Independent comparison — we never process applications or take payments
26 providers · 199 destinations · 199 passports
Online visa services compared
Sherpa vs Travel Document Systems: which visa service fits your trip? (2026)
An independent, side-by-side look at Sherpa 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 | Sherpa | Travel Document Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Provider type | Private visa service | Private visa service |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Canada | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Founded | 2015 | 1986 |
| Destinations (approx.) | ~160 | ~120 |
| Passports served | Most passports | 1 listed countries |
| Visa types | Tourist, Business, Transit | Tourist, Business, Student, Work |
| Service fee from (sample) | ₹2,490 | ₹5,810 |
| Avg. processing (sample) | 5 days | 10 days |
| Express option | No | Yes |
| Support | Email and help centre | Phone and email, US business hours |
| Refunds | Refund terms published per product at checkout. | Refunds available before the file reaches the consulate. |
| Listing check | Done | Done |
| VisaScout score (computed) | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Who each one suits
Choose Sherpa if you want…
- a lower sample starting service fee
- a faster average processing time in our catalogue
- wider destination reach (~160 vs ~120)
- transit visas, which Travel Document Systems does not list
- applications for most passports
Requirements engine licensed by airlines and OTAs
Full Sherpa profileChoose Travel Document Systems if you want…
- an express option
- student and work visas, which Sherpa does not list
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 Sherpa or Travel Document Systems cheaper?
In the VisaScout catalogue Sherpa has the lower sample starting service fee (₹2,490). 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, Sherpa or Travel Document Systems?
Sherpa has the shorter catalogue average (5 days, sample). Most of the wait is the government's processing time, which neither provider controls.
Are Sherpa 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