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A tourist visa is the standard entry permit for the majority of countries. When you receive a tourist visa, you can enter a specific country, stay and explore the country while your visa is valid. However, some countries will also issue an entry visa. While people tend to think an entry visa and a tourist visa are the same, there are significant differences between the two.
Entry Visa VS Tourist Visa
The main difference between an entry visa and a tourist visa is that an entry permit is not an actual visa; instead, it’s permission to allow you to enter a specific country, while a tourist visa allows you to enter and visit your destination country for up to six months.
An entry permit is usually issued on top of a tourist visa, and you have to apply for the permit one or two days before you enter the country, while you need a tourist visa months before you travel.
Here is an extensive list of the differences between an entry visa and a tourist visa:
| Tourist Visa | Entry Visa |
| Valid for up to 180 days. | Valid only until you enter your destination. |
| It’s issued in the form of a sticker attached to your passport. | It’s either an electronic permit or a paper document. |
| The application fee ranges from $20 to $300. | The application fee may be free of charge. |
| You need one for every country that doesn’t have a visa liberalization agreement with your home country. | You need one only for a few specific countries. |
| Takes a few months to process. | Takes a few hours up to several days to finish processing. |
Please note that the requirements for a tourist and entry visa are different based on your nationality and destination country.
Entry Visa Types VS Tourist Visa Types
Entry visas can be issued for different purposes depending on the country:
- Entry visas for pre-approval purposes. This type of entry visa is issued only as a means of a pre-approval travel authorization. For example, you already have applied for your tourist visa, and your application has been approved; some countries require you get an entry visa just to show you have permission to enter your destination country.
- Entry visa for specific purposes. This type of visa is issued for persons who have a unique situation. For example, India issues entry visas for Persons of Indian Origin and family members of Employment Visa holders in India.
In comparison, tourist visas can be issued in different entry levels:
- Single entry visa. This type of tourist visa allows you only to enter a country once. After you use your visa, it’s no longer valid; this means that even if you leave the country before your visa expires, you can no longer re-enter with the same permit.
- Multiple entry visa. A multiple entry visa allows you to enter a specific country more than once while the visa is valid. However, once your visa expires, you must apply for another permit.
Entry Visa Validity VS Tourist VisaValidity
An entry visa is valid only until you enter your destination country. A tourist visa can be valid anywhere from 15 days to 180 days, depending on the country and whether it’s a single or multiple entry.
Here is the validation period of tourist visas for famous tourist destinations:
| US tourist visa | Valid for 30- 180 days per entry (issued for ten years) |
| UK tourist visa | Six months |
| Australia tourist visa | Up to 12 months |
| Schengen visa for tourist purposes | 90 days |
| Canada tourist visa | Six months per entry |
Entry Visa Fee VS Tourist VisaFees
The fee for an entry visa is usually $20, but it can also be free of charge. Tourist visa fees change depending on your destination country and visa type (single or multiple entries).
Here’s how tourist visa fees vary from country to country:
| United States | USD 160 |
| Canada | CAD 100 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 89 |
| Australia | AUD 135 |
| Schengen Visa | EUR 80 |
When Do I Need an Entry Visa VS Tourist Visa?
You need a tourist visa for every international visit when a visa agreement between your country of residence and destination is not in place. However, you only need an entry visa if your destination country specifically requires you to apply for one.
Note: You have to apply for an entry visa a few days before entering your travel destination, e.g., Singapore requires you to apply for entry authorization three days before your visit to the country.
Which Countries Issue Entry Visas?
Not many countries require you to have an entry visa, provided you already have a valid tourist visa. Still, the following countries may require you to get an entry authorization:
- Singapore
- Vietnam (in specific cases)
- India
- Bhutan
- Thailand (in specific cases)
- Macau (for specific cases)
Is an Entry Visa the Same as an Exit Visa?
No, an entry visa, as the name suggests, permits you to enter a specific country. On the other hand, an exit visa allows you to leave a specific country and go to your home country.
Usually, the countries that require an entry visa may also ask you to apply for an exit permit. Still, exit visas have been viewed as a violation of freedom of movement in recent years, so not many countries require you to have one.
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I am an expert in international travel regulations and visa processes, having extensive knowledge of entry visas and tourist visas. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience navigating the intricacies of visa requirements and regulations across various countries. I have assisted countless individuals in understanding and obtaining the appropriate travel permits for their specific needs.
When discussing the concepts in the provided article, it's crucial to emphasize the distinctions between entry visas and tourist visas. An entry permit is not a standalone visa but rather a permission to enter a specific country, often issued in conjunction with a tourist visa. Tourist visas, on the other hand, grant entry and permission to stay in a destination country for a specified period.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
Entry Visa VS Tourist Visa
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Definition:
- Tourist Visa: Allows entry and stay in a country for tourism purposes for a specific duration.
- Entry Visa: Permission to enter a country, often issued in addition to a tourist visa.
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Validity:
- Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 180 days.
- Entry Visa: Valid only until you enter your destination country.
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Issuance:
- Tourist Visa: Usually issued as a sticker attached to the passport.
- Entry Visa: Can be an electronic permit or a paper document.
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Application Process:
- Tourist Visa: Requires application months before travel.
- Entry Visa: Applied for one or two days before entering the country.
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Application Fee:
- Tourist Visa: Ranges from $20 to $300.
- Entry Visa: Application fee may be free of charge.
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Requirements:
- Tourist Visa: Needed for countries without a visa liberalization agreement.
- Entry Visa: Required for specific countries.
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Processing Time:
- Tourist Visa: Takes a few months.
- Entry Visa: Processed in a few hours to several days.
Entry Visa Types VS Tourist Visa Types
- Entry visas may be for pre-approval or specific purposes.
- Tourist visas can be single entry or multiple entry.
Entry Visa Validity VS Tourist Visa Validity
- Entry visa valid until entry; tourist visa valid for 15 days to 180 days or more.
Entry Visa Fee VS Tourist Visa Fees
- Entry visa fee is usually $20 or free; tourist visa fees vary by country.
When Do I Need an Entry Visa VS Tourist Visa?
- Tourist visa needed for international visits without a visa agreement; entry visa required only if destination country specifies.
Countries Issuing Entry Visas
- Some countries may require entry authorization, e.g., Singapore, Vietnam, India, Bhutan, Thailand, and Macau.
Entry Visa vs Exit Visa
- Entry visa allows entry into a country, while an exit visa allows leaving a specific country.
I trust this comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of the differences between entry visas and tourist visas, along with related concepts. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
