What is a visa?

A visa is official permission issued by a country's government that allows a foreign national to enter, remain in, or transit through that country for a specific purpose and period of time.

Traditionally, visas were placed inside a passport as a stamp or sticker. Today, many countries also issue electronic visas that are digitally linked to the traveller's passport.

Visas may be required for a variety of reasons, including:

Business travel
Tourism
Employment
Education
Family visits
Medical treatment
Transit through another country

Whether a visa is required depends on a number of factors, including the traveller's nationality, destination country, planned activities and intended length of stay.

Visa and passport requirements: What's the difference?

Although the two are often mentioned together, visas and passports serve different purposes.

A passport is an official travel document issued by a traveller's country of citizenship and is used to confirm identity and nationality.

A visa, where required, is permission from another country allowing the traveller to enter or remain in that country under specific conditions.

Many international journeys require both documents, while some destinations may allow entry with only a valid passport or an approved electronic travel authorisation.

Travellers should always check passport validity requirements as well as visa requirements before departure, as some countries require passports to remain valid for a minimum period beyond the date of travel.

How do visa requirements work?

Visa requirements vary from country to country and can depend on:

The nationality shown on your passport
Your destination country
The purpose of your visit
The length of your stay
Whether you will transit through another country
Previous travel history or immigration status

For example, a traveller may be able to enter one country without a visa but require a visa or travel authorisation for another destination during the same trip.

Requirements can also differ between tourists, business travellers, students and employees travelling for work.

Types of travel visas

Business visas

Business visas may be required for travellers attending incentive trips, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, training courses or other short-term business activities.

The activities permitted under a business visa vary between countries.

Tourist visas

Tourist visas are generally intended for leisure travel, holidays, sightseeing and visiting friends or relatives. They typically do not permit employment or commercial activities.

Work visas

Work visas are generally required when an individual intends to undertake employment or provide services within the destination country.

These visas often involve additional supporting documentation and may require sponsorship from an employer.

Student visas

Student visas are typically issued to individuals undertaking educational courses, training programmes or academic studies abroad.

Transit visas

Some countries require travellers to obtain a transit visa when passing through an airport or border on the way to another destination.

Electronic travel authorisations and visa waivers

Not all countries require visitors to obtain a traditional visa. Many destinations now operate electronic travel authorisation systems or visa waiver programmes that allow eligible travellers to obtain approval before departure through an online process.

Examples around the world include:

Electronic travel authorisations (ETAs)
Electronic travel permits
Visa waiver programmes
Electronic visa systems (eVisas)

Eligibility varies according to nationality, destination and purpose of travel.

Travellers should never assume that visa-free travel means no documentation is required, as advance authorisation may still be necessary.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

Travellers visiting countries within the Schengen Area may also encounter the European Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border management system introduced by the European Union. EES records the entry and exit of eligible non-EU travellers and replaces the traditional practice of manually stamping passports.‍

When travelling to participating Schengen countries, visitors may be asked to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a facial image, during border checks. Registration takes place at the border and travellers do not normally need to complete any separate application in advance.

Processing times at airports, ports and rail terminals may be longer than travellers have previously experienced, particularly during busy periods or when providing biometric information for the first time. Travellers should allow additional time for border formalities when planning journeys to Europe.‍

As entry requirements and border procedures can change, travellers should consult official government guidance before departure.

Useful resources:

Documents commonly required for travel applications

Application requirements differ between countries and visa categories, but travellers may be asked to provide documentation such as:

A valid passport
Passport photographs
Travel itinerary details
Accommodation information
Proof of onward or return travel
Evidence of financial means
Invitation letters
Employment or study documentation
Supporting identification documents

The exact documentation required will depend on the destination country's immigration rules.

How long does a visa application take?

Processing times can vary considerably.

Factors that may affect application timelines include:

The destination country
Type of visa or travel authorisation
Seasonal demand
Security or background checks
Availability of embassy or consular appointments
Completeness of application documentation

Travellers should apply as early as possible and avoid finalising travel plans until all required documentation has been obtained.

How to check visa requirements

The most reliable sources of information are official government and diplomatic channels.

Before travelling, consider consulting:

Official government travel advice

Government travel advice services often provide country-specific guidance on:

Entry requirements
Passport validity
Visa requirements
Safety information
Health advice

For UK travellers, official information can be found through the UK Government's Foreign Travel Advice service.

Embassies and consulates

Embassies and consulates can provide information about:

Visa requirements
Application procedures
Supporting documents
Entry restrictions
Current immigration regulations

Specialist visa services

Many individuals and organisations choose to work with specialist visa providers to help identify documentation requirements and support visa applications.

Providers such as CIBT offer information and assistance relating to travel documentation, visa processes and entry requirements for a wide range of destinations.

Travellers should still verify current requirements through official government or embassy sources before departure.

What happens if you travel without the correct documentation?

Failure to obtain the required travel documentation can result in:

Refused boarding by an airline
Delayed travel
Additional expenses
Refusal of entry on arrival
Travel disruption

Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all entry requirements before beginning their journey.

Checking documentation well in advance can help reduce the risk of unnecessary complications.

Travel documentation following a death abroad

In the unfortunate event that somebody dies while overseas, additional documentation may be required before they can be repatriated to their home country.

Requirements vary between countries but can include:

Local death certificates
Consular documentation
Transport permits
Passport and identification records
Medical or administrative documentation

Families may need support from local authorities, embassies, consulates and specialist repatriation providers to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed correctly.

For further guidance, please visit our pages on international repatriation services and support following a death abroad.

Frequently asked questions

What is a travel visa?

A travel visa is official permission granted by a country allowing a foreign national to enter, remain in or transit through that country for a specific purpose and period of time.

Do I need a visa for international travel?

Not always. Some destinations require a visa, while others may permit entry through visa waiver schemes or electronic travel authorisations. Requirements depend on nationality, destination and purpose of travel.

What is the difference between a visa and a passport?

A passport confirms a traveller's identity and nationality, while a visa provides permission to enter a particular country under specific conditions.

What is an electronic travel authorisation?

An electronic travel authorisation is a digital approval linked to a traveller's passport that allows entry into certain countries without a traditional visa.

How can I check visa requirements?

The most reliable information is available from official government travel advice websites, embassies, consulates and authorised immigration services.

How long does it take to obtain a visa?

Processing times vary by country and visa type. Some authorisations may be issued quickly, while others can take several weeks or longer.

Can visa requirements change?

Yes. Entry requirements, documentation rules and travel authorisations can change at short notice. Travellers should always check official guidance before travel.

Who can help with visa applications?

Embassies, consulates and specialist providers such as CIBT may be able to assist with information about travel documentation and visa application processes.