A tourist visa is the most common type of travel permit. Passengers visiting another country often need a tourist visa to enter.
Many countries issue different visas for different purposes and some issue visas exclusively for tourism.
Others have visas that permit tourism as well as other activities.
Any of these types of visa can be considered a tourist visa.
It is worth noting that there are also other types of travel authorization that permit tourism, but these are not necessarily the same as a visa.
Tourist Visa Definition
A tourist visa is an official document or stamp that authorizes an individual to enter a foreign country for the purpose of leisure and tourism.
Depending on the country, they may also be referred to as “travel visas”, “visitor visas”, or “temporary stay visas”.
Tourist visas typically allow the holder to stay in the host country for a short period. This can range from several days to several months.
During the stay, tourist visa holders are not allowed to work or engage in non-tourist activities.
In some cases, a short-stay visa for a particular country may permit multiple purposes in addition to tourism, such as business.
How to Get a Tourist Visa
Many nations have now made it possible to apply for a tourist visa online. This is the quickest and most straightforward way to obtain one.
Travelers simply fill in a form using a computer or mobile device and submit the required information and supporting documents in a digital format. This makes it possible to complete a tourist visa application from one’s own home, office, or anywhere else with an internet connection.
Every country has its own visa policy. This outlines the rules for which foreign nationals must have a tourist visa to enter and the requirements for applying.
In some cases, citizens of some countries may not be able to apply for a tourist visa online. In this situation, it is usually necessary to go to an embassy or consulate to apply in person.
Many sovereign states also have a list of visa-exempt nationalities who may visit for a certain length of time without having to apply for a tourist visa.
To take advantage of this visa exemption, it may be necessary to register online to obtain a waiver or travel authorization. These are not technically visas, but the application process is usually similar to electronic visas (e-Visas). They may also permit visits for other purposes, such as business or to receive medical treatment.