What is a Visit or Tourist Visa?

A visit or tourist visa is an official entry document issued by a foreign government that allows you to travel to their country for tourism, leisure, or short family visits. These visas are temporary permits, usually valid for stays ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the issuing country. They do not allow the visa holder to work or engage in long-term business activities, and are strictly meant for travel, sightseeing, or visiting relatives and friends.

Key Features of a Tourist Visa

• Purpose: Tourism, leisure travel, cultural exchange, or visiting family and friends.
• Stay Duration: Typically valid for a short period (from a few weeks up to 6 months).
• Restrictions: Does not permit employment or prolonged business activities.
• Validity: May be single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on the issuing country.
• Eligibility: Applicants must show proof of travel intent, financial means, accommodation, and return/onward travel plans.

Most Popular Visit or Tourist Visas

Many travellers from India and around the world apply for visit or tourist visas to explore new destinations, visit family, or enjoy short-term stays abroad. Below are some of the most popular tourist visas applied for globally:

• Australia Tourist Visa – For leisure travel, family visits, or short-term tourism in Australia.
• Canada Tourist Visa – Allows short stays in Canada for visiting relatives, sightseeing, or exploring the country.
• UK Tourist Visa – A standard visitor visa for travel, holidays, or visiting friends and family in the United Kingdom.
• US Tourist Visa (B-2) – For tourism, leisure trips, and family visits across the United States.
• Schengen Visa – Grants access to 29 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Most Popular Business Visas

Business visas are designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who need to travel abroad for meetings, conferences, or short-term business activities. Below are some of the most sought-after business visas worldwide:

• Australia Business Visa – For attending conferences, business meetings, or short-term negotiations in Australia.
• Canada Business Visa – Allows foreign nationals to participate in business activities in Canada without entering the labour market.
• UK Business Visa – A standard visitor visa permitting business-related activities such as meetings, training, and conferences in the UK.
• US Business Visa (B-1) – For short-term business travel, including consultations, conferences, or contract negotiations in the United States.
• Germany Business Visa – Allows business travellers to attend corporate events, trade fairs, and professional meetings in Germany for up to 90 days.

How to Get a Visit or Tourist Visa – Step by Step

Step 1 — Confirm destination and visa type
Decide which country you are visiting and check if you need a tourist or visitor visa.

Step 2 — Review requirements
Check the official checklist for passport validity, photos, purpose of visit, travel insurance, accommodation, and proof of funds.

Step 3 — Complete the application
Fill in the visa application form online (or on paper where required) and save the confirmation.

Step 4 — Book an appointment & give biometrics
Schedule an appointment at the consulate or visa centre to provide fingerprints, photo, and supporting documents.

Step 5 — Pay the visa fees
Pay the required application fee in the accepted format; service or biometrics fees may also apply.

Step 6 — Attend your appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics, and attend an interview if requested.

Step 7 — Wait for processing
Visa decisions typically take a few weeks, but can take longer during peak seasons.

Step 8 — Receive your decision
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker or authorization details.

Step 9 — Travel & follow entry rules
Carry your documents when you travel and respect stay limits (e.g., Schengen 90/180-day rule).

Documents Required for a Tourist Visa

Most countries require the following core documents when applying for a tourist or visitor visa:

• Valid Passport – Must be valid for the required period (often at least 3–6 months beyond departure) and contain blank pages for the visa.
• Visa Application Form – Completed and signed form, either online or paper-based, depending on the country.
• Photographs – Recent passport-size photos meeting the destination’s specifications (size, background, quality).
• Proof of Travel Itinerary – Flight reservations or travel bookings showing entry and exit from the destination country.
• Proof of Accommodation – Hotel reservations, host invitation, or other evidence of where you will stay.
• Travel Medical Insurance – Required by Schengen states and recommended by others, covering emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation (e.g., €30,000 minimum for Schengen).
• Proof of Financial Means – Bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, or sponsor letters showing you can support yourself during your stay.
• Purpose of Visit Documents – Cover letter explaining your trip, or invitation letter if visiting family/friends.
• Civil Status Documents – If applicable, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate (often required for dependent applicants or minors).
• Employment/Student Proof – Employer leave letter, employment contract, or student enrollment letter to show ties to your home country.
• Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo) – Collected at the visa application centre or consulate as part of the process.
• Visa Fee Receipt – Proof of payment for the visa application fee and any applicable service charges.

Tourist Visa Fees by Country

Country	Tourist Visa Fee
United States (B‑2 Tourist Visa)	USD 185
Canada (Visitor Visa, TRV)	CAD 100
United Kingdom (Standard Visitor Visa)	GBP 127
Australia (Visitor Visa – Subclass 600)	AUD 195 (base application charge)
Schengen Area (Short-Stay Visa, Type C)	EUR 90

Tourist Visa Validity

Country	Visa Validity	Stay per Visit
United States (B-2 Tourist Visa)	Up to 10 years (multiple-entry)	Up to 6 months, set by CBP officer (I-94)
Canada (Visitor Visa / TRV)	Multiple-entry, up to 10 years or until passport expiry	Generally 6 months, determined at entry
United Kingdom (Standard Visitor Visa)	6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years	Up to 6 months per visit
Australia (Visitor Visa – Subclass 600)	Case-by-case, single or multiple entry	Typically 3, 6, or 12 months
Schengen Area (Short-Stay Visa, Type C)	Up to 5 years (multiple-entry)	90 days within any 180-day period

Important Things to Know Before Applying for a Visit Visa

• Check eligibility early: Review official embassy or consulate requirements to confirm whether you need a tourist visa or are visa-exempt.
• Prepare a valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the required period (often at least 3–6 months beyond your intended departure) and has blank pages for the visa.
• Complete the correct application form: Use only the official government or authorised visa centre website to fill out the visitor visa form.
• Book your appointment in advance: Schedule a biometric or visa centre appointment early, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Gather all required documents: Include proof of funds, accommodation, travel itinerary, insurance (if required), and supporting documents such as employer leave letters or invitation letters.
• Purchase valid travel insurance: For Schengen, a policy covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies is mandatory; for other countries, insurance is highly recommended.
• Pay the exact visa fees: Check the official fee in the local currency and pay only through authorised channels.
• Respect processing times: Apply well in advance — at least 1–3 months before travel — as standard timelines range from a few weeks to several months depending on the country.
• Biometrics and interviews: Be prepared to provide fingerprints, photographs, and attend an interview if required.
• Follow entry and stay rules: Even with a valid visa, final entry permission is given at the border. Respect stay limits (e.g., Schengen 90/180-day rule, Canada/US/UK 6 months).

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis, the leading immigration consultant in Canada, offers end-to-end support for all your travel and immigration needs. Our travel visa services are extensive, with a thorough process that ensures you make an informed decision at every step. We help you with:

• Guided assistance with the documentation process
• Step-by-step guidance with the tourist visa application process
• Complete guidance to apply for a visitor visa
• Advises you on the required funds that need to be displayed
• Helps you in filling out the forms
• Review your documents before you submit your visa application