they are granted at a port of entry. This is distinct from visa-free entry, where no visa is required, as the visitor must still obtain the visa on arrival before proceeding to immigration control. An electronic visa (e-Visa or eVisa) is stored in a computer and is linked to the passport number so no label, sticker, or stamp

232-423: A country that limits the visa-free regime negatively by only listing nationals who require a visa, thus the number represents the number of UN member states reduced by the number of nationals who require a visa and "+" stands for all possible non-UN member state nationals that might also not require a visa. "N/A" indicates countries that have contradictory information on its official websites or information supplied by

290-533: A long-stay visa for those who intend to apply for a residence permit . For example, the EU does not require a visa of citizens of many countries for stays under 90 days, but its member states require a long-stay visa of such citizens for longer stays. Many countries have a mechanism to allow the holder of a visa to apply to extend a visa. In Denmark, a visa holder can apply to the Danish Immigration Service for

348-436: A private visa service specialist who is specialized in the issuance of international travel documents. These agencies are authorized by the foreign authority, embassy, or consulate to represent international travellers who are unable or unwilling to travel to the embassy and apply in person. Private visa and passport services collect an additional fee for verifying customer applications, supporting documents, and submitting them to

406-441: A specific duration include: Granted for those intending to settle permanently in the issuing country (obtain the status of a permanent resident with a prospect of possible naturalization in the future): These are granted to officials doing jobs for their governments, or otherwise representing their countries in the host country, such as the personnel of diplomatic missions. Normally visa applications are made at and collected from

464-507: A supervisor. Argentina and Singapore send digital entry receipts containing conditions of entry via email. Visas may also take the form of passport stamps. Because there is no national authority, Antarctica does not have a passport stamp. However, the various research stations there may provide souvenir ones on request. Border control officials often place stamps in passports as part of their immigration control or customs procedures. This endorsement can serve many different purposes. In

522-630: A test approved by a medical authority to enter Chilean territory. The issuing authority may also require applicants to attest that they have no criminal convictions, or that they do not participate in certain activities (like prostitution or drug trafficking). Some countries will deny visas if passports show evidence of citizenship of, or travel to, a country that is considered hostile by that country. For example, some Arabic-oriented countries will not issue visas to nationals of Israel and those whose passports bear evidence of visiting Israel. Many countries frequently demand strong evidence of intent to return to

580-504: A visa in advance are usually advised to obtain them at a diplomatic mission of their destination country. Several countries allow nationals of countries that require a visa to obtain them online. The following table lists visa policies of all countries by the number of foreign nationalities that may enter that country for tourism without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival with normal passport. It also notes countries that issue electronic visas to certain nationalities. Symbol "+" indicates

638-606: A visa instead. In contrast, an e-visa is simply a visa that travellers can apply for and receive online without visiting the issuing state's consular mission or visa agency. Electronic Visa (eVisa) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are digital travel documents that enable travelers to gain entry into foreign countries. Despite their apparent similarities, these two forms of travel authorization exhibit notable distinctions: The following jurisdictions require certain categories of international travellers to hold an ETA or e-visa to clear border controls upon arrival, if they don't need

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696-435: A visa is not needed under certain conditions, e.g., when the visit is for tourism and for a relatively short period. Such reciprocal agreements may stem from common membership in international organizations or a shared heritage: Other countries may unilaterally grant visa-free entry to nationals of certain countries to facilitate tourism, promote business, or even to cut expenses on maintaining consular posts abroad. Some of

754-549: A visa is subject to entry permission by an immigration official at the time of actual entry and can be revoked at any time. Visa evidence most commonly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant's passport or other travel document but may also exist electronically. Some countries no longer issue physical visa evidence, instead recording details only in immigration databases. Some countries, such as Turkey , require that their citizens, and sometimes foreign travelers, obtain an exit visa in order to be allowed to leave

812-435: A visa run is necessary to activate new visas or change the immigration status of a person. An example would be leaving a country and then returning immediately to activate a newly issued work visa before a person can legally work. In general, an applicant may be refused a visa if they do not meet the requirements for admission or entry under that country's immigration laws. More specifically, a visa may be denied or refused when

870-476: A visa: An electronic visa (e-Visa or eVisa) or Electronic travel authorization (or ETA) is stored in a computer and is linked to the passport number so no label, sticker, or stamp is placed in the passport before travel. The application is done over the internet, and the receipt acts as a visa, which can be printed or stored on a mobile device. These lists are not exhaustive. Some countries may have more detailed classifications of some of these categories reflecting

928-483: Is 1 July (if the traveller entered on 30 March). This interpretation of visas is common in the Americas. With other countries, a person may not stay beyond the period of validity of their visa, which is usually set within the period of validity of their passport. The visa may also limit the total number of days the visitor may spend in the applicable territory within the period of validity. This interpretation of visa periods

986-408: Is a central principle of the EU's common visa policy. The EU aims to achieve full visa reciprocity with non-EU countries whose citizens can travel to the EU without a visa. For example, when in 2009, Canada reintroduced visa requirements for Czech nationals, arguing it was necessary due to a surge in asylum applications, it raised concerns within the EU about the implications for the common visa policy,

1044-410: Is a kind of pre-arrival registration, which may or may not be officially classified as a visa depending on the issuing jurisdiction, required for foreign travellers who are exempted from obtaining a full visa. In contrast to the procedures that typically apply in regard to proper visas, per which the traveller normally has no recourse if rejected, if an ETA is rejected the traveller can choose to apply for

1102-536: Is common in Europe. Once in the country, the validity period of a visa or authorized stay can often be extended for a fee at the discretion of immigration authorities. Overstaying a period of authorized stay given by the immigration officers is considered illegal immigration even if the visa validity period is not over (i.e., for multiple entry visas) and a form of being "out of status" and the offender may be fined , prosecuted, deported , or even blacklisted from entering

1160-455: Is considered more likely that people from these countries will seek to illegally immigrate. Visa restrictions may also be imposed when nationals of another country are perceived as likelier to be terrorists or criminals, or by autocratic regimes that perceive foreign influence to be a threat to their rule. According to Professor Eric Neumayer of the London School of Economics : The poorer,

1218-442: Is known as a visa run : leaving a country—usually to a neighboring country—for a short period just before the permitted length of stay expires, then returning to the first country to get a new entry stamp in order to extend their stay ("reset the clock"). Despite the name, a visa run is usually done with a passport that can be used for entry without a visa. Visa runs are frowned upon by immigration authorities as they may signify that

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1276-499: Is not a violation of a visa, despite the common misuse of the phrase, but a violation of status – hence the term "out of status". Even having a visa does not guarantee entry to the host country. The border crossing authorities make the final determination to allow entry, and may even cancel a visa at the border if the alien cannot demonstrate to their satisfaction that they will abide by the status their visa grants them. Some countries that do not require visas for short stays may require

1334-402: Is permitted into the country. For example, if a visa has been issued to begin on 1 January and to expire on 30 March, and the typical authorized period of stay in a country is 90 days, then the 90-day authorized stay starts on the day the passenger enters the country (entrance has to be between 1 January and 30 March). Thus, the latest day the traveller could conceivably stay in the issuing country

1392-468: Is placed in the passport before travel. The application is done over the internet, and the receipt acts as a visa, which can be printed or stored on a mobile device. Visas can also be single-entry , which means the visa is cancelled as soon as the holder enters the country; double-entry ; or multiple-entry , which permits double or multiple entries into the country with the same visa. Countries may also issue re-entry permits that allow temporarily leaving

1450-465: Is taken to mean either that the person is deemed to have permission to remain for 90 days within a 180-day period or an alternative period as shown on their visa, whichever is shorter. In Japan, the passport entry sticker also contains a QR code that allows the immigration official to electronically collect information related to that entry. Most countries have different stamps for arrivals and departures to make it easier for officers to quickly identify

1508-558: The Han Dynasty in China , documents were required at checkpoints to verify travelers' identities. In medieval Europe , rulers issued "safe conduct" letters that protected travelers. In 1414, during the reign of King Henry V of England , passports became more formalized, allowing foreigners and citizens to travel safely within England. The 19th century saw an increase in international travel due to

1566-728: The Industrial Revolution , which led to the widespread adoption of passports, particularly for managing the movement of migrant workers. In Western Europe in the late 19th century and early 20th century, passports and visas were not generally necessary for moving from one country to another. The relatively high speed and large movements of people travelling by train would have caused bottlenecks if regular passport controls had been used. Passports and visas became usually necessary as travel documents only after World War I . After World War I , passports became essential for international travel. The League of Nations convened conferences in

1624-536: The United Kingdom and the United States . Argentina , Australia , Hong Kong SAR , Israel , Macau SAR , Cuba , Jamaica and Singapore do not stamp passports upon entry or exit. Some of these countries or regions issue landing slips instead. Australia does not issue any form of physical evidence of entry or exit as a matter of course at the primary line, but will provide entry and exit stamps upon request to

1682-445: The 1920s to standardise passports, setting the foundation for modern versions. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) took over regulation in 1947, leading to machine-readable passports and, eventually, biometric passports in the late 20th century, offering enhanced security and speed in processing travelers. Some visas can be granted on arrival or by prior application at the country's embassy or consulate , or through

1740-523: The Congo , Equatorial Guinea , Ghana , Kazakhstan , Liberia , South Africa , and Tunisia have announced plans to introduce electronic visas in the future. Travel visa A visa ( lat. 'something seen', pl. visas from Latin charta visa  'papers that have been seen') is a conditional authorization granted by a polity to a foreigner that allows them to enter, remain within, or leave its territory. Visas typically include limits on

1798-774: The Government to IATA . Some countries that allow visa on arrival do so only at a limited number of entry points. Some countries such as the European Union member states have a qualitatively different visa regime between each other as it also includes freedom of movement. The following table is current as of 3 October 2019 . Source: Possession of a valid visa is a condition for entry into many countries, and exemption schemes exist. In some cases visa-free entry may be granted to holders of diplomatic passports even as visas are required by normal passport holders ( see: Passport ). Some countries have reciprocal agreements such that

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1856-505: The United Kingdom the immigration stamp in the passport includes the formal " leave to enter " granted on entry to the country to a person who is subject to immigration control. Alternatively, the stamps activate and/or acknowledge the continuing leave conferred by the individual's entry clearance. Other authorities, such as those in Schengen member states, simply stamp a passport with a date stamp that does not indicate any duration and this stamp

1914-551: The United States (if valid for at least three months on date of arrival). The ultimate example of such reliance is the microstate of Andorra , which imposes no visa requirements of its own because it has no international airport and is inaccessible by land without passing through the territory of either France or Spain and is thus "protected" by the Schengen visa system. Passport stamp Passport stamps may occasionally take

1972-459: The United States does not give visitors a new period of stay when they come back from visiting Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean ; instead they are re-admitted to the United States for the remaining days granted on their initial entry. Some other countries, e.g. Thailand, allow visitors who arrive by land from neighboring countries a shorter length of stay than those who arrive by air. In some cases,

2030-466: The applicant can print before entering and produce on entry to the visited polity. Some countries do not require visitors to apply for a visa in advance for short visits. Visa applications in advance of arrival give countries a chance to consider the applicant's circumstances, such as financial security, reason for travel, and details of previous visits to the country. Visitors may also be required to undergo and pass security or health checks upon arrival at

2088-527: The applicant. This may include proof that the applicant is able to support him or herself in the host country (lodging, food), proof that the person hosting the applicant in his or her home really exists and has sufficient room for hosting the applicant, proof that the applicant has obtained health and evacuation insurance, etc. Some countries ask for proof of health status, especially for long-term visas; some countries deny such visas to persons with certain illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS . The exact conditions depend on

2146-525: The applicant: Even if a traveller does not need a visa, the aforementioned criteria can also be used by border control officials to refuse the traveller's entry into the country in question. The main reasons states impose visa restrictions on foreign nationals are to curb illegal immigration, security concerns, and reciprocity for visa restrictions imposed on their own nationals. Typically, nations impose visa restrictions on citizens of poorer countries, along with politically unstable and undemocratic ones, as it

2204-403: The appropriate authority. If there is no embassy or consulate in one's home country, then one would have to travel to a third country (or apply by post) and try to get a visa issued there. Alternatively, in such cases visas may be pre-arranged for collection on arrival at the border. The need or absence of need of a visa generally depends on the citizenship of the applicant, the intended duration of

2262-495: The considerations for a country to grant visa-free entry to another country include (but are not limited to): To have a smaller worldwide diplomatic staff, some countries rely on other country's (or countries') judgments when issuing visas. For example, Mexico allows citizens of all countries to enter without Mexican visas if they possess a valid American visa that has already been used. Costa Rica accepts valid visas of Schengen /EU countries, Canada , Japan , South Korea , and

2320-421: The country again. Entering a country without a valid visa or visa exemption may result in detention and removal (deportation or exclusion) from the country. Undertaking activities that are not authorized by the status of entry (for example, working while possessing a non-worker tourist status) can result in the individual being deemed liable for deportation—commonly referred to as an illegal alien . Such violation

2378-450: The country and category of visa. Notable examples of countries requiring HIV tests of long-term residents are Russia and Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, however, the HIV test requirement is sometimes not strictly enforced. Other countries require a medical test that includes an HIV test, even for a short-term tourism visa. For example, Cuban citizens and international exchange students require such

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2436-409: The country of issue to a destination outside that country. Validity of transit visas are usually limited by short terms such as several hours to ten days depending on the size of the country or the circumstances of a particular transit itinerary. For short visits to the visited country. Many countries differentiate between different reasons for these visits, such as: Visas valid for long term stays of

2494-407: The country without invalidating the visa. Even a business visa will normally not allow the holder to work in the host country without an additional work permit . Once issued, a visa will typically have to be used within a certain period of time. In some countries, the validity of a visa is not the same as the authorized period of stay. The visa validity then indicates the time period when the entry

2552-463: The country. Until 2004, foreign students in Russia were issued only an entry visa on being accepted to University there, and had to obtain an exit visa to return home. This policy has since been changed, and foreign students are now issued multiple entry (and exit) visas. Historically, immigration officials were empowered to permit or reject entry of visitors on arrival at the frontiers. If permitted entry,

2610-409: The duration of the foreigner's stay, areas within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted visits, or if the individual can work in the country in question. Visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a territory and thus are, in most countries, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. In each instance,

2668-419: The foreigner wishes to reside permanently and might also work in that country – purposes that are prohibited and that usually require an immigrant visa or a work visa. Immigration officers may deny re-entry to visitors suspected of engaging in prohibited activities, especially when they have done repeated visa runs and have no evidence of spending reasonable time in their home countries or countries where they have

2726-475: The form of sticker stamps, such as entry stamps from Japan , South Korea , and Sri Lanka . Depending on nationality, a visitor may not receive a stamp at all (unless specifically requested), such as an EU or EFTA citizen travelling to an EU or EFTA country , Albania , or North Macedonia . Most countries issue exit stamps in addition to entry stamps. A few countries issue only entry stamps, including Canada , El Salvador , Ireland , New Zealand , Mexico,

2784-506: The home country, if the visa is for a temporary stay, due to potential unwanted illegal immigration . Proof of ties to the visa applicant's country of residence is often demanded to demonstrate a sufficient incentive to return. This can include things such as documented evidence of employment, bank statements, property ownership, and family ties. Each country typically has a multitude of categories of visas with various names. The most common types and names of visas include: For passing through

2842-418: The importance of reciprocity in maintaining good relations and ensuring equal treatment for citizens of member states. Government authorities usually impose administrative entry restrictions on foreign citizens in three ways - countries whose nationals may enter without a visa, countries whose nationals may obtain a visa on arrival, and countries whose nationals require a visa in advance. Nationals who require

2900-556: The less democratic, and the more exposed to armed political conflict the target country is, the more likely that visa restrictions are in place against its passport holders. The same is true for countries whose nationals have been major perpetrators of terrorist acts in the past. Some countries apply the principle of reciprocity in their visa policy. Visa reciprocity is a principle in international relations where two countries agree to give each other's citizens similar treatment when it comes to visa requirements. For example visa reciprocity

2958-422: The movements of the person concerned. The colour of the ink or the style of stamp may also provide such information. Depending on the immigration authority, such stamps are also affixed on other documents that a traveller has to present such as their landing card, boarding card, etc. In many cases passengers on cruise ships do not receive passport stamps because the entire vessel has been cleared into port. It

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3016-426: The nuances of their respective geographies, social conditions, economies, international treaties, etc. Russia maintains an eVisa program for visitors from certain countries arriving to Russian Far East, Saint Petersburg, Leningrad Region and Kaliningrad Region. And will introduce a single electronic visa from 1 January 2021. Authorities of Brazil , Belarus , Chad , Republic of the Congo , Democratic Republic of

3074-459: The number of tourists requiring a visa before travelling was at its lowest level ever. The history of passports dates back several centuries, originating from early travel documents used to ensure safe passage across regions. One of the earliest known references to a passport-like document comes from 445 BC in Persia , where officials were provided letters by the king for safe travel. Similarly, during

3132-457: The official would issue a visa, when required, which would be a stamp in a passport. Today, travellers wishing to enter another country must often apply in advance for what is also called a visa, sometimes in person at a consular office , by post, or over the Internet. The modern visa may be a sticker or a stamp in the passport, an electronic record of the authorization, or a separate document which

3190-477: The port of entry. Some polities which restrict emigration require individuals to possess an exit visa to leave the polity. These exit visas may be required for citizens, foreigners, or both, depending on the policies of the polity concerned. Unlike ordinary visas, exit visas are often seen as an illegitimate intrusion on individuals' right to freedom of movement . The imposition of an exit visa requirement may be seen to violate customary international law , as

3248-736: The right to leave any country is provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . Uniquely, the Norwegian special territory of Svalbard is an entirely visa-free zone under the terms of the Svalbard Treaty . Some countries—such as those in the Schengen Area —have agreements with other countries allowing each other's citizens to travel between them without visas. In 2015, the World Tourism Organization announced that

3306-420: The right to reside and work. To combat visa runs, some countries have limits on how long visitors can spend in the country without a visa, as well as how much time they have to stay out before "resetting the clock". For example, Schengen countries impose a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Some countries do not "reset the clock" when a visitor comes back after visiting a neighboring country. For example,

3364-401: The stay, and the activities that the applicant may wish to undertake in the country he or she visits; these may delineate different formal categories of visas, with different issue conditions. The issuing authority, usually a branch of the country's foreign ministry or department (e.g. U.S. State Department ), and typically consular affairs officers, may request appropriate documentation from

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