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26 providers · 199 destinations · 199 passports
Visa types
Visa types explained
The purpose of your trip decides the visa category. Start here to understand what each one covers, then check the destination's official portal for the exact rules for your passport.
Most requested
Tourist Visa
Short leisure trips, visiting friends and family, or holidays. The most common visa type with the widest provider coverage.
Typical: 1–7 days for e-visas, 2–4 weeks for sticker visas
26 providers support itCorporate travel
Business Visa
Meetings, conferences, exhibitions and short-term commercial work. Usually needs an invitation letter from the host company.
Typical: 3–10 days for e-visas, 2–5 weeks for embassies
24 providers support itLong stay
Student Visa
Long-term study at universities and colleges abroad. Providers typically assist with document preparation and appointments.
Typical: 3–8 weeks depending on country and intake season
13 providers support itSponsored
Work Visa
Employment abroad with a sponsoring employer. Providers assist with paperwork; the employer usually drives the process.
Typical: 4–12 weeks, employer-sponsored
13 providers support itShort stop
Transit Visa
Short stopovers between connecting flights — typically 48 to 96 hours. Great for breaking up long-haul journeys.
Typical: 1–4 days
7 providers support it
Which visa type do I need?
- Tourist Visa — Holidays, family visits, leisure. Not for: Paid work, long-term study or settling in the country — those need a different category.
- Business Visa — Meetings, conferences, expos. Not for: Taking a job or receiving salary from a company in the destination — that needs a work visa.
- Student Visa — Universities and colleges abroad. Not for: Short courses or study tours, which some countries allow on a visitor visa — check the destination's rules.
- Work Visa — Employer-sponsored employment. Not for: Short business meetings while you stay employed at home — that is usually a business visa.
- Transit Visa — Stopovers between connections. Not for: Staying on for tourism — if you plan to explore, you usually need a tourist visa or a specific transit-stay scheme.
Keep planning
- Destination visa guidesOfficial portals and entry options by country
- 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
- Compare providersSide-by-side, head-to-head pages
- Official resourcesGovernment portals in one place
- AltF BacklinksDirectory of sites and communities by AltFTool