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B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, Explained

Understanding the b visas for u.s. business and tourism, in this guide.

• How long does it take to get a B-1/B-2 visa? 
• How many times can you visit the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 Visa? 
• B-1/B-2 Visa Cost
• Can you change status from B1/B2?
• Required documents for a travel visa
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Boundless guides
• B-1/B-2 Visas

What is a B-1/B-2 visa?

A B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant , visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a mix of both (B1/B2). This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. B visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.

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How long does it take to get a B-1/B-2 visa?

As of December 2023, the average wait time (processing time) for most B1/B2 visa interview appointments is between 2 months (Brazil) to 2+ years (Canada). To check the wait time for your specific embassy or consulate, enter your city in this  handy State Department tool  under the section “Appointment Wait Time.” Note that if you are applying for an interview in a country other than your home country, wait times may be longer.

How long can you stay in the USA on a B-1/B-2 Visa?

A maximum of 6 months may be obtained for any B-1/B-2 entry, with the possibility for extensions within the U.S. in qualifying cases. The exact duration varies per visa holder, but you can typically stay in the U.S. for up to six months. The B1/B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the U.S. more than once. There’s no set limit to the number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year, and it depends on the specific circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who review your case each time you enter.

It’s important to remember that the B1/B2 visa is intended for temporary, occasional visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It’s not meant to be used for living long-term in the U.S. or spending the majority of your time in the country.

What’s the difference between a B1 visa and a B2 visa?

The B1 is used for short business trips (conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, etc). Those with B1 visas cannot work in the U.S. in the traditional sense, as of March 2023, B1 or B2 visa holders can apply for jobs in the U.S. and attend interviews. 

The B2 (tourist visa) is for tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or contests, like music or sports, without receiving pay. In most cases, a B1/B2 visa is issued together, allowing the holder to travel for both business and pleasure. 

How many times can you visit the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 Visa?

Depending on the context, the number of times you can visit the U.S. with a B visa varies. B1B2 visas are multiple-entry, meaning they can be used to enter the U.S. more than once. There’s no set limit to the number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year, and it depends on the specific circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who review your case each time you enter.

If officers think you’re trying to live in the U.S. through frequent or extended visits, or if you’re not maintaining significant ties to your home country, they may suspect you’re misusing the visa, which could lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.

While there’s no official limit, it’s vital to respect the purpose and restrictions of your visa to avoid any problems. If you need guidance on your specific situation, it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration expert.

Currently, the government filing fee for a B visa is $185, which does not include the cost of gathering documents and evidence and acquiring passport photos.

Boundless has helped more than 100,000 people navigate the visa application process, and we’ll help you make a travel visa plan based on your unique situation. Get started today!

B visa requirements

A B1/B2 visitor visa is for many types of trips to the U.S., including business and non-business activities like tourism. If you want to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to the U.S. is only for a short time.

You must also show proof that you plan to return to your home country after your visit, and that you have a place to live outside the U.S. that you will not leave for good. These points help show that you will follow the rules of the B1/B2 visa.

Reasons for travel under a B1 visitor visa include:

• Business consultations : This might include meetings, negotiations, or discussions with business associates in the U.S.
• Attending conferences or seminars : This can cover professional, educational, scientific, or business conventions.
• Settling an estate : If someone inherits property or assets in the U.S., a B1 visa can allow them to handle these matters legally.
• Contract negotiations : If a person needs to sign or negotiate a contract with a U.S. company, a B1 visa is often the correct choice.
• Professional examination and licensing : Some professionals must be in the U.S. to take exams or get licenses only available there.

Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa include:

• Tourism : This could be sightseeing, visiting famous landmarks, exploring cities, or simply enjoying the country’s culture and atmosphere.
• Visiting family or friends : Many people use a B2 visa to visit their loved ones living in the U.S.
• Medical treatment : If someone requires medical treatment or a procedure that’s available in the U.S., they might apply for a B2 visa.
• Social events : Attending events like concerts, cooking classes, conventions, festivals, or other social gatherings can be another reason for using a B2 visa.
• Participation in events or contests : If the event doesn’t involve professional participation (like amateur tournaments or contests), a B2 visa could be suitable.
• Short courses of study : If the course duration is less than 18 hours per week, this falls under B2 visa regulations.

You cannot travel under this visa to engage any of the following:

• Long-term employment by a U.S. firm
• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Boundless has helped more than 100,000 people with their immigration and U.S. travel plans. We’ll be your partner from beginning to end. Get started today!

Boundless tip

The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa for business, tourism, or while in transit for up to 90 days. The program currently covers 38 countries and territories, including most countries in the European Union.

Canadian nationals also typically do not need a visa to enter the US for tourism purposes. Canadian nationals will need the appropriate visa if they have specific plans to study, work, or move permanently to the U.S.

Different entry requirements also apply to Canadian nationals, depending on whether they plan to work, study, invest, or immigrate. The maximum length of stay can vary, depending on circumstances, between 6 months and 1 year.

The B1 visa and B2 visa do not grant  permanent resident status  — they are temporary visas – but you can adjust your status from a B1/B2 visa to another type of visa while you are in the U.S., as long as you meet certain requirements. This process involves submitting a change of status application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Here are a few key points to consider:

Key points to consider if you want to change status from B1/B2

• Purpose of stay : Your reason for wanting to stay in the U.S. should match the new visa type. For example, if you wish to study, you may apply to change to a student visa (F-1). If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you could apply to change to a work visa (like H-1B).
• Timing : You should apply before your current status expires, typically indicated on the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. USCIS recommends applying at least 45 days before your current status expires.
• Eligibility : Not everyone can change their status. For example, you cannot change your status if you entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program unless it is due to marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• Status violation : If you’ve violated the terms of your current status (for instance, if you’ve started working while on a B1/B2 visa without authorization), you usually can’t change your status.
• Approval : Even if you meet all conditions and file an application, the final decision is up to USCIS.

If you’ve just married someone who’s a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (they have a green card), you can also apply for a marriage green card. This lets you stay in the U.S. and live with your spouse. You can either apply for a green card while you’re still in the country in a process is called “adjustment of status” (AOS), or you can apply from your home country through what’s called consular processing. To find out if you’re eligible for a B1B2 visa or to change your status from a B1B2 visa, take our eligibility quiz. Get started today!

Documents needed to apply for a B1/B2 visa include:

• A passport valid for six months past the date of return
• A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements
• Documentation of the past five previous trips to the United States, if applicable
• Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of the trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses
• Proof of binding ties to the applicant’s home country, such as a job, property, or family

B1/B2 visa application process

Applications are processed by the United States Embassy or consulate in your country.

You will need to attend an interview before your visa is approved. You can attend an interview at an embassy or consulate in a third country, but you will likely wait longer for a visa appointment.

Steps to getting a B Visa

• First, you must complete the Online Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-160. File the form online and print the confirmation page as you will need it for your interview.
• Upload your digital photo
• Attend the visa interview

As part of the process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken, typically at the interview. After the interview, the consular officer may request additional documents or information to make a decision about your case.

Boundless’ Travel Visa Service makes applying a breeze with online filing, 1:1 interview coaching, interview scheduling, and support if your visa is denied. Take our approval odds quiz to check your eligibility.

B-1 visas are issued for short business trips, while B-2 visas are issued for tourism purposes, such as vacations or visiting family.

If you’re looking to temporarily visit the U.S. for either holiday or work purposes, for example, attending a conference, touring a place or visiting relatives, then you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. You may need to show proof that you have ties to your home country, and that you plan on leaving the U.S..

When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the the country for up to six months . If you’d like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

If you are nearing the end of your permitted stay in the U.S., then you may wish to extend it, especially since there can be future consequences if you stay in the U.S. longer than you were allowed to.

If you’re on a B-1 visa or a B-2 visa, you can request to extend your stay up to one year. To do this, you will need to file Form I-539 to extend or change your status. It’s recommended that you apply to extend your status at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires, so make sure you’re thinking ahead.

No. While you can enter the U.S. for business purposes, you cannot work or be employed by a U.S. employer. If you’re interested in working in the U.S. for a U.S. employer, you may be interested in other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa .

How can I renew my B1 visa or B2 visa?

If you would like to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, then you will need to go through the original process. Depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, you may be able to complete your visa renewal without the need for an interview.

Should I apply for a B-1/B-2 visa or an ESTA?

If you are a citizen of one of the 38 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program , then you have the option of applying for an ESTA instead of a B1 visa or B2 visa.

Both allow you to enter the U.S. for the same reasons of tourism or business, but you can apply for the ESTA online. Entering the U.S. this way only permits you to stay for up to 90 days, however, so if you would like to stay in the U.S. for travel or business purposes for longer, the B-1/B-2 visitor visa may be an option for you.

Do Canadian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa?

For casual business or tourism travel, most Canadian citizens don’t need a visa and will automatically be admitted on a B-1 visa or B-2 visa category.

Is the B-1/B-2 visa an immigrant or non-immigrant visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, but if your circumstances change, for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, there are several paths from a visitor visa to a green card . Learn more to see how Boundless can help you avoid major headaches and make the process easier.

Do I need a certain amount of money in my bank account to be approved for a travel visa?

No. A common misconception about the travel visa process is that in order be approved, you must provide proof of a certain amount of funds in your bank account. Although financial considerations are one aspect of the B-1/B-2 process, and the consular officer may check to see if you are able to support yourself financially during your time in the U.S., there is no minimum required amount of funds that needs to be met. Evaluation of finances will vary from applicant to applicant, depending on a variety of other factors. Learn more common myths about the travel visa process in Boundless’ blog post .

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Tourist Visa vs. Visitor Visa

What's the difference.

A tourist visa and a visitor visa are both types of visas that allow individuals to travel to a foreign country for a temporary period. However, there are some key differences between the two. A tourist visa is typically issued for the purpose of leisure travel, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or engaging in recreational activities. On the other hand, a visitor visa is a broader category that encompasses various purposes, including tourism, business meetings, attending conferences, or receiving medical treatment. Additionally, tourist visas often have shorter validity periods and may restrict the duration of stay, while visitor visas can have longer validity periods and allow for extended stays. The specific requirements and application processes for these visas may vary depending on the country and its immigration policies.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When planning a trip abroad, it is essential to understand the different types of visas available. Two common visa options for travelers are the Tourist Visa and the Visitor Visa. While both visas allow individuals to enter a foreign country for a temporary period, they have distinct attributes that cater to specific travel purposes. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two visa types, helping you make an informed decision for your next international adventure.

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is designed for individuals who plan to visit a foreign country for leisure, recreation, or tourism purposes. It allows travelers to explore the country's attractions, engage in sightseeing, and experience the local culture. Tourist Visas typically have a limited validity period, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the destination country's regulations.

One of the key features of a Tourist Visa is that it prohibits individuals from engaging in any form of paid work or business activities during their stay. The primary intention is to ensure that tourists do not take away employment opportunities from the local population. However, travelers are usually allowed to participate in volunteer work or attend short-term educational courses that do not lead to formal qualifications.

Obtaining a Tourist Visa often requires providing proof of sufficient funds to cover the travel expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate a return ticket or onward travel plans to prove their intention to leave the country before the visa expires. Some countries may also require travelers to have travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during their stay.

It is important to note that Tourist Visas do not grant individuals the right to reside or work in the foreign country for an extended period. If someone wishes to stay longer or engage in business activities, they may need to explore other visa options, such as a Business Visa or a Work Visa.

Visitor Visa

A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or a Non-Immigrant Visa, is a broader category that encompasses various travel purposes, including tourism, business, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. Unlike a Tourist Visa, a Visitor Visa allows individuals to engage in a wider range of activities during their stay, depending on the specific visa subclass and the regulations of the destination country.

Visitor Visas often have longer validity periods compared to Tourist Visas, allowing individuals to stay for several months or even years. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who plan to visit family members, pursue long-term medical treatments, or engage in business activities that require an extended presence in the foreign country.

Similar to Tourist Visas, Visitor Visas may require applicants to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, return or onward travel plans, and travel insurance. However, depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documentation may be necessary. For example, individuals applying for a Business Visitor Visa may need to provide an invitation letter from a business partner or a conference registration confirmation.

It is important to note that some countries have specific Visitor Visa subclasses tailored to different purposes. For instance, a Medical Treatment Visa may be required for individuals seeking specialized medical care abroad, while a Business Visitor Visa may be necessary for attending conferences, meetings, or exploring business opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and restrictions associated with the intended purpose of the visit.

While both Tourist Visas and Visitor Visas serve the purpose of temporary travel, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Permitted Activities

A Tourist Visa generally restricts individuals from engaging in any form of paid work or business activities. On the other hand, a Visitor Visa allows individuals to participate in a wider range of activities, such as attending business meetings, conferences, or seeking medical treatment. The specific activities permitted may vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the regulations of the destination country.

2. Validity Period

Tourist Visas typically have shorter validity periods compared to Visitor Visas. They are often issued for a specific duration, such as 30 days or 90 days, depending on the country's regulations. In contrast, Visitor Visas may have longer validity periods, ranging from several months to several years, allowing individuals to stay for an extended period based on their travel purpose.

3. Documentation Requirements

Both Tourist Visas and Visitor Visas require applicants to provide certain documentation to support their visa application. However, the specific requirements may vary. Tourist Visas usually require proof of sufficient funds, return or onward travel plans, and travel insurance. Visitor Visas may have additional requirements based on the purpose of the visit, such as invitation letters, conference registrations, or medical treatment documentation.

4. Travel Intent

The primary intention behind a Tourist Visa is leisure, recreation, and tourism. It is meant for individuals who plan to explore the country's attractions and experience the local culture. On the other hand, a Visitor Visa caters to a broader range of travel purposes, including business, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. The travel intent plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate visa type for a specific trip.

5. Long-Term Stay

If someone intends to stay in a foreign country for an extended period, a Visitor Visa is usually the more suitable option. While Tourist Visas have limited validity periods, Visitor Visas may allow individuals to stay for several months or even years, depending on the specific visa subclass and the regulations of the destination country.

Choosing between a Tourist Visa and a Visitor Visa depends on the purpose of your travel and the activities you plan to engage in during your stay. If your primary intention is leisure, recreation, and tourism, a Tourist Visa would be the appropriate choice. However, if you require more flexibility to engage in business activities, seek medical treatment, or visit family and friends, a Visitor Visa would be more suitable.

It is crucial to thoroughly research the visa requirements and regulations of the destination country to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Consulting with the respective embassy or consulate can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific visa types, documentation requirements, and permitted activities. By understanding the attributes of Tourist Visas and Visitor Visas, you can make an informed decision and embark on your international adventure with confidence.

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The 4 Basic Types of Travel Visas: Everything You Need To Know

Brian Graham

Former Content Contributor

10 Published Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Your Visa Status Determines Your Ability To Travel

Travel visa article series:, the 4 types of travel visa, tourist visas for u.s. passport holders, tourist  visas to the u.s., type #2 –  immigration visa requirements: obtaining permanent residence in the u.s., u.s. citizens studying abroad, foreign citizens studying in the u.s., type #4 –  work visa requirements: do your business abroad, change or adjustment of status: going from 1 visa to another, 10 top countries that require visas from the u.s., other special notes: passport validity and transit visas, visa centers and third-party visa services, visa application fees: how much and how to apply, visa conclusions: do your research or be turned away.

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You’ve likely heard of a travel visa before, but if you’re like most people, the phrase either overwhelmed or confused you! Who wants to think about government requirements when planning a well-deserved vacation anyway?

Then again, perhaps you haven’t heard it referred to as a “travel visa” because you’ve heard about 1 of the 2 main overall types of visas or 1 of the 4 sub-types.

We know this all sounds baffling, but it does not have to be!

In this series of articles, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about travel visa requirements and how to get them sorted out for your upcoming trips!

A Series on Passport Visas: What ARE Visas Anyway? Do I Need a Visa?

Once you have obtained your very first passport (or simply renewed an old one ), you need to first understand “how it all works” when talking about traveling.

As much as we would like the world to be free, most of us still have to ask permission to travel around and visit countries other than our own. This idea will probably be around for a while, so it is best to understand it now.

Unfortunately, when we talk about the concept known as “visas,” we don’t mean our favorite credit card processing kind …this is the travel visa!

Whether you are a citizen of the U.S. or any other country, visas are universal. However, the requirements do vary by country, and since each visa represents a relationship between countries, they are unique to each case.

Because this is such an important part of travel that many people find hard to understand or annoying to deal with, we decided to do a series of posts on the visa itself.

Knowing the requirements is critical since you will not be able to travel without the proper visa status.

We will first explain the general aspects and different types of visas in this article and then describe each part of the different visas in upcoming articles until we have covered everything!

Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be fully prepared for your trip and have all the information you need. This will ensure that you can continue using your credit cards to earn points and begin deciding where you want to redeem them for travel next!

Make sure to research travel visas when planning your next trip; it may save you lots of heartache and money!

• Part 1: The 4 Basic Types of Travel Visas: Everything You Need To Know (this article)
• Part 2: Tourist Visas TO other countries FROM the U.S. (general info)
• Part 2a: Tourist Visas to [Specific Country] FROM the U.S.
• Part 3: Tourist Visas FROM other countries TO the U.S.
• Part 4: U.S. Green Cards, Immigration, and How to Get Your Fiancé or Spouse into the Country
• Part 5: Student Visas and Studying Abroad
• Part 6: Working Abroad and Visa Requirements To/From the USA

What are The Different Types of Visas That Exist?

As you have seen, the visa is a travel “document” required to get both into and out of a country. These days, you simply get your passport stamped with a visa rather than getting a physical document, but sometimes you will see both.

All visas go hand in hand with your passport; you can think of your passport as your “visa holder.”

There are 2 over-arching categories of visas that apply to any country:

• Non-immigrant visas (meaning you do not become a citizen of that country)
• Immigrant visas (you do become a citizen of that country)

However, these 2 overall categories can be best discussed as 4 main sub-types of visa:

These 4 sub-types apply to every country in the world, though the requirements (or lack thereof) can vary widely, especially depending on which country you’re coming from.

Remember: Your travel may require pre-planning and approval from another government, so  before you go booking any crazy trips and after you’ve gotten your first passport (or get your old one renewed), you need to review the visa information for your destination!

This usually only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a lifetime of stress when you get closer to your trip.

In the U.S., a few examples of countries requiring a pre-approved visa include India, China, most African countries, and Russia.

There are lots of options, but you’ll likely find a tourist visa the easiest to obtain unless you’d like to stay somewhere for an extended period of time.

An immigration visa is the hardest to get, and most people will be unable to obtain this type of visa during their lifetime.

Bottom Line:   You may be tempted to just book trips and go, but when you get the travel itch, make sure to take a few minutes to research visa requirements first!

Type #1 – Tourist Visa Requirements: The Main Concern of Points Travelers

First, we’ll start with the tourist visa (also known as a visitor visa). This is probably the most important type for readers here on UpgradedPoints.com because it’s the visa that allows us to use all those awesome points we’ve obtained!

When talking about travel visas, it’s important to first understand where you are coming from , what your citizenship status is (which country you have your passport from), and where you plan on going .

For the majority of our readers, the place you’re coming from and your citizenship status will both be the U.S., but where you are going can obviously vary widely.

However, some of you may be coming from one country and traveling to another while holding citizenship in a third!

In this case, you must be careful to check travel requirements for your specific situation; otherwise, you could end up finding the wrong information and being unable to travel.

Note:  A tourist visa is a non-immigrant visa.

The good news for most of you is this: when traveling on a U.S. passport, you will not need a visa to visit 143 different countries and territories of the world.

Simply book travel to the desired country and show up on their doorstep (also known as Customs and Border Protection). They’ll probably ask you a couple of questions about your purpose of visit and your return date.

When traveling with a U.S. passport, Americans will need to apply for a tourist visa when visiting 37 countries. 10 of these countries issue e-visas where an application can be made online, while with the other 27 countries, a visit to an application center is usually required.

Visa on Arrival

43 countries require a visa on arrival. This means that once you land, you will speak with a border agent who will process a visa on-site.

For these places, it may not be as smooth and easy as visiting Canada, the Bahamas, or most European countries, where U.S. citizens can quickly walk through the customs line and obtain their stamp.

If you’re the efficient type, even this relatively simple process can go more quickly if your destination country participates in the Global Entry Program !

Bottom Line:   Americans can travel to 88% of the world with little to no up-front work (186 countries). However, there are 196 countries (not including territories), so do your research before you go to see what requirements you’ll meet at CBP!

Unfortunately, this category isn’t quite as simple. While we do have pretty good reciprocal agreements with many countries, citizens from some countries cannot simply travel to the U.S. without prior permission.

To travel to the U.S., visitors need to apply and be approved by the U.S. Department of State. Visa requirements differ per country.

You Can Complete Your Visa Application Online

Many can utilize the Electronic System for Travel Authorization , or ESTA, in order to complete their visa application online.

According to the ESTA website, there are currently 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows people from another country to visit the U.S. without a pre-authorized visa.

The following countries are included in this program, which allows travel for up to 90 days without obtaining any other type of visa:

Note:   foreign nationals who are also nationals of Iraq, Iran, Sudan, and Syria are not eligible for the VWP.

*Taiwan’s status as a country is still in dispute by China and other countries, but the U.S. recognizes Taiwan as an independent nation.

**UK citizens must permanently reside in the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

In order to obtain this visa, visitors must apply for ESTA and be approved. If you are not a citizen of these countries or were not approved in ESTA, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa .

The VWP program gives foreign nationals access to the U.S. (multiple visits) for up to 2 years.

There are a couple of additional ways to visit the U.S., including through a student visa or a work visa, which we will be discussing shortly.

Bottom Line:   Traveling to the U.S. requires some up-front work, whether that is applying in ESTA or researching how to submit a B-2 tourist visa application.

An immigration visa is one that authorizes a person to permanently reside in a country. This is closely related to the naturalization and citizenship process , though immigration does not necessarily suggest citizenship.

If you’ve heard someone mention the term “Green Card,” they were actually talking about the immigration type of visa. Green Cards do not, however, simply grant citizenship.

What a Green Card will do is allow the holder to both live and work in the U.S., as this card is the path to obtaining citizenship.

The citizenship process, also known as naturalization, is the final step in becoming a full citizen of the U.S. Green Card holders must wait five years before applying for citizenship.

Full rights to all laws (including being subject to them) are granted upon naturalization, which allows the bearer to travel as a U.S. citizen would to all other various countries.

There are multiple paths to getting an immigrant visa and several different ways in which to obtain it:

• Through family
• Through employment
• Through investment
• Through the diversity lottery
• Through refugee or asylum status
• Through “The Registry”

Type #3 –  Student Visa Requirements: Get Your Education Abroad

The “ Study Abroad ” visa! If only we all were able to do this. A student visa is obtained when you are visiting a country for the purpose of an educational experience.

While many would agree that all travel, regardless of reason, ends up being an educational experience, travel here refers to trips in which you will be attending classes or studying particular subjects.

These visas apply to exchange students of just a few weeks or those staying a year or more. Requirements vary per visa and per country…as per usual!

Note:  A student visa is also a non-immigrant visa.

For U.S. citizens wanting to study elsewhere, you have lots of options. While there is not a full list put together, you will likely have the best luck finding a place to study abroad by researching through a university.

StudyAbroadUniversities.com is a great resource to help you in this regard.

Your ability to study abroad will be limited to the laws of the country you are trying to study in. Note that almost 60% of Americans who study abroad do so in Europe or Asia, and other countries are starting to become more popular.

Each year, there are over 300,000 students that study abroad from the U.S. (approximately 1.5% of students). These figures contrast starkly with a country like Germany, where around 30% of their students study abroad.

Any foreign national studying in the U.S. will need a U.S. Student Visa, which will fall under the letters F and M.

Also included in this category are visas for academics and education professionals going abroad for particular work studies or trips.

These types of visas fall under the letter J, which might also be considered a work visa.

Over 1 million students from abroad studied in the U.S. in the 2022-2023 school year.

The fourth and final type of visa is the strictest and most difficult to obtain in any country: the work visa.

This is for a very simple reason: governments want economic activity in their country to be driven by their own citizens.

Overall, the U.S. is particularly stern on these requirements. Many different types of work visas exist, and they’re all given a not-very-aptly-named letter:

• Exchange Visitor Visa: J
• Media Visa: I
• Trade Treaty and Investor Visa: E
• NAFTA Professional Worker Visa: TN/TD

Each country wants to ensure that its own citizens have priority for the jobs available in that country. However, if you have your own business, it could possibly be easier to obtain one of these coveted visas.

Note:  Work visas can be either immigrant or non-immigrant in nature.

For U.S. citizens looking to work abroad, you’ll need to research each location’s requirements before you go.

There will be more details on work visas in our upcoming piece. Until then, you can check out more work visa requirements on the U.S. State Department website. Here, you’ll find information for foreign nationals trying to get into the U.S.  as well as Americans going abroad .

It is possible that your status changes while you’re in the country, and you may need to update your visa. This can also be a way to extend your stay in the country if you are required to leave soon.

Let’s say you’re on a temporary work visa but then decide you want to stay longer. You would likely have to apply for a non-immigrant work visa to allow you to stay in the country for a bit more time.

Alternatively, you could be working already but then begin dating someone you are going to marry. In this case, you’d get your status changed to a fiancé or spouse visa.

Perhaps you’re a student studying abroad who is offered an excellent opportunity to work because of your special skills.

You could then switch to a work visa, which would allow you to work and earn money while still continuing to study if desired. On a student visa alone, you aren’t allowed to work unless your job is on the campus at which you are studying.

When Do I Need to Worry About Getting a Visa?

Unless you are familiar with the visa requirements of the country you’re planning to visit, you should always do a quick search on whether or not a visa is required. This is much easier in the age of the internet and usually takes no more than five minutes of research .

Here’s a great site that covers every country’s visa requirements in one list (both business and personal, but does not cover study abroad for student visas (which require special approval).

In general, the easiest countries for U.S. citizens to visit include Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Caribbean countries (excluding Cuba), and most European countries.

Asia is a mixed bag, with some countries requiring prior authorization (such as India and Russia), some requiring an on-site application (such as Cambodia), and others allowing a generous and easy entry (such as Japan).

Africa, the Middle East, and South America make up the majority of locations that require U.S. citizens to obtain prior authorization on a visa.

Use the above information as a rule of thumb, and be sure to check specifics ahead of time. If you’re new to traveling, the easiest places to start are Canada, Mexico, and Europe due to their relaxed visitor agreements and low, competitive prices on flights.

Of course, some of you can even drive to Canada and Mexico on a single tank of gas! Just be sure to remember your passport ! You’ll still need it when crossing the border unless you have a NEXUS card or Passport Card, which acts as a visa itself.

Bottom Line:   To be safe, you should always research your destinations’ visa requirements. You can save lots of trouble with a few minutes of research on the internet. For more info, check out our article: Do I Need a Visa? 100+ Countries with Tourist Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Here is a list of very popular destinations that require pre-approval for travel from the U.S.:

• Saudi Arabia

There are more countries not listed here, but the listed ones are popular travel spots. In the upcoming series, we will release guides to getting visas for these specific countries.

There is a caveat to the “you don’t need a visa to travel to…” rule. Regardless of pre-authorized visa requirements, most countries require you to have at least six months of validity left on your passport before entering the country.

Though this may seem random, the rule exists to ensure you don’t get stuck in a country with an expired passport, which could end up a much, much worse situation than you ever want to deal with!

So, be sure to keep your passport validity up to date. Check out our guide to renewing your passport for more info.

Additionally, while many countries require a visa to be obtained prior to landing, some of these countries have special exceptions for short, transiting trips.

For instance, China now allows you to transit through for 72 hours as long as you have met certain requirements . You can look up these for any country by searching “[destination] transit visa rules” on Google for more info.

Usually, these rules depend on where you are traveling, so contacting the U.S. embassy at your destination is the best choice.

Even once you know the process, getting your visa can be stressful. If you’re the type who just doesn’t want to think about it, you can hire a business that specializes in this type of thing.

Many visa application and expediting companies exist to help you secure your visa before you travel. They can also help answer any questions and assist with preparing anything you’ll need throughout the process.

Uncertain if you can work while you’re in the other country? Will you be able to take some classes? How long can you stay?

If you don’t know the answers and don’t want to research, professional visa services can help make your trip a little more peaceful.

As discussed previously, you should try to apply for your visa online first since most places allow this. Simply do a Google search for “[destination] visa requirements for Americans,” and you’ll likely find something.

Typically, these requirements and applications are posted on the government websites of the target vacation (or other) spots.

For any country in which the U.S. doesn’t have a direct agreement, you will have to pay visa fees. This includes on-site visas and other pre-approved visa countries.

Fees can range anywhere from $20-$200 or more, and it depends on the length of the visa you purchase.

Do your research and determine what the best value is for you so you don’t pay too much in visa fees.

There is much more to say about visas, which you will learn as this series continues. For now, be sure to do your research and get authorized beforehand if necessary.

Which type of visa do you need? Probably 1 of the 4 main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.

U.S. citizens can visit 143 countries and territories without a pre-approved visa. Each of these is good for a different length of stay, although 90 days is one of the most common lengths.

Some places like India require a pre-approved visa that can take months to process, so start early!

What happens if you don’t get your pre-authorization? Well, if the airline doesn’t catch it, then you will simply be stopped while going through customs in the country you are visiting.

You will not be allowed to enter and instead will be stuck in customs to catch the next flight back out of that country.

Bottom Line: Don’t be turned away at the door. Research and get your visas before you travel!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a travel visa.

A travel visa is a document that authorizes you to travel to another country besides the one you are a citizen of.

Why do we need a travel visa?

Visas were created as a way to protect the borders of countries and keep citizens safe. As the world becomes safer, visa agreements become more common, allowing people to visit countries of the world with little up-front work.

How do you travel on a visa?

For U.S. Citizens, the process is pretty simple in most cases. You can show up in another country and enter through the Customs area. The Border Patrol agent will stamp your passport with your travel visa!

However, for some other countries and those visiting the U.S., you must submit a visa application to the State Department. This can sometimes be done online, like through the U.S. ESTA system (for non-U.S. citizen visitors).

Can you travel without a visa? When is a travel visa required?

You cannot technically travel to any other country without a visa. However, in many countries, the governments have already negotiated visas behind the scenes, allowing you to obtain a travel visa on the spot.

Americans can travel to 186 countries and territories around the world with little to no up-front work and obtain a visa upon landing!

How do you apply for a travel visa?

Visa applications can be simple in some cases and time-consuming and cumbersome in others. You can often apply for a visa to your desired country online through an electronic system.

Travelers to the U.S. can use the ESTA system, which allows them to obtain a 90-day U.S. travel visa for up to 2 years.

Other visas, however, require finding and printing forms and sending them in the mail for approval. Then, you must wait for that approval or denial, which can take weeks or even months.

You will need to research your particular situation, as there are too many to list here.

Which countries require a travel visa?

All countries require a travel visa, although the requirements differ between different countries. Depending on your citizenship and where you are traveling, you could obtain an on-site visa, or you may have to apply far ahead of time.

US Citizens can travel to 186 countries and territories without much or any up-front work, although you technically still obtain visas when you arrive.

Who issues travel visas?

Each country’s government is responsible for issuing travel visas. In the U.S., the Department of State regulates and issues travel visas.

Why would a travel visa be denied?

While denial is not common, it happens. If you have certain criminal background status or, in some cases, even heritage, you may be denied. Research reasons for denial for each country before applying.

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About Brian Graham

Brian’s first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made an impression on him.

It wasn’t until Brian relocated to Dallas, TX, and moved in with an American Airlines employee that he truly discovered how incredible travel could be.

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• Travel Guide

What Is A Tourist Visa?

Published: November 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Beryle Gamache

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

A tourist visa is a travel document that allows individuals to visit and explore a foreign country for recreational, sightseeing, or leisure purposes. It is typically granted to individuals who do not have the intention to work or engage in any business activities during their stay. A tourist visa is a temporary authorization and is subject to certain limitations and conditions.

For travelers planning to venture abroad, understanding the concept of a tourist visa is crucial. It serves as the key to unlock the doors of various countries, granting access to their rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and memorable experiences. Whether you dream of exploring ancient ruins in Rome, basking in the sun-soaked beaches of Bali, or witnessing the marvels of wildlife in the African savannah, obtaining a tourist visa is often the first step.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of a tourist visa, including its definition, purpose, application process, requirements, duration, and limitations. By familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of a tourist visa, you will be better equipped to plan your travel adventures and make the most of your time in a foreign land.

Definition of a Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is a legal document issued by a foreign country’s government that allows individuals to enter their country for a temporary period of time for tourism-related activities. It is an endorsement or stamp placed in the traveler’s passport, indicating that they have permission to enter the country as a tourist.

The specific regulations and requirements for obtaining a tourist visa may vary from country to country. However, the common thread among all tourist visas is that they grant individuals the right to explore the country for a limited duration, typically ranging from a few days to several months.

Tourist visas are generally categorized as single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa allows the traveler to enter the country once and stay for the designated period. Once they leave the country, the visa becomes invalid. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa permits the traveler to enter and exit the country multiple times within the specified validity period.

It’s important to note that a tourist visa does not confer the right to work, study, or engage in any business activities. If the individual wishes to engage in such activities, they must obtain the appropriate visa, such as a work visa or a student visa, respectively.

Each country has its own policies and requirements for issuing tourist visas. Some countries may have specific visa categories based on the purpose of travel, such as a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements and limitations of a tourist visa for your desired destination before applying.

Purpose of a Tourist Visa

The primary purpose of a tourist visa is to allow individuals to visit a foreign country for recreational, sightseeing, or leisure purposes. It enables travelers to explore new cultures, experience different landscapes, and indulge in the local traditions and attractions of the destination country.

Here are some key purposes and benefits of obtaining a tourist visa:

• Leisure Travel: A tourist visa allows individuals to take a break from their routine lives and enjoy a vacation in a foreign country. Whether it’s lounging on pristine beaches, exploring historical landmarks, or immersing oneself in vibrant city life, a tourist visa provides the opportunity to relax and have a memorable travel experience.
• Sightseeing and Cultural Exploration: Many travelers seek tourist visas to explore the rich cultural heritage of a country and witness its iconic landmarks, monuments, and attractions. It offers the chance to visit famous sites, museums, art galleries, and historical sites that are unique to the destination.
• Visiting Friends and Family: A tourist visa allows individuals to visit their friends or family members residing in another country. It provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships, spend quality time with loved ones, and experience the local customs and way of life.
• Attending Events and Festivals: Festivals and events are an integral part of a country’s culture and traditions. Tourist visas enable travelers to participate in various cultural festivals, religious celebrations, music concerts, or sports events that take place in the host country.
• Exploration of Natural Beauty: Many countries are known for their breathtaking landscapes, such as mountains, waterfalls, national parks, and wildlife reserves. A tourist visa allows nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the destination.

Overall, a tourist visa opens up a world of opportunities for travelers to satisfy their wanderlust, immerse themselves in new experiences, and create lasting memories. It is the gateway to discovering the wonders and diversities that the world has to offer.

Duration and Limitations of a Tourist Visa

The duration of a tourist visa varies depending on the country issuing the visa and the specific regulations in place. In general, tourist visas have a validity period ranging from a few days to several months. It’s important to note that the duration of stay allowed under a tourist visa is distinct from the validity period of the visa itself.

Typically, the duration of stay permitted with a tourist visa ranges from 30 days to 90 days. However, some countries may grant shorter or longer periods of stay based on their individual immigration policies. It is important to check the specific details and limitations of the tourist visa for the intended destination before planning your trip.

It’s crucial to adhere to the limitations and conditions of the tourist visa. Failure to comply with the visa regulations may result in penalties, deportation, or future difficulties in obtaining visas for other countries. Here are some common limitations to keep in mind:

• No Work Permitted: The primary restriction on a tourist visa is that it does not allow individuals to engage in any form of employment or work-related activities. This includes both paid and unpaid work. If you wish to work in a foreign country, you will need to obtain the appropriate work visa or permit.
• No Business Activities: Similarly, a tourist visa also prohibits individuals from conducting business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating business deals. If you have business intentions, you must obtain a business visa that suits your specific needs.
• No Study or Education: A tourist visa is not intended for individuals seeking to pursue educational opportunities in a foreign country. If you plan to study, attend a course, or engage in any form of education, you will need to apply for a student visa.
• No Public Benefits: Individuals holding a tourist visa are generally not entitled to receive any public benefits or support from the host country, such as healthcare services or social security benefits.
• Restrictions on Extensions or Renewals: Some tourist visas may have limitations on extensions or renewals. It’s important to confirm the rules regarding extensions or renewals of a tourist visa before your initial entry to avoid any legal issues or overstaying situations.

It is vital to familiarize yourself with the specific limitations of the tourist visa for your desired destination. By respecting the restrictions imposed on a tourist visa, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience while staying compliant with the laws and regulations of the host country.

Application Process for a Tourist Visa

The application process for a tourist visa may vary depending on the country you plan to visit. Each country has its own specific requirements and procedures. It is important to thoroughly research and understand the process before applying for a tourist visa. Here are the general steps involved in the application process:

• Research and Gather Information: Begin by researching the specific tourist visa requirements for your desired destination. Visit the official website of the country’s embassy or consulate to find detailed information about the application process, necessary documents, and any additional requirements.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the tourist visa application form accurately and legibly. Provide all the required information, such as personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit.
• Compile Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents as per the requirements specified by the embassy or consulate. Common documents include a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel arrangements, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, financial statements, and proof of health insurance coverage.
• Pay the Application Fee: Most tourist visa applications require payment of a non-refundable application fee. The fee amount and payment methods will be specified by the embassy or consulate. Ensure that you have the funds available to cover the fee before submitting your application.
• Schedule an Appointment: Some countries require applicants to schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate to submit their visa application and supporting documents. Follow the instructions provided to schedule an appointment within the designated timeframe.
• Attend the Visa Interview: Depending on the country and visa requirements, you may be required to attend a visa interview. Prepare yourself by reviewing your application and supporting documents thoroughly, and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and intent.
• Submit Application and Supporting Documents: On the scheduled appointment day, visit the embassy or consulate to submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents. Ensure that you have all the required documents in the specified format, as per the instructions provided.
• Wait for Visa Processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa processing period. The processing time can vary, depending on the country and other factors such as the time of year and current workload of the embassy or consulate. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
• Collect your Visa: Once the processing is complete, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa attached. Follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate to retrieve your passport. Ensure that all the details on the visa are correct before leaving the embassy or consulate.

It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and submit all the required documents as per the guidelines to avoid any delays or issues with your tourist visa application. If you have any doubts or questions, seeking assistance from a visa agency or consulting with the embassy or consulate can be helpful.

Requirements for Obtaining a Tourist Visa

Obtaining a tourist visa requires fulfilling certain requirements set by the country you plan to visit. These requirements may vary depending on the destination and the specific policies and regulations in place. It is important to thoroughly research and prepare the necessary documents to meet these requirements. Here are some common requirements for obtaining a tourist visa:

• Valid Passport: A valid passport is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a tourist visa. Your passport should have a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country.
• Completed Application Form: Most countries require applicants to complete a specific tourist visa application form accurately and legibly. Make sure to provide all the required information and double-check for any errors or omissions.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Prepare recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specifications of the country you are applying to. Typically, these photographs should have a white background and adhere to specific size and format guidelines.
• Proof of Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed travel itinerary that showcases your planned activities, including information on accommodations, transportation, and sightseeing. This includes flight reservations, hotel bookings, and any organized tours or activities you plan to undertake.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay. This may include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or any other evidence that shows you can afford your travel and accommodation costs.
• Proof of Health Insurance: Some countries require proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. Make sure to have valid travel medical insurance that meets the requirements of the country you are visiting.
• Letter of Invitation (if applicable): If you are visiting friends or family, they may need to provide a formal invitation letter outlining your relationship and the purpose of your visit. This letter may need to be notarized or authenticated by relevant authorities.
• Travel History and Intent: In some cases, you may need to provide evidence of previous international travel, such as previous visa stamps or entry/exit records. It is important to demonstrate a genuine intent of visiting for tourism purposes only and not for any other activities like work or immigration.
• Additional Documentation: Depending on the country, there may be additional requirements specific to the destination or the applicant’s circumstances. These may include proof of employment, educational qualifications, marital status, or any other supporting documents deemed necessary by the embassy or consulate.

It is essential to carefully review the specific requirements for the tourist visa of your desired destination and ensure that you gather all the necessary documents before submitting your application. Failure to provide the required documents may result in delays or rejection of your visa application, so it is crucial to pay attention to detail and meet all the stipulated requirements.

Cost of a Tourist Visa

The cost of a tourist visa varies depending on the country you intend to visit and your nationality. Each country sets its own visa fees, which can range from a nominal amount to a significant sum, depending on factors such as visa type, duration of stay, and reciprocity agreements between countries.

When planning to apply for a tourist visa, it is important to consider the visa fees as part of your travel budget. The fees cover administrative costs associated with processing your application and are generally non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

The cost of a tourist visa can vary greatly from country to country. Some countries offer different pricing tiers based on the duration of stay or the number of entries allowed. For example, a single-entry short-term tourist visa may have a lower fee than a multiple-entry long-term tourist visa.

In addition to the visa application fees, there may be additional costs involved in the visa application process, such as courier fees for returning your passport, visa processing fees, or fees for any required supporting documents such as health insurance or invitation letters.

The best way to determine the exact cost of a tourist visa is to refer to the official website of the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit. They will provide detailed information about the visa fees, payment methods, and any additional costs associated with the application process.

It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check for any updates or changes in the fees before submitting your application. Additionally, some countries may offer expedited processing services for an additional fee if you need your visa quickly.

When planning your trip, make sure to account for the cost of the tourist visa to ensure that you have sufficient funds available to cover all travel expenses, including visa fees. By budgeting accordingly and being aware of the costs involved, you can smoothly navigate the visa application process and focus on enjoying your travel adventures.

Renewal and Extension of a Tourist Visa

The renewal and extension policies for tourist visas vary from country to country. While some countries allow for the renewal or extension of a tourist visa, others may require individuals to exit and reapply for a new visa after a certain period of time. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the country you are visiting to understand the options available for extending or renewing your tourist visa.

In countries that do allow for the renewal or extension of a tourist visa, the process typically involves submitting an application to the immigration authorities. Here are some key points to consider:

• Eligibility: Not all tourist visas are eligible for renewal or extension. Some countries may impose limitations on the number of times a tourist visa can be extended or the total duration of stay allowed as a tourist. It is crucial to check the eligibility criteria before applying for a renewal or extension.
• Application Process: Generally, the application process for renewal or extension involves completing the appropriate forms, providing the necessary supporting documents, and paying any applicable fees. The required documents may include a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of travel itinerary or accommodations, and a letter explaining the purpose and need for the extension.
• Timing: It is advisable to start the renewal or extension process well in advance of the expiration date of your current visa. The processing time may vary, and it is important to ensure that you have a valid visa while your application is being reviewed.
• Fees: There may be fees associated with the renewal or extension of a tourist visa. These fees can vary depending on the country and the specific circumstances of the application. It is important to check the fee schedule and make necessary payments during the application process.
• Decision and Notification: Once you have submitted your renewal or extension application, it will be reviewed by the immigration authorities. The decision will be communicated to you through the appropriate channels. It is essential to regularly check your email or mail for updates and follow any instructions provided.

It is important to note that the renewal or extension of a tourist visa is not guaranteed. The immigration authorities have the discretion to accept or deny an application based on various factors, including the applicant’s compliance with visa regulations, the purpose of the extension, and the overall immigration policies of the country.

If your renewal or extension application is approved, you will typically receive a new visa or an extended validity period attached to your existing visa. On the other hand, if your application is denied, you may be required to leave the country before the expiration of your current visa.

It is highly recommended to consult the official website of the country’s embassy or consulate and seek guidance from immigration authorities or visa service providers for detailed and up-to-date information on the renewal or extension process for the specific tourist visa you hold.

Differences between a Tourist Visa and Other Types of Visas

While a tourist visa allows individuals to visit a foreign country for recreational or leisure purposes, there are other types of visas that cater to different purposes of travel. Understanding the differences between a tourist visa and other visa categories is crucial to ensure that you apply for the correct visa based on your intended activities and duration of stay. Here are some key distinctions:

• Work Visa: A work visa, also known as an employment visa, is issued to individuals who intend to work in a foreign country. Unlike a tourist visa, a work visa authorizes the holder to engage in specific employment activities, whether it’s temporary employment or long-term employment with a company or organization in the destination country. Work visas often have stricter requirements and may require sponsorship from an employer.
• Student Visa: A student visa is designed for individuals who wish to pursue their education in a foreign country. It allows students to enroll in educational programs, such as universities, colleges, or language schools. Student visas typically have specific conditions regarding the length of stay, enrollment in a recognized educational institution, and financial requirements to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Business Visa: A business visa is granted to individuals who need to travel for business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or establishing business connections in a foreign country. While a tourist visa prohibits engaging in business activities, a business visa allows individuals to participate in specified business-related activities for a limited duration. The requirements and restrictions for business visas may vary depending on the country.
• Transit Visa: A transit visa is intended for individuals passing through a country en route to their final destination. It allows for a short stay during a layover or when changing flights. Transit visas generally have a limited validity period and may require proof of onward travel or a valid ticket to the final destination.
• Residence Permit/Visa: A residence permit or visa is a long-term visa that allows individuals to reside in a foreign country for an extended period. It is typically granted for purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, or investment. Unlike a tourist visa, residence permits allow individuals to stay in the country for an extended period and often come with additional rights and privileges.

It’s important to note that the requirements, application processes, and limitations of these visa categories can vary significantly from country to country. It is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the specific regulations and requirements for each visa type based on your intended activities and duration of stay.

Applying for the correct visa type ensures that you comply with the immigration laws of the country and enables you to engage in the activities you plan during your time abroad. It is advisable to consult with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit or seek assistance from a trusted visa agency to navigate through the visa application process smoothly.

Important Considerations for Tourists Holding a Tourist Visa

When traveling on a tourist visa, there are several important considerations that tourists should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key points to consider:

• Adherence to Visa Regulations: It is essential to adhere to the regulations and conditions of your tourist visa. This includes respecting the permitted duration of stay, refraining from engaging in unauthorized work or business activities, and abiding by any other restrictions outlined by the immigration authorities. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, deportation, or difficulties in future visa applications.
• Valid Passport and Visa: Always carry a valid passport and your tourist visa while traveling. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate place as a precaution. In the event of loss or theft, having copies will facilitate the replacement process.
• Health and Travel Insurance: Obtain suitable health and travel insurance coverage before your trip. It is essential to have insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your travels. Check the specific requirements and coverage needed for your destination.
• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local laws, customs, and cultural norms of the country you are visiting. Respect the local traditions, dress codes, and religious practices. It is important to conduct yourself in a manner that is considerate and appropriate to the local culture.
• Currency and Finances: Be aware of the local currency and familiarize yourself with the prevailing exchange rates. Carry a mix of cash and internationally accepted credit or debit cards for payments. Keep track of your expenses and be mindful of any currency exchange fees or transaction charges that may apply.
• Safety and Security: Prioritize your safety and take precautions while traveling. Research and be aware of any potential safety concerns, such as high-crime areas or health risks. Stay vigilant, secure your belongings, and follow any safety advice or warnings issued by local authorities or your embassy.
• Communication and Language: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication. Carry a translation app or guidebook for assistance. Having a basic understanding of the local language can help you navigate more effectively, interact with locals, and enhance your overall travel experience.
• Travel Itinerary and Flexibility: Plan your travel itinerary in advance, but also allow for flexibility and spontaneity. Be prepared for unexpected changes or delays, and have contingency plans in place. Make sure to provide your contact details to a trusted family member or friend so they can reach you in case of emergencies.
• Responsible Tourism: Practice responsible tourism by respecting the environment, wildlife, and local communities. Observe and follow guidelines for sustainable tourism, such as avoiding littering, supporting local businesses, and being mindful of your environmental footprint.

By considering these important factors, tourists can make the most of their time on a tourist visa, ensuring a memorable and rewarding travel experience. It is always a good idea to stay informed, remain respectful, and embrace the opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration that come with international travel.

Obtaining a tourist visa is a crucial step for individuals who wish to explore the wonders of a foreign country for leisure, sightseeing, and recreational purposes. Understanding the definition, purpose, and limitations of a tourist visa is essential to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.

Throughout this guide, we have explored various aspects of a tourist visa, including its definition, the purpose it serves, the application process, requirements, and important considerations for tourists. We have also highlighted the differences between a tourist visa and other types of visas, and provided insights into the renewal and extension processes.

As a tourist visa holder, it is important to comply with the regulations and restrictions imposed by the issuing country. Respect the permitted duration of stay, refrain from engaging in unauthorized activities, and adhere to the local laws and customs. By doing so, you can avoid any legal complications and make the most of your travel experience.

Remember to carefully research the specific requirements and guidelines for obtaining a tourist visa for your desired destination. Each country has its own unique visa policies and procedures, and it is crucial to stay informed and prepare the necessary documents to ensure a successful visa application.

Finally, as you embark on your travels, embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create lasting memories. Traveling provides an incredible opportunity for personal growth, cross-cultural understanding, and breathtaking experiences. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the beauty of nature, or indulging in culinary delights, a tourist visa enables you to embark on a journey of discovery and create cherished moments that will last a lifetime.

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Visitor Visa: Everything You Need to Know

A visitor visa, B-2 visa, is a tourist visa required for foreign visitors to the United States. It's a non-immigrant visa for people who plan to visit the U.S. 6 min read updated on February 01, 2023

What Is a Visitor Visa?

A visitor visa, also known as a B-2 visa , is a tourist visa required for foreign visitors to the United States. This is a non-immigrant visa solely given for people who plan to visit the U.S. as a tourist, visit family or friends, or seek medical treatment. Non-immigrant visa holders cannot work or accept a job.

Do I Need a Visitor Visa?

If you are a citizen of one of the countries listed in the Visa Waiver Program , and you plan to only visit the United States as a tourist, you will not be required to apply for a visitor visa. You will, however, need to apply for an ESTA .

Reasons to Consider a B-2 Visa

If you are a passport holder of a country listed in the Visa Waiver Program, you may still want to apply for a B-2 visa. Entering the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program will only allow for 90 days of tourism. It cannot be renewed. If you plan to visit the United States for longer than this, you will need to apply for the B-2 visa. This can be renewed for an additional 6 months.

Qualifications for a B-2 Visa

To qualify for a B-2 visa, the following must be true:

• You are coming to the U.S. for pleasure or for medical treatment — not to work or to stay permanently.
• You plan to stay for a specific and limited period.
• You have a home outside of the U.S.
• You have other binding ties, like family or a job, that ensure you will return home after your visit.
• You have permission to enter a foreign country at the end of your stay in the U.S.
• You have the funds to pay for your visit to and departure from the U.S.

What Is Not Permitted on a B-2 Visa?

While visiting the United States on a B-2, the visa holder is unable to do any of the following:

• Study or take credit-based classes
• Work or accept payment from a U.S. entity
• Participate in performances for payment or in any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrive as a crew member on a ship or aircraft
• Work as a foreign press journalist or another role in information media
• Seek permanent residence in the United States

Unlike some types of visas, a B-2 visa does not allow for dependents. Any dependents who wish to travel with you must apply for their own B-2 visa.

Keep in mind that a B-2 visa does not guarantee you entry into the United States. It merely enables you to travel to a U.S. port of entry; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have the authority to grant or deny your request to enter the country.

B-1 Versus B-2 Visa

A B-1 visa is for business-related travel, while a B-2 visa is for tourism. Both the B-1 visa and B-2 visa are non-immigrant visas, and neither allows a visitor to work or receive money from a U.S. entity. Often when someone applies for a B-1 visa, a combination B-1/B-2 visa will be issued, allowing allow business visitors to enter the country as tourists as well.

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa

• It must be a square.
• It must be at least 600 pixels by 600 pixels.
• It must not be larger than 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels.
• The picture must be in color (24 bits per pixel).
• The picture must be in JPEG format (.jpg or .jpeg file extension).
• The file size of the picture must be less than or equal to 240 kilobytes.
• Step 2 : Fill out the DS-160 application . Once you complete the application, you'll get an email confirmation with a 10-digit barcode You need to print this confirmation page and bring it with you to your interview.
• Step 3 : Pay the application fee. This can be done either online or, depending on your country of residence, at a designated bank.
• Step 4 : Make an appointment with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You may also be required to make an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) in order to submit fingerprints.
• Your current passport as well as your old passports, if you have any
• Your photograph
• The DS-160 confirmation page that was stamped at the VAC
• Visa application fee receipts
• Interview appointment letter
• Any other supporting documents that will assist the consulate in making their decision, such as proof of funds to support your trip, evidence of strong ties to your home country, and evidence that shows the purpose of your trip

Although consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of anyone, interviews are generally not required for those 13 and younger or 80 and older.

Reasons You May Not Get a B-2 Visa

Applying for a B-2 visa does not mean you will automatically receive it. These are several factors that could negatively affect your ability to get a visitor visa to the United States:

• You are between the ages of 15 and 30.
• You frequently visit certain countries.
• You are not married.
• You are a widow or widower.
• You don't make very much money.
• You do not file income tax returns.
• Someone has filed an immigrant petition for you.
• Your passport was lost at one time.
• You have an infectious disease.
• You are currently involved in any court cases.
• You were sentenced for a crime, no matter how small, at some point in your life.
• Someone has given the U.S. consulate negative information about you.
• You have past-due alimony for your wife or children.

If you are over the age of 60, own a home in your country of residence, or you have traveled to other countries as a tourist, you should bring proof of this information with you to your interview, as these factors will weigh in your favor.

How to Renew or Change a B-2 Visa

If you would like to renew your visitor visa to the United States or change your non-immigrant visa status, you need to file form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In order to be eligible to renew or change your visa, you must be able to prove the following:

• Your passport will be valid for the duration of your extended stay.
• You were lawfully admitted into the U.S. with a non-immigrant visa.
• Your non-immigrant visa status is still currently valid.
• You have not committed any crimes.
• You have not violated any of the conditions of your admission.

Expiration of a B-2 Tourist Visa

The expiration date of your B-2 visa and the amount of time that you are allowed to stay in the U.S. are different.

The date of expiration is the date before which you need to enter the U.S. If you try to enter the U.S. using that visa after the expiration date, you will not be allowed. If you enter the U.S. before this date, however, you are able to remain in the U.S. even after that date has passed.

The amount of time you are allowed to stay in the U.S. is determined by the immigration officer at the point of entry where you enter the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get married on a visitor visa?

If you simply want to come to the United States to get married, then return to your home country, you can get married on a visitor visa. If you plan to come to the United States on a B-2 visa to get married and then apply for a green card , you will be committing visa fraud.

• Can I re-apply for the visitor visa if I was previously refused under section 214(b)?

Yes, you can re-apply if you feel that your circumstances have changed since your previous application.

• Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need to apply for a visitor visa unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements for entering the United States. It is possible, however, that having an ABTC will give you the ability to apply for an expedited interview appointment.

• When is a B-2 visa allowed for medical treatment?

It is allowed if you can prove the following

• You have received a medical diagnosis from your local physician that requires treatment in the United States.
• A physician or medical facility in the U.S. is willing to treat this condition.
• The cost of transportation, treatment, and all medical expenses have been estimated. You must also be able to show that someone will take responsibility for covering those costs.

If you need help with applying for a visitor visa , you can post your legal need  or concern on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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What Is a Tourist Visa?

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.

Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.

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Meaning of visa in English

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• My visa still hasn't come through.
• I need to extend my visa .
• I've applied for an extension to my visa .
• They granted her an entry visa.
• You must have a guarantor in order to get a visa to enter the country .
• advance directive
• gender recognition certificate
• get-out clause
• Green Paper
• proceedings
• recertification

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You probably know that you need a passport for international travel, but you may have also heard of another type of travel document called a visa. Depending on your travel plans, you might be able to travel with just a passport — or you might need to apply for a visa as well.

But what is the difference between a visa and a passport? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a passport?

A passport is a specific type of official identity document used for international travel. A country's government issues the document to its citizens or in some cases, to noncitizen nationals. Passports contain identifying information like your name, birth date, gender, photo and passport number.

Many passports also contain electronic chips that store your identity information and signature digitally, which makes the passport difficult to fake or alter.

Most passports are regular, or tourist, passports. In the U.S., these are the blue passports that you’re most likely familiar with. But countries also issue diplomatic and official passports for officials traveling on government business.

When do you need a passport?

If you plan to travel internationally, you most likely need a passport. There are alternatives to passports for U.S. citizens going to Canada or Mexico by land, but most international travel will require a passport. International air travel always requires a passport.

» Learn more: Passport book vs. card: 4 key differences

What is a visa?

A visa is a document that permits you to enter another country for a specific length of time and purpose. Whether a visa is required to enter a country depends on your country of citizenship, your reason for travel, the duration of your stay and other factors.

Any country might issue dozens of different types of visas. It may have a complicated taxonomy of visa types or offer only a handful of visa types. Here are some of the most common types of visas:

Tourist visas are issued when you are traveling to a country for sightseeing, visiting friends or other noncommercial, nonofficial purposes. These visas are typically issued for a short stay of a few months.

Student visas are issued to those who will be studying in the country. They typically allow you to stay in a country during your studies, but there are often restrictions on how much you can work.

Work visas allow you to enter a country for the purposes of employment. Most countries require a specific work visa if you want to work during your stay.

Transit visas are issued when you need to pass through a country to catch a connecting flight. Transit visas are typically valid for a short period of time, and visa holders aren’t allowed to exit the airport while in the country.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

How do you get a visa?

Countries that require a visa will often ask you to send your passport to an embassy or consulate before you travel. Requirements vary, but you will usually be asked to provide evidence of your travel bookings, a photograph, a completed visa form and proof of residence. Visa processing may take a few days to more than a month.

Even if a country requires a visa for travel, you don’t always have to apply for it in advance. Some countries will grant you a tourist visa on arrival. Egypt, for example, grants a 30-day tourist visa to U.S. citizens arriving by air for a $25 fee.

Finally, some countries allow you to apply for a visa electronically. Australia, for instance, allows U.S. citizens, as well as those from a handful of other countries, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority. You can apply for the electronic visa online, allowing you to get a visa without submitting your passport to an embassy or consulate.

When do you need a visa?

Whether you require a visa for travel will depend on your citizenship, the country you are traveling to, your purpose for travel, and how long you intend to stay.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, one way to find out if you need a visa to travel is to use the State Department’s Learn About Your Destination tool, which contains visa information for most countries. Keep in mind that visa rules can change, so it’s best to verify entry requirements even if it’s a country you’ve been to in the past.

» Learn more: Places to travel without a passport this summer

Visa and passport differences

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between a passport and a visa:

Visa vs. passport recapped

A passport is for identity verification, while a visa permits you to enter a country.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a passport. In addition to your passport, some countries require you to apply and be approved for a visa in advance of your travel.

You might also need a visa if you’re traveling for a specific nontourism purpose, such as work or study.

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What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?

A visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) is an official document citizens from visa-required countries need to get to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months.

• It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
• The date is not an expiry date for your stay in Canada.
• If you apply for a study or work permit for the first time , you’ll automatically get a visitor visa when we approve your application.

A visitor record is a document that a border services officer may issue to you to extend or restrict your stay in Canada. If you want to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, you have to tell the border services officer.

You may also get a visitor record after we approve your application to extend your stay or restore your status. A visitor record is issued either by the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

• you first arrive at the port of entry and you know you want to stay longer than 6 months; or
• You must apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay in Canada expires.
• It’s an independent document (not placed in your passport).
• That’s the date by which you must leave Canada.

Image of a visitor visa

Image of a visitor record

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
• Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
• How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
• I am visiting the U.S. I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?
• Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
• I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
• Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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What is a Visa: Definition and All Types of Visas

Are you planning to study in the United States? Or enjoying a vacation in Europe? When traveling to a foreign country, a visitor usually needs to apply for a visa . There are various visas, and the correct visa category will depend on the purpose of your visit.

Each country has its own immigration laws, so you will find different requirements to travel for each country. However, the types of visa and application processes are very similar. Your visa category will depend on your travel purpose and the options available for your nationality.

This article explains the different types of visas, visa applications, and their requirements. Count on iVisa to simplify travel and get the documents you need to explore the world.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an official document or stamp placed in a passport that grants the holder permission to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a foreign country. It is issued by the country the traveler wishes to visit based on their specific immigration and entry policies.

Obtaining a visa often involves an application process, where the applicant must provide personal details, reasons for travel, and, in some cases, evidence of financial means or an invitation from a host in the destination country. The requirements and process for obtaining a visa can differ significantly from one country to another, reflecting their individual security, economic, and diplomatic considerations.

Visa categories according to the travel purpose

The purpose of your travel will determine which type of visa you need. There are different visa requirements based on what you plan to do on your trip. The local authorities will request documents to prove your travel intentions and that you can afford the costs. Here are some of the most popular types of visas .

Tourist Visa

When planning a vacation, travelers usually need to apply for tourist visas online or through an embassy. Also known as visitor visas, tourist visas allow foreign nationals to stay in the country for leisure , visit family members and friends, or for other recreational purposes.

Tourist visas permit visitors to enter the country for a short-term stay , ranging from 15 days to six months. The duration of stay and visa validity varies depending on the country and the nationalities eligible for the visa.

This type of visa is a non-immigrant visa , so it doesn't have many requirements. Often, all you need is to prove the intention to return to your home country. Immigration authorities usually ask for the following documents:

A valid passport

Passport-size photographs. Use iVisa Passport Photo Service if you need one.

Proof of accommodation

Return air ticket

Sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay

Travel itinerary

iVisa helps you to apply online for tourist visas to visit many countries! Count on our services to get your travel document in a few clicks or full guidance to apply for complex visas, like the B1/B2 to visit the U.S. Use the Visa Checker Tool to see if there is a tourist visa available for your next destination.

Business Visa

This type of visa is for business travelers. You can apply for a business visa when your trip is for business purposes , such as attending a conference, meeting with clients, or exploring business opportunities. Many countries include tourism and business trips in the same visa category, usually tourist or visitor visas. However, in some cases, the government is more specific and requires an exclusive visa for business activities .

Most times, you can apply online, meeting just a few visa requirements, such as the following:

Passport-size photographs. Remember you can use the Passport Photo Service .

Business invitation letter from the host company

Medical Visa

This visa is required for medical treatment . Some destinations are known for their medical treatments and create a special medical visa to control the flow of tourists aiming for health services. That’s why you find visas such as the India Medical eVisa .

This visa category usually has medical requirements and proof that the traveler intends to return to their home country. It’s common to have to provide the following documents:

Medical certificate from a recognized medical institution

Sufficient funds to cover your medical expenses during the stay

Work visas allow legal work in the country . It’s issued to a visa applicant who has been offered a job in a foreign country and wishes to work there, so it’s part of the immigrant visa categories.

The visa validity varies in each country but usually ranges from one to three years. Applying for this visa, travelers need to prove they have a job and are qualified by providing the following documents:

Passport-size photographs

Work contract from the host company

Educational qualifications and professional experience

Usually, you can’t apply online for work visas. You must check the visa application process and requirements for your work visa with your nearest embassy.

Student Visa

Do you want to study abroad? You must apply for a student visa with a consular officer. To get this travel document, you must be accepted to study at an educational institution in the country. The student visa validity changes depending on the country and the course duration.

Some countries allow you to work with a student visa, while others only permit you to study. To apply, you typically need to provide the following documents:

Acceptance letter from the educational institution

Educational qualifications

Au pair Visa

Some countries offer an Au Pair visa. This visa category is for applicants who want to reside legally in the country while caring for children in a program-approved host family. It’s usually valid for 12 months. In the United States, for example, this US visa is called a J-1 visa and is part of the Exchange Visitor Program.

The specific requirements for an Au Pair visa may vary depending on the country where you plan to work as an au pair. Here are the common requirements for this visa:

Signed contract with the Host Family

Clear criminal record

High School Certificate

Motivation letter

Proof of language skills

Be between 18 and 30 years of age

Remote work is increasingly popular. Since there is no need to go to the office, people work from anywhere with an internet connection. Countries saw the opportunity to offer the nomad visa, allowing these travelers to have a long stay by presenting proof of regular income.

For example, you can live your best life while working remotely with a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa . In this case, you can easily fill out an online application in just a few minutes. Requirements may vary depending on the country, but you may need some of the following documents:

Proof of remote work

Proof of health insurance

Proof of stable monthly income

Are you interested in this lifestyle? Check the best places to live for digital nomads .

Sponsor Spouse Visa

You got a great job opportunity in another country, received your work visa, and now you need to bring your family members with you. Many countries offer the sponsor spouse visa, a travel document issued to people who wish to join their spouse who is living and working in a foreign country. The Canada Sponsor Visa is an example of this.

To apply for this visa, you may provide some of the following documents:

Marriage certificate

Proof that the spouse has sufficient funds to cover your expenses

Retirement Visa

You worked a lot, and now you want to experience a different culture in another country. Some countries offer a retirement visa for people who wish to enjoy retirement in a foreign country . A visa category like the Chile Retirement and Period Income Visa , for example, allows you to stay a year in the country if you can prove you have sufficient funds.

These are the regular requirements to apply for a retirement visa:

Proof of retirement income

Travel documents according to the application process

There are different ways to apply for the visas above. Each country determines the application process for each visa category , which also may change depending on the traveler’s nationality. For example, some nationals can visit the United States with the US ESTA , an electronic travel authorization that they can apply for online, while others must apply for a B1/B2 visa , which is a paper visa that requires a visa interview appointment for applicants older than 13 and younger than 80.

Use the Visa Checker Tool to see which document you need and learn more about the application processes below.

eVisa: Electronic Visa

Some countries have an electronic system to grant visas and control the flow of visitors by offering the e-visa option, usually for business and tourism purposes. This is a quick and easy way to apply online for a visa. You fill out an application form in a few clicks and receive the document via email. Usually, it has a few requirements, fast processing, and the process is 100% online , and works by linking the visa to your passport electronically.

ETA: Electronic Travel Authorization

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a similar concept to an eVisa but is often used for visa-exempt countries. This travel document is an electronic approval issued in advance of your travel, allowing you to board a flight to the destination country. An ETA allows local authorities to track tourists by collecting personal and travel information from digital forms submitted by travelers. Once you arrive, you may be required to show your ETA approval at immigration.

Visa on arrival

Some countries offer this visa in a Visa Waiver Program , allowing eligible countries to get a visa on arrival. There are cases where travelers may need to fill out an online form before boarding, and others where the entire application process happens at the airport . This can be very inconvenient as it usually involves waiting in long lines to get the visa, but at least you don’t need to deal with the embassy's bureaucratic process. Also, ensure you have all the required documents, or you may need to return home before exploring the country.

In contrast to other application processes, a paper visa is a physical visa issued by a consulate or embassy and attached to a page of your passport. You may need to apply for a paper visa in person or by mail, and it can take several days or weeks to receive the visa. With a paper visa, you may also need to provide additional documentation and undergo an interview process. It’s usually the only option when you need to stay for longer periods in the country, such as work or study visas.

Guided Visa Application

You don't have to face this complex process alone. With iVisa Guided Applications , you can simplify your application process with detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, as well as an exclusive iVisa expert to assist you throughout the process. We provide a shorter and clearer application form compared to embassy forms. Additionally, we will review your documents for 100% compliance with government requirements, reducing the risk of rejection.

Use the Guided Applications to apply for visas such as the Canada Visitor Visa , Bangladesh Visa , and the Schengen Visa , depending on what your plans are.

Do you have questions about visas? Contact our iVisa experts!

There are many travel document options, and sometimes it may be confusing. Contact our customer service team if you have questions. They are available 24/7 and will be happy to help you.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. For government source information, please visit our product pages.

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Definition of visa

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of visa  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

Examples of visa in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'visa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

French, from Latin, neuter plural of visus , past participle

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing visa

• transit visa

Dictionary Entries Near visa

Cite this entry.

“Visa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visa. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of visa.

Kids Definition of visa  (Entry 2 of 2)

Legal Definition

Legal definition of visa, more from merriam-webster on visa.

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Admission to the United States and your Duration of Stay

Extension of stay, what if i decide to stay longer and am out-of-status with the department of homeland security.

Sometimes understanding the difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time you have permission to remain in the United States can be confusing. These are very different terms. Also review our “ What is a U.S. Visa ?” webpage.

• A U.S. visa in his/her passport gives a foreign citizen permission to apply to enter the United States. A visa by itself doesn’t authorize entry to the U.S.  A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and that the officer determined you’re eligible to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port-of-entry can be an airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.
• At the port-of-entry, a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit, as part of the Admission process. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port-of-entry in the United States.

Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued from a single entry (application) up to multiple/unlimited entries.

• A visa issued for a single entry (denoted on the visa under “Entries” with the number 1) is valid, or can be used from the date it is issued until the date it expires to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry one time.
• Applying for a new visa is not necessary if your visa has not expired and you have not exceeded the number of entries permitted on your visa.
• Multiple uses of a visa must be for the same purpose of travel allowable on the type of visa you have.

Please be aware, a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.

It is important to note that there are circumstances which can serve to void or cancel the period of visa validity. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will automatically void or cancel unless;

• You have filed an application in a timely manner for an extension of stay or a change of status;
• That application is pending and not frivolous;

If you have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR, also called green card holder), you should contact USCIS regarding obtaining  Advance Parole  before leaving the United States.

Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.

On the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either an admitted-until date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. If you have D/S on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, you may remain in the United States as long as you continue your course of studies, remain in your exchange program, or qualifying employment.  The admitted-until date or D/S notation, shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the United States. You cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the United States.

Carefully review information about  international visitor admission  on the CBP Website.

If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires. It is recommended you apply well in advance of your expiration date. To learn more select  USCIS, How Do I Extend My Stay ?.

Important Note: Providing permission to enter and/or remain in the United States. to persons holding a nonimmigrant visa is not the responsibility of the Department of State, and therefore Visa Services is unable assist you in this regard. All inquiries must be directed to USCIS.

• You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status.
• Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled, as explained above. Select  Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas  to learn more.

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Fact on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

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Visitor Visa

People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. You can stay for up to either 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.

Length of stay

6 or 9 months

Processing time

With this visa you can.

• holiday in New Zealand
• visit family and friends in New Zealand
• study for up to 3 months
• include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.

Things to note

• Some people including citizens of visa waiver countries can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of a visa.  Check if you need an NZeTA or visa
• How long you can stay depends on if you have a single entry or multiple entry visa. Check the visa conditions to learn more. Visitor Visa conditions
• We advise travellers not to book any non-refundable travel until after their Visitor Visa is approved.

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

• 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you use a paper application form.
• your passport or certificate of identity .

Acceptable photos

If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you have applied.

Providing your passport for online applications

If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy.  We can usually process your application faster if you provide your original passport.

If you are a citizen of China and you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Supplementary form for Chinese citizens (INZ 1027) PDF 338KB

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students (INZ 1220) PDF 240KB

Also provide a copy of your Identity card.

Also provide your:

• Hukou (household registration book)
• Chinese identity card.

Check that you enter your details correctly when you apply. If there are any errors or mistakes your application will be delayed. We also may decline your application or refuse you entry to New Zealand.

You must be in good health

We may ask you to have a chest x-ray, a medical examination or both as proof of your good health.

If you are staying less than:

• 6 months you do not normally need a chest x-ray. 
• 12 months you do not normally need a medical certificate. 

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

When we process your application we let you know if we need you to have a chest x-ray or medical examination.

Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals

Please only provide medical certificates if requested

You must provide a chest x-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you've provided one to us previously, if:

• you have spent 6 consecutive months in China since the last x-ray certificate was issued, and
• you are now coming to NZ for more than 6 months.

You must be of good character

If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to grant you a visa.

Good character for temporary visas

You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.

You also must provide police certificates if we ask for them.

If you are 16 years old or younger you do not need to provide police certificates.

Providing police certificates

How to get a police certificate

If you have already sent us Police Certificates with a previous visa application and they are less than 24 months old, you do not need to send them again.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. They must be from any country you are a citizen of, or have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.

Genuine intentions

You must be a genuine visitor to New Zealand and intend to leave at the end of your visit

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances, and
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

If you will return to a Schengen member state after your visit, but are not a citizen of a member state,  you should provide evidence of your right to return to that country.

Evidence of your right to return to that country is a current copy of your Schengen visa.

You may need to apply for a different visa if you are coming to New Zealand:

• to work — apply for a work visa.
• for a special purpose, such as joining a partner, or traveling for a work conference — check the other visitor visas to find one that matches your purpose.
• for medical treatment - apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa.
• to conduct or undertake business — apply for a business visa.

Explore visa options

Relationship with family

You can include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 19 in your application

To bring family:

• you must provide evidence of your relationship with them, like marriage and birth certificates
• you must provide proof of their identity
• they must be of good character
• they must be in good health.

Partnership Dependent children

A family can include yourself, your partner, and dependent children 19 and under.

You should provide copies of family members Hukou (household registration book) included in your application.

You should provide copies of identity cards for family members included in your application.

Funds or sponsorship

You must have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand or have an acceptable sponsor

If you are paying for yourself

You must have at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if you have already paid for your accommodation.

To prove this, you can include:

• proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts
• bank statements or credit card statements
• bank drafts or travellers’ cheques.

We may also ask for information about the source of your money that you will use for travelling.

If you are sponsored

Your sponsor must provide evidence that they meet the criteria, and can look after you while you are in New Zealand.

Criteria to sponsor a visa applicant

What sponsors must do while a visa holder is in New Zealand

Evidence they can provide includes:

• recent bank statements
• employment agreement
• accommodation ownership or payment of rent

You must have your sponsor's Sharing ID to complete your online application.

Process to become a sponsor

You may be eligible for streamlined visa processing arrangements.

Check if you are eligible

If you are pregnant, there are additional requirements.

Paying for maternity care

Health care

You must agree to pay your own health care costs

You must declare in your visa application that you will pay the costs of any health care or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.

We recommend that you have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.

Onward travel

You must leave New Zealand at the end of your stay

When you arrive in New Zealand you may be asked to show that you intend to leave the country — for example, a return ticket or proof you have enough money to buy a ticket out of New Zealand. This is in addition to the funds you have to live on.

If you are sponsored and you do not have a return ticket your sponsor can provide recent bank statements to show they have enough money to buy you a ticket out of New Zealand.

If you are not a citizen of the country you will return to after your visit, you must provide evidence of your legal right to enter that country.

If you will return to Schengen member state after your visit, but are not a citizen of a member state, evidence of your right to enter that country is a current copy of your Schengen visa.

If you buy your ticket before we have processed your visa application, you risk losing the fare if we do not grant you a visa.

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

We cannot display any receiving centre or payment method information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if you:

• are not a genuine visitor
• do not meet our character criteria
• have had a change in circumstances since you were granted a visa
• refuse to let us take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan
• cannot provide evidence of any onward travel or funds required to leave New Zealand.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand

If you are refused entry to New Zealand

Before you travel make sure you carry all the documentation you need with you.

You may not be allowed to check in to your flight if your passport is close to expiring. Check that it will not expire while you are in New Zealand or close to when you plan to leave New Zealand.

Before you travel to New Zealand

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on if you have a multiple entry or a single entry visa.

Multiple entry Visitor Visa

If you have a multiple entry visa, you can visit New Zealand as a tourist as many times as you want and stay for a total of up to 6 months in a 12-month period.

The 12-month period is calculated back from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand (your intended departure date).

For example, if the last day you intend to be in New Zealand is 1 December 2024, then your 12-month period will begin on 1 December 2023.

To be eligible, you must have been out of New Zealand for at least 9 months in the 18-month period before you apply.

Single entry Visitor Visa

If you want to visit New Zealand for more than 6 months or extend your current 6-month stay in New Zealand, we consider issuing you a single entry visa. This lets you enter New Zealand once and stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period.

The 18-month period is calculated back from your intended departure date.

For example, if the last day you intend to be in New Zealand is 1 December 2024, then your 18-month period will begin on 1 June 2023.

If you have a single entry Visitor Visa and you leave the country, your visa will expire.

Visa expiry

You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Visa expiry dates are printed on a visa label or included in a visa letter.

If travelling in and out of New Zealand, a valid multiple entry travel condition  is needed to return to New Zealand.

Changing the conditions of a visitor visa

If applying from inside New Zealand, we will normally give multiple entry travel conditions when we grant a visa.

If there are no multiple entry travel conditions and you leave New Zealand the visa will expire.

The travel conditions will be listed on the visa label or in a visa letter.

Unless your visa label or letter says 'Return/onward travel not required', you must have either of the following:

• a travel ticket to a country you can enter
• an acceptable sponsor who can pay for your travel ticket out of New Zealand to a country you can enter.

What sponsors must do – responsibilities and obligations

Unless your visa label or letter states “Return/onward travel not required” you must have a ticket to leave New Zealand whenever you travel here.

You must have enough money to support yourself while you are in New Zealand or have a sponsor.

You may be asked for evidence you have enough funds to support yourself when you check in or arrive in New Zealand.

You cannot  work in New Zealand on this visa.

If you’re coming to New Zealand to take up an offer of employment, you should apply for a Work Visa.

If you’re coming to New Zealand for a special purpose, such as a work requirement, or as a partner or family member, you should first consider the Special Category Visitor Visas .

If you want to conduct business while in New Zealand, you should apply for a Business Visitor Visa.

Business Visitor Visa

You may study for up to 3 months in any 12 month period.

School-aged children can study for up to 3 months in any calendar year. Children studying for more than 2 weeks must attend a school that is signatory to the ‘Code of Pastoral Care for International Students’.

Code of Pastoral Care for International Students

Money latest: 'Stealth' raid on Britons' inheritance revealed; urgent Aldi recall amid police probe; petrol price spikes

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay. Read this plus all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast as you scroll.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 18:49, UK

• Inflation falling doesn't mean we should cut interest rates, Bank of England economist says
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• Aldi recalls product amid police investigation
• Petrol prices hit 150p a litre for first time since November

Essential reads

• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• Ian King analysis : FTSE highs - why is it happening and what does it mean for UK economy?
• Money Problem : My neighbour's trees are damaging my wall, they think they're bigger than the law - what can I do?
• Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? Psychologist's view
• Listen to the Ian King Business Podcast above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

The FTSE-100 has hit a second all-time closing high in as many days. The index of the UK's biggest 100 listed companies, having earlier hit a new intra-day high of 8,075.52 at just after 8.24am, finished the session up 20.94 points, around 0.26%, at 8044.81.

It's worth noting, though, the Footsie has been a relative laggard this year. The S&P 500, America's top stock index, is up 6.91% so far in 2024, Japan's Nikkei 225 is up 12.81% and Germany's DAX 40 is up by 8.30%. 

The Footsie, by contrast, is up by a mere 4.05% even after the rally of recent sessions. So it can hardly be said to be doing well compared with international peers. On top of those already mentioned, the MIB in Italy is up by 13.24% this year and the CAC 40 in France by 7.46%, for example.

Nonetheless, the Footsie hitting a new record close two days running is notable.

There is no shortage of reasons why. 

The most obvious is the recent weakness in sterling. The pound hit a five-month low against an international basket of currencies on Monday following comments from Sir Dave Ramsden, a deputy governor of the Bank of England, on Friday afternoon in which he pointed to the growing likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near future. 

That has weakened the pound against the US dollar in particular. 

Since three-quarters of earnings of FTSE-100 companies are denominated in other currencies, chiefly the US dollar, a fall in the pound against those currencies makes the future earnings generated by Footsie companies - whose shares are denominated in sterling - cheaper to buy in those currencies.

That was certainly behind the big rally seen on Monday -although today sterling rallied on comments from Huw Pill, the Bank's chief economist, which suggests there is more going on. That something is the relative cheapness of the Footsie in comparison with its peers. 

The Footsie currently trades on a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of just 13.22 times - in other words, £1 invested in the index today would be repaid 13.22 years from now. 

That is cheap when set against the DAX in Germany, which trades on a P/E of 14.87 times and the CAC in France, which trades on a P/E of 15.91 times or the SMI in Switzerland, which is on 14.52 times. 

The main US indices, meanwhile, cavort along on P/E ratios of more than 20 times. Only Spain's leading stock index, the IBEX, looks cheaper than the Footsie by comparison.

The conclusion that should emphatically not be drawn is that the Footsie's recent rally is anything to do with the UK's economic outlook, even though the latter is visibly improving. 

The index is chock-full of companies that have little or nothing to do with the UK - such as Fresnillo, a Mexican gold and silver miner; Antofagasta, a Chilean copper and gold miner; and Ashtead Group, a plant and tool hire company which derives £90 in every £100 it earns from the US. 

Even companies thought of as British, such as BP, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Shell and Diageo, the world's biggest scotch whisky and tequila producer, derive the vast majority of their earnings outside the UK. In fact, of the 20 biggest companies in the Footsie, only one - the Lloyds Banking Group - can be said to make most of its income in the UK.

For a better gauge of how corporate Britain is doing, investors are better off looking at the FTSE 250, the next biggest 250 listed companies on the London Stock Exchange and home to household names such as Bellway, Games Workshop and ITV.

Some of these also derive a fair chunk of earnings from outside the UK, such as the cruise operator Carnival, the ingredients producer Tate & Lyle and the catalytic converters group Johnson Matthey. 

But it is also replete with companies that make most or all of their earnings in the UK, such as the property trio British Land, LondonMetric Property and Derwent London, the housebuilder Bellway and everyone's favourite sausage roll emporium Greggs.

In short, the FTSE 250 is a much better guide to sentiment towards UK companies than the FTSE-100. The bad news is that it is only up by a paltry 0.6% this year so far.

Labour has added an amendment to the government's Renters (Reform) Bill that would prevent landlords from selling a property for two years after a tenancy has begun. 

Under the rule, landlords would have to wait two years from the tenancy start date before initiating repossession proceedings. 

The bill aims to reform the private rental sector, and also includes plans to scrap "no fault" evictions, make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent out to those on benefits or with children, and create a national landlord register. 

It is being debated tomorrow and is in the report stage, meaning MPs can consider further amendments. 

Any amendments will need to be voted through.

Other significant amendments include prevemting tenants from giving notice to quit until they have been in a property for four months. 

As tenants have to give two months' notice, this effectively means they will need to stay in a property for six months. 

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has also added an amendment requiring landlords to pay renters and unspecified relocation fee if if they asked them to leave a property within the first two years of a tenancy.

Recent falls in inflation may have spurred talk of interest rate cuts, but the Bank of England's deputy governor has said this is not necessarily enough reason to slash rates. 

Speaking at the University of Chicago, Huw Pill said it would be better to cut rates too late rather than too early. 

He said little had changed with the inflation and interest rate situation since late March, and that there were "greater risks" associated with going too early. 

Despite optimism among some, Mr Pill said there is still a "reasonable way to go" before inflation has stabilised to the level needed for the UK to meet its 2% inflation target in a sustainable way. 

"This assessment further supports my relatively cautious approach to starting to reduce Bank rate," he said. 

Mr Pill had voted to keep the Bank rate unchanged at 5.25% in the most recent meetings of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee in March. 

Inflation currently stands at 3.2% - the lowest rate since September 2021. 

This is still above the Bank's target of 2%. 

The next Bank rate decision is next week - but markets don't expect a cut then. June is seen as more likely - though Mr Pill's comments cast some doubt on that.

Petrol prices are exceeding 150p per litre for the first time since last November, according to new data.

Figures from the website Fuel Prices Online shows typical pump prices reached 150.1p per litre on Monday.

The average price of a litre of diesel is also at the highest level since November 2023, at 158.3p.

Experts say rising fuel prices in recent weeks can be attributed to an increase in the cost of oil and a weakening of the pound versus the US dollar.

AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said while inflation was heading downwards, petrol's rebound to 150p a litre left a "big boulder in the road".

He said: "Five days of falling wholesale costs, with the value of oil coming off the boil, offers hope that pump prices may not get much worse in the short-term.

"However, road fuel priced above 150p a litre grabs the attention of drivers and will lead some to re-tighten their belts on other spending."

The annual 100 fastest growing UK businesses list has been published, with the country's largest electric vehicle fast charging network in top spot.

Environmentally conscious companies dominate the ORESA Growth Index 2024 - with three of the top 10 companies participating in the clean and renewable energy market.

There was also success for the retail sector, with 24 businesses in the list, while the construction and logistics sectors have also seen signs of recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Topping this year's list is Basingstoke-based green energy business InstaVolt, which had an annual growth rate of 362.55%.

The company is the largest owner-operator of rapid public chargers in the UK, with 1,500 charging points.

In 2022-23, the company's third financial year, its revenues hit £18.6m.

Here's the top 10...

Regional success

While London and the South East dominate the list with 59 companies, Northern Ireland has four - up from zero in the past two years. 

Companies from Yorkshire and Humber and the North East have increased from six to 10 and from zero to one respectively, while the East Midlands has gone down to six from nine in 2023. 

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay.

Official figures show the government received £7.5bn in inheritance tax (IHT) receipts in the financial year to the end of March - an increase of £400m on the same period the previous year. 

(More widely, total tax receipts were £827.7bn - £39.1bn higher than the same period last year - due in part to inflation and other tax threshold freezes.)

Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died - including all property, possessions and money - and is only charged above the tax-free threshold of £325,000. 

This threshold has been frozen by the chancellor until 2028.

So, with inflation boosting the value of people's estates, more people are being dragged above the threshold.

The standard inheritance tax rate is 40%. 

Jonathan Halberda, specialist financial adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services, says more families "can expect to be caught in its net".

So what can be done to ensure families can keep their wealth? 

Use the inheritance tax spouse exemption

Mr Halberda says if you leave your entire estate to your spouse or civil partner, there will be no inheritance tax to pay - even if its value exceeds £325,000. 

Make a will

Doing this can mean you can distribute assets to take advantage of tax-free allowances. 

"Assets in trusts are no longer in your name and therefore not considered when valuing your estate for inheritance tax," Mr Halberda says. 

Gift giving 

Gifting money or assets to loved ones before you die can avoid inheritance tax, but there are limits on how much you can give away and who to. 

Gifts to charity 

Leaving gifts to registered UK charities in your will is exempt from inheritance tax.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 has hit another all-time high this morning following its record performance yesterday.

The index, of the 100 most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, soared to 8,071 points shortly after the opening. It marks a new "intraday" (during the day) record.

Later in the morning, the FTSE 100 eased back to 8,060 points, but was still up nearly 0.5% on yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

It comes after the index reported a record-high closing figure of 8,023 yesterday following a fall in the value of the pound. A lower pound makes it cheaper for foreign investors to invest in FTSE companies.

One of the reasons the pound is falling against the dollar is interest rates are expected to stay higher for longer in the US - meaning investors will get better returns on their US investments.

The strong performance this morning raises the prospect we could see another record close at the end of today's trading.

Danni Hewson, from investment platform AJ Bell, said the figures were "psychologically important for investors and for London markets as a whole" as the capital has been lagging behind its rivals, particularly the US, in recent years.

Among the firms doing very well this morning is JD Sports. The retailer's shares are up more than 7% in early trading following reports that it is set to buy US rival Hibbett for $1.08bn (£0.87bn).

On the currency markets, £1 will buy you $1.23 US or €1.15, similar to yesterday's five-month lows for the pound.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil is up almost 1% at nearly $88 (£71) this morning.

Aldi has recalled one of its products and a police investigation has been launched over fears it "may have been tampered with".

The supermarket has pulled its Village Bakery 8 Tortilla Wraps White, citing safety fears over the "possible presence of metal". 

The recall affects items with best before dates up to and including 29 April 2024, and with a pack size of 8x62g.

Anyone who has bought the item is being urged to bring it back to their nearest Aldi. 

Notices have been posted at the stores telling customers not to eat the wraps. 

Aldi said its products go through "rigorous safety and quality checks" and the item was being recalled as a "precautionary measure".

"As there is an active police investigation we are not able to comment any further on this matter at this time," it said. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) also said Signature Flatbreads UK, which makes the wraps, is "working with the relevant food and police agencies to investigate the cause of the contamination".

No other items from the company are affected, it said.

Doubts have been raised over the government's ability to unveil tax cuts ahead of the next general election after official figures revealed borrowing was higher than expected in the past year.

The Treasury borrowed £120.7bn in the financial year ending March 2024 - down £7.6bn from the year before, according to provisional estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

However, the figure is £6.6bn more than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) only a month ago.

Overall, government debt was around 98.3% of the UK's annual gross domestic product (GDP) in March - up 2.6 percentage points from the previous year and at levels not seen since the early 1960s.

Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist from Capital Economics, said: "If the chancellor was hoping March's figures would provide more scope for tax cuts at a fiscal event later this year, he will have been disappointed."

Read the full story here ...

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