Introduction

Millions of people travel to a foreign land daily for study, tourism, business, or a visit. As travel has become accessible to most people, it is easier for them to travel across the world. Concepts like e-visas are emerging, making it more accessible for people to travel to their dream country. One of the major aspects of traveling to a foreign land is securing a visa. With the traditional process of applying for a visa and getting older, technological advancement comes in handy.

While E-visas and regular visas serve unique purposes, each has drawbacks and advantages. The application process, document lists, and submission process may differ. This article explores some of the significant differences and similarities between the two different types of visas.

E-visa:

An electronic visa, or simply an E-visa, is a type of visa that can be obtained online. It allows travelers to apply for a country and receive authorization to enter a nation without visiting the embassy or consulate. The application process is completed online, where the applicant fills out the necessary forms, uploads the necessary documents, and pays the visa fee online through a debit or credit card. Once the visa is approved, you will receive an email. Furthermore, you can print out the visa approval and show it to the authorities at the airport. E-visas are generally used for tourism and business purposes. So, it makes travel much more convenient.

Regular Visa:

Secondly, a regular visa is a physical visa issued by the country’s embassy or consulate. You must physically visit the embassy or consulate office to get your visa stamped. The physical visa often requires a lengthier process and more processing days, so some people may find it traditional. You may attend an in-person interview while applying for a regular visa. This visa is usually affixed to the traveler’s passport. Generally, a stamp or a sticker must be presented upon entry to the destination country. Regular visas are often used for longer stays, employment, study, or immigration purposes.

Some of the nations issuing an E-visa:

  • Australia
  • Kenya
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Turkey
  • UAE (United Arab Emirates)
  • Egypt
E-visa vs Regular Visa
Visa Application process (Source: Freepik)

 

How to Apply for an E-visa:

  1. Visit the website of the country you’re applying for:  You must double-check whether the country issues an e-visa. Then, you can start the application process by visiting the e-visa portal and filling out the form.
  2. Document Submission: Secondly, you must upload soft copies of your travel documents. Some nations may ask for additional documents like your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and more. One major document is your financial statements, such as banking statements from the past few months.
  3. Payment of the visa fee: The e-visa is paid via a credit or debit card. The cost may vary depending on the country and the type of visa.
  4. Visa Processing: The processing time for an e-visa is generally faster than that for a regular visa. However, the visa processing time may vary depending on the country and visa type. Once approved, you will receive your visa by email.

How to Apply for a regular visa:

  1. Book an appointment: The first step of the regular visa process is to visit the embassy and book an appointment. From here, you will start the visa processing.
  2. Document Submission: You must submit all your documents, such as your passport, photos, and bank statements, in person. Some countries may ask for additional documents, such as travel documents, invitation letters, and financial statements.
  3. Interview: In some cases, you must attend an interview. Some nations might call you for an in-person interview. During the interview, you may be asked questions regarding your financial stability, purpose of travel, and intentions of returning to your home country.
  4. Payment: The visa fee is usually paid in person at the embassy or the consulate office. The fee may vary depending on your country and the type of visa you’re applying for.
  5. Visa Processing: The visa processing time is generally longer than an e-visa’s.

Advantages of E-visa:

  • Convenient and faster processing time: An e-visa processes faster than a regular visa. You don’t have to physically visit the embassy, which shortens the processing time.
  • Cost-effective: Due to digital handling, an e-visa is usually cheaper.

Disadvantages of E-visa:

  • It isn’t universally accepted: Many countries still do not accept an e-visa. In such cases, you must apply for a regular visa.
  • Limited Flexibility: E-visas often have stricter user restrictions and a stay period than regular visas.

Also Read: Step-By-Step Process To Secure A Student Visa