Visa types & basics
12 articles
What is a visa and how does it work?
A visa is official permission from a country to travel to its border and request entry. Here is how visas work, how you get one, and what a visa does not guarantee.
How do visas, e-visas, and visa waivers differ?
A visa is permission to request entry, an e-visa is the same thing issued online, a visa waiver skips the visa process, and an entry permit is granted at the border.
How long is a visa valid for?
Visa validity is the period in which you may travel to a country, from a single trip up to ten years. How long you may stay per entry is a separate limit set on arrival.
What is a multiple-entry visa and how does it work?
A multiple-entry visa lets you enter and exit a country multiple times during the visa's validity. Learn how it differs from single-entry visas and how to get one.
Do I need both a passport and a visa to travel?
In almost all cases yes. You need a valid passport first because the visa is issued into it or linked to its number, and a visa without a usable passport is worthless.
What is an e-visa and how does it differ from a traditional visa?
An e-visa is a digital travel permit applied for online - no embassy visit needed. Learn how it differs from a traditional visa, which countries offer one, and how to apply.
What is the difference between a visa and a passport?
Your own country issues your passport, which proves your identity and nationality. The country you are visiting issues the visa, which is permission to request entry.
What is ETIAS and who needs to apply for it?
ETIAS is a mandatory pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt nationalities visiting the Schengen Area. Learn who needs it, how to apply, and what it costs.
What are the different types of visas?
Most visas fall into a few categories set by your purpose of travel: visitor, business, transit, student, work, long-stay and family, plus online authorisations such as e-visas.
What is a long-stay visa and when do I need one?
A long-stay visa allows stays of more than 90 days. Learn when you need one, what types exist, and what documents are typically required to apply.
What is a Schengen visa and which countries accept it?
A Schengen visa lets you travel across 29 European countries on one document for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is the most common European tourist visa.
What is a transit visa - and do I need one for my layover?
A transit visa lets you pass through a country during a layover. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, the country, and whether you leave the international transit area.
