is a type of visa that allows individuals to visit a foreign country for leisure, sightseeing, or non-business purposes. It typically prohibits employment or long-term stays and is intended for short-term travel.
What is a tourist visa?
A tourist visa is a permit to enter a country for a specified duration, generally for:
Tourism and leisure activities.
Visiting friends or family.
Short-term personal purposes like attending weddings or cultural events.
Key Features
Duration: Validity ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the country.
Restrictions: Employment, business activities, or long-term stays are not allowed.
Purpose-Specific: Granted for tourism and personal visits only.
Types:
Single Entry: Valid for one visit.
Multiple Entry: Allows multiple entries within a specified period.
Eligibility Criteria
Valid Passport: Passport should have at least 6 months' validity beyond the intended stay.
Travel Purpose: Clear evidence of the purpose of visit (e.g., tourism or visiting family).
Financial Proof: Ability to cover travel and living expenses during the trip.
Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate intent to return to the home country (employment, property, or family ties).
Clean Record: No previous visa violations or criminal history.
Required Documents
Passport:
Valid for at least 6 months.
At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Visa Application Form: Completed and signed form (online or offline).
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos as per the country’s specifications.
Travel Itinerary:
Round-trip flight tickets.
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter if staying with family/friends).
Financial Proof:
Bank statements (3–6 months).
Proof of employment or income.
Sponsorship letter (if applicable).
Travel Insurance:
Medical and trip coverage for the duration of the stay.
Invitation Letter (if applicable):
From a host (family or friend) in the destination country.
Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
Tourist Visas by Country
1. USA: B-2 Tourist Visa
Purpose: For tourism, leisure, or visiting family.
Duration: Usually up to 6 months.
Process: Requires an in-person interview and thorough documentation.
2. Schengen Tourist Visa (Europe)
Purpose: For travel within 27 Schengen countries.
Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Multi-Country Access: One visa allows travel to multiple European countries.
3. Canada: Visitor Visa
Purpose: For leisure or visiting family/friends.
Duration: Valid for up to 6 months.
Multiple Entry: Often granted for 5–10 years with multiple entries.
4. UK: Standard Visitor Visa
Purpose: For tourism, visiting family, or attending personal events.
Duration: Up to 6 months.
Extensions: Rarely granted.
5. Australia: Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Purpose: For tourism or visiting family.
Duration: Valid for up to 12 months.
Multiple Entry: Available for frequent travelers.
6. India: Tourist e-Visa
Purpose: For sightseeing, cultural events, or family visits.
Duration: Ranges from 30 days to 5 years, depending on the type.
Convenience: Online application available for eligible nationalities.
7. Thailand: Tourist Visa
Purpose: For leisure travel.
Duration: Typically up to 60 days, extendable for 30 more days.
Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of certain countries.
Benefits of a Tourist Visa
Short-Term Stay: Enables leisure travel without long-term commitments.
Multiple Entries: Allows flexibility for frequent travelers.
Simple Application Process: Often easier than work or study visas.
Family Visits: Facilitates travel to meet loved ones abroad.