A tourist visa serves as the standard entry permit for most countries, allowing travellers to enter a specific country, explore, and stay within its borders while the visa remains valid. However, it's essential to distinguish between a tourist visa and an entry visa, as they differ significantly in their nature and purpose, despite some misconceptions.

The primary differences between an entry visa and a tourist visa lie in their specific use and eligibility criteria. While both may grant entry to a country, they may have distinct purposes and durations, and not all countries offer both types of visas. Understanding these differences is vital for travellers to ensure they apply for the appropriate visa that suits their intended activities and length of stay in the destination country.

Major differences of an Entry Visa and a Tourist Visa

The primary distinction between an entry visa and a tourist visa lies in their nature and purpose:

Tourist Visa:

- Allows entry and visit to the destination country for up to 180 days.

- Presented as a sticker affixed to your passport.

- Requires application and processing months before your intended travel.

- Incurs an application fee may vary depending on some factors.

- Necessary for countries without visa liberalisation agreements with your home country.

- Processing time typically takes a few months.

Entry Visa:

- Serves as permission to enter a specific country but is not an actual visa.

- Can be an electronic permit or a paper document.

- Applied for one or two days before entering the country, often in addition to a tourist visa.

- The application fee may be free of charge in some cases.

- Required for specific countries, not as widely applicable as a tourist visa.

- Processing time can be relatively quick, taking a few hours up to several days.

It's crucial to be aware that the requirements for both tourist and entry visas differ based on your nationality and the destination country. To ensure a smooth application process, it is essential to verify the specific visa regulations and procedures for your intended travel destination.

Categories of an Entry Visa and a Tourist Visa

Entry visas and tourist visas can be issued for various purposes and entry levels:

Entry Visa Types:

1. Entry visas for pre-approval purposes: This type of entry visa serves as a pre-approval travel authorization, often required in addition to an approved tourist visa. It shows that you have permission to enter the destination country, even though you already possess a tourist visa.

2. Entry visa for specific purposes: This type of entry visa is granted to individuals with unique circumstances. For instance, some countries issue entry visas for Persons of Indian Origin or family members of Employment Visa holders in India.

Tourist Visa Types:

1. Single entry visa: This type of tourist visa allows only one entry to the country. Once the visa is used, it becomes invalid, even if you leave the country before the visa's expiration date. Re-entering the country with the same visa is not possible.

2. Multiple entry visa: A multiple entry tourist visa permits you to enter the country multiple times while the visa remains valid. However, once the visa expires, you must apply for another visa if you wish to enter the country again.

It is crucial to note that the specific types of entry and tourist visas can vary depending on the country's immigration policies and the purpose of your visit. Always consult the official website of the destination country's embassy or consulate for accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa types and entry requirements.

What is the Validation of an Entry and a Tourist Visa?

Entry visas and tourist visas are both types of visas that allow you to enter a foreign country. However, there are some key differences between the two in terms of validity.

Entry visas are valid only until you enter your destination country. This means that you must use the visa to enter the country within the validity period, or it will expire.

Tourist visas, on the other hand, can be valid for anywhere from 15 days to 180 days, depending on the country and whether it's a single or multiple entry. This means that you can enter and exit the country multiple times within the validity period of the visa.

Here is a table summarising the validity periods of tourist visas for some popular tourist destinations:

It is important to note that the validity periods of entry visas and tourist visas can vary depending on your nationality and the specific country you are visiting. Therefore, it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for specific requirements

Amount needed for an Entry and Tourist Visa

Entry visas typically have a lower fee than tourist visas. The fee for a tourist visa varies depending on the country you are visiting and the type of visa you are applying for but it can also be free of charge. For example, the tourist visa fee for the United States is higher, while the tourist visa fee for Canada is cheaper.

It is important to note that the fees for entry visas and tourist visas can vary depending on your nationality and the specific country you are visiting. Therefore, it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for specific requirements.

The period that one requires an Entry Visa or Tourist Visa

You need an entry visa if:

Your country of residence does not have a visa agreement with your destination country.

Your destination country specifically requires you to apply for an entry visa.

You need a tourist visa if:

Your country of residence has a visa agreement with your destination country.

You are only visiting your destination country for tourism purposes.

The main difference between an entry visa and a tourist visa is the length of stay. An entry visa typically allows you to stay in a country for a shorter period of time than a tourist visa.

Here is a table summarising the key differences between entry visas and tourist visas:

It is important to note that the requirements for an entry visa and a tourist visa vary depending on your nationality and destination country. Therefore, it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for specific requirements.

Note: You have to apply for an entry visa a few days before entering your travel destination. For example, Singapore requires you to apply for entry authorization three days before your visit to the country.

Countries that offer an Entry Visa

Entry visas are not required for many countries, provided you already have a valid tourist visa. However, the following countries may require you to get an entry authorization:

Singapore: You must apply for an entry authorization through the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website at least three days before your visit.

Vietnam: If you are a citizen of certain countries, you may need to apply for an entry visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.

India: Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online. However, other nationalities may need to apply for a visa at the Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Bhutan: You must apply for a visa in advance through the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thailand: If you are a citizen of certain countries, you can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online. However, other nationalities may need to apply for a visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.

Macau: Citizens of certain countries can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online. However, other nationalities may need to apply for a visa at the Macau government's website.

Is there a difference between an Entry Visa and an Exit Visa?

Yes, an entry visa and an exit visa are not the same.

An entry visa grants permission for you to enter a specific country, allowing you to travel there from your home country or any other destination.

On the other hand, an exit visa permits you to leave a specific country and return to your home country or proceed to another destination.

While some countries may require an entry visa, not many countries currently enforce the need for an exit visa. Exit visas have been seen as infringing upon the freedom of movement, so they are not commonly demanded by most countries nowadays.