One of the most important documents required when travelling abroad is a visa. No matter if you are travelling for work, academic purposes, leisure or any other reason, getting a visa to another country can be a long and tiring process.

So, let’s first understand the basics of getting a visa.

Getting the Right Visa

There are many different types of visas that grant travellers authorization to enter foreign countries. They are divided based on:

• The purpose of the visa

• How they are obtained

• The form they take 

• How many entries they permit

For example, many countries have different types of visas for tourism, work, and residence. Additionally, there are many countries that offer visas on arrival, electronically (e-visa) and even visa-free travel. Travellers should ensure that they have the correct type of visa for their trip.

Different Types of Visas

When travelling to another country, it is important to have the right type of visa. Many countries have a separate visa for different purposes. The most common types of visas include:

• Tourist Visa: Tourist visas allow holders to enter the country for leisure and tourism. They are usually short-term travel permits.

• Business Visa: Business visas usually permit the holder to engage in business meetings and negotiations, attend conferences and fairs, and draw up contracts in another country.

• Work Visa: Work visas allow the holder to enter another country and take up a job there.

• Transit Visa: A transit visa is for stopping over in a country briefly on the way to another destination. This visa is usually needed to leave the airport between flights.

• Student Visa: A student visa allows the holder to study at a university or other educational institution in another country.

To help understand and simplify the entire procedure, we’ve put down an extensive list of articles you can go through to understand the documents required, eligibility criteria, fees, and other important details while getting a visa.