If you are planning an international trip, it is vital to understand the requirements for a visa and the entire process for a stress-free experience. While various destinations offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry, there are a number of countries that need a proper prior visa application process for travel. Here’s your guide to understand the visa requirements and the types of visas before you book your next international flight.
Types of Visa
There are different types of visas required for international travel and it is based on the purpose of your trip. Whether you are planning a vacation or going on a business trip, here are some categories you must know about:
– Tourist Visa: For travellers looking for leisure travel
– Business Visa: For professional meetings, conferences and business related work
– Student Visa: For students studying abroad
– Work Visa: For people employed abroad
– Transit Visa: For layovers required in a country before heading to your destination country
– eVisa: For simplified visa processes, adopted by various countries
Visa-Free Countries for Indian Travellers
For Indian passport holders, there are various countries that provide visa-on-arrival and visa-free options to make travel easy. Here is a list of the most popular destinations with this type of visa:
Top Visa-Free Countries
Nepal: Open access without any visa
Bhutan: Entry without visa
Maldives: Without visa access for up to 90 days (valid for tourism purpose only)
Mauritius: Visa-free access for up to 90 days
Top Visa-on-Arrival Countries
Thailand: Valid for 15 days
Indonesia: Valid for 30 days
Sri Lanka: Prior electronic travel authorization
Seychelles: Valid for 30 days
Top eVisa Countries
Vietnam: Travellers can apply for an eVisa for a 30-day stay
Malaysia: eVisa available for tourism purpose
Turkey: eVisa available for both tourism and business purposes.
UAE: eVisa available for short visits
Pre-Approved Visas: Top 5 Countries
Various countries require a visa before travelling and a different visa process:
The United States of America: For Indians, the duration of visa (B1/B2 visitor visa) for this country is generally 10 years with multiple entries. Other categories, like student visas (F1), work visas (H1B), or immigrant visas, can have different validities depending on the reason of travel or other specifications.
Schengen (Europe): With this visa, Indians can stay up to 90 days for travel across 26 European countries.
United Kingdom: Indians require a UK Standard Visitor Visa to visit this country for a validity of up to 6 months.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Process
Apply in Advance: Depending on your visa and the country you choose, it is always beneficial to apply early to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Prepare your Documents: Keeping all documents handy will help you avoid any troubles, especially paperwork related to finances, travel bookings and more.
Know the visa conditions: Always know your type of visa or the duration of your visa to avoid any mishaps during your stay. For example, work is not permitted on tourist visas and one should be aware of such rules and regulations.
