You’ve bought your ticket, packed your bags, and are ready to go, but do you need a visa to enter your destination country? Understanding visas can be confusing if you’re a first-time traveler, international student, or frequent flyer. What exactly is a visa, and why is it important? What kind do you need, and how do you apply?
We’re breaking it all down for you in this Remitly guide, so you can confidently take the next step in your international journey.
What is a visa?
A visa is an official authorization that allows you to enter, stay in, or transit through a country for a specific purpose and within a specific time frame. The government of the destination country issues visas as stamps, stickers, or electronic records. They are granted based on your reason for travel—such as tourism, study, or work—and your ability to meet that country’s entry requirements.
While your passport identifies who you are and your nationality, a visa is your pass to approach another country’s border legally. It doesn’t guarantee entry, however. The final authority lies with immigration officers at the border, who decide whether to admit or deny travelers.
Why do countries require visas?
Visas help countries manage international movement by:
- Controlling immigration and tracking who enters and why
- Protecting public safety and health by screening visitors before arrival
- Supporting economic, diplomatic, and cultural exchanges through tourism, study, and work permits
- Enforcing national laws and maintaining sovereignty by deciding who can enter, under what conditions, and for how long
Visa basics: what you need to know
Understanding visa terms can help clarify what kind of travel or residency is allowed, and for how long.
Immigrant vs. nonimmigrant visas
Visas fall into two main categories (terminology varies by country):
- Immigrant visas allow you to live permanently in a foreign country, usually for family reunification or employment.
- Nonimmigrant visas allow you to enter temporarily, such as for tourism, business trips, study, or short-term work.
Some nonimmigrant visas can lead to permanent residency, but not all. For example, someone entering a country on a student visa may later be able to apply for an immigrant visa if they meet specific qualifications; however, other nonimmigrant visas, like tourist visas, do not provide a route to permanent residency.
Validity vs. duration
Each visa has a validity period and a duration of stay, and these are not always the same.
- Validity refers to the time frame during which you can enter the country (e.g., valid for 5 years).
- Duration refers to how long you can remain in the country on each visit (e.g., up to 90 days per entry).
It’s important not to confuse the two, as overstaying your allowed duration, even within a valid visa period, can lead to penalties or future travel restrictions.
Visa-free vs. visa on arrival
- Visa-free travel means you can travel to a foreign country without a visa for certain types of visits. You simply need your valid passport. For example, US passport holders can travel visa-free to many countries in the EU for short stays. However, conditions still apply and entry isn’t automatically granted.
- Visa on arrival means that you need a visa, but can obtain it at the airport or border crossing when you arrive. You do not have to apply in advance of travel, but you may need to bring documents and/or a photo, or pay a fee—check specific requirements before traveling.
Types of visas
Visas are categorized based on why you’re traveling, and each type has its own rules, eligibility, and validity period. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right visa for your trip or stay.
Transit visa
If you’re just passing through a country on your way to somewhere else, you might need a transit visa. This short-term visa covers layovers where you leave the airport or change terminals. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and the country’s rules. You’ll usually need to show proof of your next flight and a valid visa for your next country (if required).
Tourist visa
If you’re sightseeing or visiting family and friends, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. It’s meant for short stays and doesn’t allow you to work while you’re there. For example, if you want to visit Europe, you might apply for a Schengen visa, which allows travel within most EU countries for up to 90 days. To get a tourist visa, you’ll typically need a valid passport, proof you can support yourself financially, and often a return ticket.
Student visa
To study in another country, you will need a student visa. You’ll typically need to show your acceptance letter from a school or university, obtain health insurance, and prove you can pay for tuition and living expenses. Spain’s student visa allows a wide range of study programs, and the UK Student visa is for courses longer than six months.
Work visa
Work visas are necessary if you have a job offer from an employer in that country who will sponsor your visa. You’ll likely need to show your qualifications, and sometimes your employer will be required to prove that no local worker can fill the role. For example, the US has specific visas for skilled workers, and another for seasonal jobs (the H-2B work visa), while France offers various work visas depending on how long you plan to stay.
Digital Nomad visa
If you work remotely and want to live abroad, a digital nomad visa could be perfect for you. Countries like Costa Rica and Portugal offer these visas, so you can legally stay while working for clients or employers outside the country. You’ll usually need to provide steady remote income and have health insurance.
Immigrant or permanent residence visas
If you plan to live long-term in another country, you’ll need a visa that leads to permanent residency. For example, in the US, the immigrant visa process can lead to a Green Card, which lets you live and work there indefinitely. Canada offers permanent residence through programs like Express Entry. These visas typically require family sponsorship, a job offer, or other qualifications.
Diplomatic visa
If you’re a government official or diplomat traveling for official duties, you’ll use a diplomatic visa. This visa gives you certain privileges, like legal protections and tax breaks. You are only eligible if you have a diplomatic passport or an official government role. Diplomats traveling to the US receive A-1 or A-2 visas, depending on their status.
How visas work
The visa application process will vary depending on your nationality, the country you’re traveling to, and the type of visa needed, but you can typically follow these general steps:
Step 1: Determine the correct visa type
Select the visa that matches your travel purpose: tourism, study, work, or official duties. Applying for the wrong visa can lead to rejection or legal issues upon arrival.
Step 2: Gather required documents
While requirements vary, many countries will ask for the following:
- A valid passport with a specific amount of validity (e.g., six months), plus blank pages for the visa stamp
- A completed application form
- Recent passport-sized photos that meet visa photo requirements
- A travel itinerary, flight tickets, or booking confirmations of other travel, such as cruises or trains
- Financial proof, such as bank statements, employment letters, or a notarized letter of financial support if someone else is funding your travel
Depending on the visa, additional paperwork like proof of employment, invitation letters, school admission, or medical test results may be required. Always check the embassy or consulate website for the most accurate information.
Step 3: Submit your application
Apply through the destination country’s immigration website, a visa application portal, or an authorized visa center. Alternatively, some visas require in-person applications. Processing times range from days to months, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel date.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Fees differ depending on the visa type and country. For example, at the time of writing, the fee for a UK Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) is £39 GBP, and the Schengen Area fee is €90 EUR for adults, while Australia’s transit visa is free for most travelers. Always confirm the latest fees on the official government website. Exemptions do exist for some nationalities or visa categories.
Step 5: Attend an interview (if required)
After applying for your visa, a consular officer may interview you to discuss your travel plans and take your fingerprints. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Why are you traveling to this country?
- Have you booked airline tickets?
- Do you have a criminal record?
- Who will you be visiting?
- Do you have health insurance?
Step 6: Wait for a response
Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, and application tracking is available online for many visas and countries.
Upon arrival, immigration officers will review your documents and may ask questions about your visit. Carry copies of supporting documents to avoid delays.
Step 7: Remain compliant
Once granted, always follow your visa’s rules. Respect your allowed stay and inform authorities of significant changes like a new address or job.
If you need to extend your stay or change your visa type, apply before your visa expires and ensure you qualify for the new category.
Common challenges and tips
Even with the right documents and intentions, visa applications can present hurdles. Here are the top challenges travelers face and how to overcome them.
| Challenge | Solution |
| Confusing visa types or requirements | Research official immigration websites carefully. |
| Missing or incorrect documents | Create a checklist and double-check all forms and required paperwork before submission. |
| Difficulty securing visa appointments | Apply early, especially during peak travel seasons, and follow instructions diligently. |
| Appointment delays | Book appointments months in advance and use authorized visa centers if available. |
| Language barriers | Use certified translations for any official, non-English documents. |
| Application denials | Review rejection reasons, fix errors, and consider consulting an immigration expert. |
Tips for a smooth visa application experience
- Apply early, well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times vary.
- Be honest and provide truthful, consistent information.
- Stay organized, keeping all documents and receipts organized.
- Follow the guidelines provided by the embassy or consulate.
Take the next step
By understanding what a visa is, knowing which type applies to you, and how to navigate the application process, you can travel internationally with confidence and ease.
Start researching your visa options today to make your global adventures smooth and worry-free.
FAQs
What is the difference between a visa and a passport?
A passport is a document issued by your home country that provides your identity and nationality. A visa is permission granted by a foreign country allowing you to enter for a specific purpose and duration.
What happens if my visa is denied?
Visa denials often, but not always, cite the reason for your denial, such as missing documentation, security concerns, or doubt about return plans. You may be able to appeal or reapply after fixing the issues.
Do I need a visa for every country I visit?
Not always. Many countries have reciprocal agreements that allow for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel for certain nationalities and short stays.
Can a visa be extended?
In some cases, your visa can be extended or renewed before it expires. Others require leaving the country and reapplying. Rules differ by country and visa type.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying may lead to fines, detention, deportation, or future travel bans. Always track your visa’s expiry and apply for extensions if needed.