Independent comparison — we never process applications or take payments
26 providers · 199 destinations · 199 passports
Online visa services compared
CIBTvisas vs Travel Document Systems: which visa service fits your trip? (2026)
An independent, side-by-side look at CIBTvisas and Travel Document Systems using facts from the VisaScout catalogue. Prices and processing times are sample figures, last updated 1 Aug 2026 — confirm the live numbers on each provider's own site.
Side-by-side facts
Fees & times are sample data| Fact | CIBTvisas | Travel Document Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Provider type | Private visa service | Private visa service |
| Headquarters | McLean, Virginia, United States | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Founded | 1988 | 1986 |
| Destinations (approx.) | ~170 | ~120 |
| Passports served | Most passports | 1 listed countries |
| Visa types | Tourist, Business, Student, Work | Tourist, Business, Student, Work |
| Service fee from (sample) | ₹7,390 | ₹5,810 |
| Avg. processing (sample) | 9 days | 10 days |
| Express option | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Account managers, regional phone lines, business hours | Phone and email, US business hours |
| Refunds | Service fees are quoted per case; refund terms are set out in the engagement letter. | Refunds available before the file reaches the consulate. |
| Listing check | Done | Done |
| VisaScout score (computed) | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Who each one suits
Choose CIBTvisas if you want…
- a faster average processing time in our catalogue
- wider destination reach (~170 vs ~120)
- applications for most passports
Dedicated corporate mobility and relocation desks
Full CIBTvisas profileChoose Travel Document Systems if you want…
- a lower sample starting service fee
Detailed per-country requirement guides
Full Travel Document Systems profileYou may not need either
Many destinations let you apply yourself on an official government portal, with no service fee. Check the destination guides for the official links, and use the document checklist to prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Is CIBTvisas or Travel Document Systems cheaper?
In the VisaScout catalogue Travel Document Systems has the lower sample starting service fee (₹5,810). Real totals depend on the destination, visa type, speed and government fee, so compare the live price on both sites for your exact trip.
Which is faster, CIBTvisas or Travel Document Systems?
CIBTvisas has the shorter catalogue average (9 days, sample). Most of the wait is the government's processing time, which neither provider controls.
Are CIBTvisas and Travel Document Systems official government services?
No. Both are private companies that charge a service fee. You can usually apply directly on the destination's official portal or at its embassy without either.
Can either guarantee my visa?
No. Visa approval is always at the destination government's discretion. A provider can help you avoid mistakes in the application, but cannot guarantee the outcome.
More comparisons
Keep planning
- Destination visa guidesOfficial portals and entry options by country
- Visa types explainedTourist, business, student, work and transit
- Document checklistBuild a printable checklist for your trip
- Schengen 90/180 calculatorCount your days in the Schengen area
- Passport validity checkerCheck months of validity left for your trip
- Visa provider directoryEvery listed provider, with listing checks
- Official resourcesGovernment portals in one place
- AltF BacklinksDirectory of sites and communities by AltFTool