If you intend to travel overseas, you have undoubtedly heard the terms “visit visa” and “tourist visa,” which sound very similar. Although they could appear to be interchangeable at first, their functions vary slightly based on the nation and the goal of the trip.
We’ll go over the differences, similarities, and which one you might require based on your trip intentions in this blog post.
What Is a Tourist Visa?
People who are traveling for pleasure, sightseeing, or vacation are usually granted a tourist visa. When using this visa, you must:
Examine the tourism destinations.
Remain in resorts or motels.
Take pleasure in leisure, cultural, or holiday pursuits.
You are not allowed to work, conduct business, or pursue long-term education with this visa.
For instance, you would require a tourist visa if you were traveling to Thailand for a beach vacation or Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower.
What Is a Visit Visa?
People who are visiting to see relatives or friends who are lawfully residing in the country of their destination are typically granted a visitation visa. In certain situations, it may also apply to brief business meetings or medical appointments.
Visit visas frequently call for:
A letter of invitation from the host
Proof of relationship (for family visits)
The host’s citizenship or legal residence in the nation
For instance, you would probably want a visitation visa if you intend to spend a few weeks with your sister, who resides in Canada.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Visit Visa |
|---|
| Purpose | Sightseeing, leisure | Family/friend visits, short business |
| Invitation Letter Required? | No | Often yes |
| Common Requirements | Travel itinerary, hotel bookings | Invitation, proof of relationship |
| Allowed Activities | Travel, tourism | Visiting people, attending functions |
| Country Variance | Some countries don’t differentiate | Others have strict definitions |
Do All Countries Differentiate Between the Two?
Not all the time.
The phrase “visitor visa” is frequently used in certain nations, such as the USA and the UK, to refer to both travel and family visits under several subcategories. Others, such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, make a clear distinction between visitation and tourist visas, each with its own set of restrictions.
Which One Should You Apply For?
Consider this:
Do you have family or friends accompanying you, or are you staying at a hotel?
Is this a social visit or a personal vacation?
Have you got a letter of invitation?
A tourist visa is suitable if your trip is just for vacation and sightseeing. A visit visa is perhaps a preferable option if you’re going to see someone or are attending a private event (such as a wedding).
Visit the official immigration website of the country of destination to review their visa policies.
Get the right paperwork; additional paperwork may be required for visit visas.
Avoid abusing the visa type; claiming to be seeing someone when your true intention is tourism may result in problems at immigration.