Visa Types

What is Visa ? Read Here

Types of visa

Each country has a multitude of categories of visas and with various names. The most common types and names of visas include:

1. Transit visa

   usually valid for 5 days or less, for passing through the country to a third destination.

   • airside transit visa

     required by some countries for passing through their airports even without going through immigration clearance.

2. Tourist visa

   for a limited period of leisure travel, no business activities allowed. Some countries do not issue tourist visas. Saudi Arabia introduced tourist visas only in 2004 although it did (and still does) issue pilgrimage visas for Hajj pilgrims.

3. Business visa

   for engaging in commerce in the country. These visas generally preclude permanent employment, for which a work visa would be required.

4. Temporary worker visa

   for approved employment in the host country. These are generally more difficult to obtain but valid for longer periods of time than a business visa. Examples of these are the United States’ H-1B and L-1 visas.

5. On-arrival visa

   granted at a port of entry. This is distinct from not requiring a visa at all, as the visitor must still obtain the visa before they can even try to pass through immigration.

6. Spousal visa

   or partner visa, granted to the spouse, civil partner or de facto partner of a resident or citizen of a given country, in order to enable the couple to settle in that country.

7. Student visa

   which allows its holder to study at an institution of higher learning in the issuing country. Students studying in Algeria, however, are issued tourist visas.

8. Working holiday visa

   , for individuals traveling between nations offering a working holiday program, allowing young people to undertake temporary work while traveling.

9. Diplomatic visa

   (sometimes official visa), is normally only available to bearers of diplomatic passports.

10. Courtesy visa

    issued to representatives of foreign governments or international organizations who do not qualify for diplomatic status but do merit expedited, courteous treatment – an example of this is Australia’s Special purpose visa.

11. Journalist visa

    which some countries require of people in that occupation when traveling for their respective news organizations. Countries which insist on this include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United States (I-visa) and Zimbabwe.

12. Marriage visa

    granted for a limited period prior to intended marriage or civil partnership based on a proven relationship with a citizen of the destination country. For example, a German woman who wishes to marry an American man would obtain a Fiancee Visa (also known as a K-1 visa) to allow her to enter the United States. “A K1 Fiancee Visa is valid for four months from the date of its approval.”

13. Immigrant visa

    granted for those intending to immigrate to the issuing country. They usually are issued for a single journey as the holder will, depending on the country, later be issued a permanent resident identification card which will allow the traveler to enter to the issuing country an unlimited number of times. (for example, the United States Permanent Resident Card).

14. Pensioner visa

    (also known as retiree visa or retirement visa), issued by a limited number of countries (Australia, Argentina, Thailand, Panama, etc.), to those who can demonstrate a foreign source of income and who do not intend to work in the issuing country. Age limits apply in some cases.

15. Special Category Visa

    is a type of Australian visa granted to most New Zealand citizens on arrival in Australia. New Zealand Citizens may then permanently reside in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.

16. Electronic visa

    The visa is stored in a computer and is electronically tied to the passport number; no label, sticker or stamp is placed in the passport prior to travel. While a visit to an embassy or mission is usually required, Australia issues most non-immigrant visas electronically (unless the applicant requires or specifically requests a label be placed in their passport) – tourist and short-term business vist visas for nationals of certain countries can be applied for and issued entirely online as an Electronic Travel Authority or e-visitor. The United States has a similar internet system called Electronic System for Travel Authorization, but this is a security pre-screening only and does not technically qualify as a visa under US immigration law.