When you are searching for a visa to cross the border, two types of visas come into play. One is a visitor visa, and the other is a tourist visa. Now, how to spot the difference between the tourist visa and the visit visa?
Don’t worry, we have got you. In this article, we have brought to you the key differences between a visit visa tourist visa, along with their requirements and much more.
What is a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a document that is issued by the government that allows travellers to enter their country for tourism purposes. Tourist visas are usually valid for single and multiple entries.
What is a Visit Visa?
A visit visa or visitor visa is similar to a tourist visa that allows travellers to enter another country for tourism purposes. But, unlike a tourist visa has an expiry period, a visitor visa is usually valid for longer periods.
Difference Between Visit Visa and Tourist Visa in 2025
Now that you are familiar with what a tourist and visitor visa is, let us next learn in detail about the key differences between a visit and tourist visa as follows:
Key Differences
Tourist Visa
Visitor Visa
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A visa to suit the specific period
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30 days
90 days to 1 year
Visa Restrictions
Fewer restrictive entry or exit requirements.
Restrictive entry or exit requirements.
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Valid passport, return ticket, proof of sufficient
Valid passport, return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, purpose of visit, and invitation letter
Requirements For Obtaining A Visitor Or Tourist Visa
The visa requirements for obtaining a tourist or visitor visa vary depending on the country you are visiting. However, there are some general visit or tourist visa requirements that you will need to meet to be eligible
A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the date of your intended arrival in the country you are visiting.
A completed visa application can be found on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting.
2 Recent passport-sized photographs
Provide Proof of financial support during your stay in the country you are visiting. This can be in the form of bank statements, income statements, or other financial documents.
Proof of a confirmed onward travel ticket out of the country you are visiting.
A Letter of invitation from the person you are visiting in the country.
Tourist or Visit Visa Application Process: How to Apply?
The application process for a visit visa or tourist visa will vary depending on the country you're visiting. However, there are some general steps that you can follow:
Step 1: Check the visa requirements for the country you're visiting.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documentation.
Step 3: Complete the visa application form.
Step 4: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 5: Submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting.
Visitor Visa Processing Time
The visitor visa processing time can vary depending on the country you are applying to, the current visa application load, and your circumstances. However, it is typically several weeks or months. Here are some examples of Visitor visa processing times for different countries are mentioned below
Visitor Visa Processing Time to Australia
The visitor visa processing time to Australia for Indian nationals varies depending on the type of visa. Here are some examples:
A Visitor visa (subclass 600) takes 28 days to process.
A Transit visa (subclass 771) takes 1-16 days to process.
A Student visa (subclass 500) takes 49 days to process.
A Work visa (subclass 482) takes 7-12 months to process.
A Business visa (subclass 600) takes 21 days to process.
Visitor Visa Processing Time to Canada
The visitor visa processing time to Canada is 28 – 45 days.
However, the processing time can be longer if your application is incomplete or if there are any additional steps required, such as medical examinations or security checks.
Tourist Visa Processing Time
The tourist visa processing time varies from country to country. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Some examples of tourist visa processing times for different countries are mentioned below:
Tourist Visa Processing Time to Australia
The standard processing time for an Australian visitor (tourist) visa is 30 days, but it may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the application.
Tourist Visa Processing Time to Canada
The Canada tourist visa processing time for a visa application can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
It is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid any delays.
As of 2025, the estimated processing time for a Canadian visitor visa is 83 days for Indian applicants. Other sources suggest a range of 10 to 27 days for those already inside Canada and 2 to 8 months for those applying from outside Canada. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual processing time may vary. It is important to apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays.
The visitor visa fee, aka tourist visa fee, is the amount of money that you need to pay to apply for a visitor visa/ tourist visa to a particular country. The exact amount of the fee varies from country to country. For example:
The Canada Visitor Visa fees for an application are CAD$100 per person, with an additional CAD$85 biometrics fee. The total cost of applying for the visa is CAD$185.
The Australian visitor visa fee is AUD 145. This is the standard visa application charge for most visa applicants. However, there are some exceptions to this fee as well.
The right visa for you will depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of time you plan to stay in the foreign country. Hence, choosing between a visit visa and a tourist visa requires a thorough evaluation of your travel plans and intentions.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision between a visitor visa and tourist visa:
Define Your Purpose: Clearly outline the purpose of your trip, whether it is traveling for business, medical reasons, or simply for leisure and tourism.
Duration: Determine the expected duration of your stay. If your activities require an extended period, a visit visa might be more suitable.
Activities: Consider the activities you plan to engage in during your trip. If you intend to participate in business meetings, conferences, or other non-tourism activities, a visit visa might be necessary.
Documentation: Gather all necessary documentation based on the chosen visa type. This might include business invitations, medical certificates, or accommodation bookings.
Visit visa vs Tourist visa: Choosing the Right Visa with ÿմ
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tourist visa time limit?
A tourist visa is typically issued for a stay of 30 days. However, some countries may issue a tourist visa that is valid for a year and allows for multiple entries, but you are only allowed to stay for 30 days per entry.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visitor visa UAE?
A tourist visa is for people traveling to the UAE for tourism purposes, while a visitor visa is for people traveling to the UAE for other purposes, such as visiting family or friends, conducting business, or receiving medical treatment.
What is a visit visa in India?
A visit visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in India for a short period of time for a specific purpose. The length of stay and other requirements for a visit visa in India will vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
What is the general visa validity period?
The general visa validity period varies from country to country. It can range from a few months to a few years. Some examples of visa validity periods for different countries:
Canada: Single-entry visitor visas are valid for 6 months, while multiple-entry visitor visas are valid for 1 year, 2 years, or 10 years.
Australia: Tourist visas are valid for 3 months, while business visas are valid for 12 months.
What is a visit visa also known as?
A visit visa is also known as a tourist visa, temporary resident visa, or short-stay visa. These terms are used interchangeably in most countries.
Is an entry visa the same as a tourist visa?
No, an entry visa is not the same as a tourist visa. An entry visa is permission to enter a specific country, while a tourist visa allows you to visit and stay in the country for up to six months.
How long is a Canada visitor visa valid?
A Canada visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries of six months each. The exact validity is determined by the issuing visa officer.
How long is a German tourist visa valid for?
A German Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen Visa valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes.
Lakshmi has been working as Sr. Content Marketing Specialist with ÿմ since 2022 and has been extensively working to help candidates’ career transitions. Her experience spans across multiple industries in the fields of Sales and Marketing. Her core competencies include communication and research, which enable her to create and deliver in-depth guides as a Subject Matter Expert