Difference Between Regular Visa and E-Visa
A visa is an official document or digital authorization that allows a foreign national to enter, stay, or leave the country. Due to advancements in digital technology, many countries now provide both visas i.e., electronic visas (e-Visa) and regular (traditional) visas. While the main function for both types of visas is to grant permission to travel to different countries, the process for application, approval, and issuance might be different.
What is a Regular Visa?
A regular visa is a traditional travel consent that is issued by the embassy or consulate of a country. In this, the application process is completed by visiting the embassy and submitting the required documents and sometimes attending an interview in person. When the visa is approved, it is placed into the passport which allows entry for specific purposes such as work, study, or long-term travel.
What is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is a digital visa that you apply online, without visiting the embassy. This visa is mainly used for short term stays such as tourism, business, or medical purposes. It is sent to your email address after approval. Travelers need to carry a printed or digital copy to show at major checkpoints.
Comparison Table of Regular Visa and E-Visa
The table given below shows the main differences between a regular visa and an e-Visa:
Feature | Regular Visa | e-Visa |
Submission of Documents | At the embassy, in person | Uploaded online |
Visa Format | Physical sticker or stamp in the passport | Electronic approval sent by email (ETA) |
Processing Time | Can takeup to several days or weeks | Take less time (usually 72 hours) |
Cost | Higher due to administrative and handling fees | Lower as applicant need to pay the processing fee only |
Availability | Available globally | Available at 167 countries |
Number of Entry Points | Enter through any international border with an immigration check | Only through 30 selected airports and 6 major seaports |
Features of Regular Visa
These visas are also known as sticker visas which are accepted globally. Their characteristics are mentioned below:
1. Physical Visa Sticker: After the approval of the visa application, a visa sticker is placed directly into your passport. This serves as proof of your travel authorization, and it must be required at entry points.
2. Longer Processing Time: Regular visas usually take more time to process than e-Visa. The delays can be caused due to documentation, interviews, or background checks.
3. Higher Costs: Processing fees for a regular visa usually involve higher administrative and service fees. These costs include consular handling, courier services, and sometimes biometric data collection.
4. Suitable for Various Purposes: Regular visa is useful for long-term travel, work, study, or immigration. They offer more flexibility for complex travelling needs as compared to e-Visas.
Features of e-Visa
Given below are the main features of an e-Visa which are designed to make the travel process easier and more efficient:
1. Complete Online Process: You can apply for an e-Visa from your home using the internet. The whole process, including form filling, uploading documents, and payment can be done online. You do not need to go to an Indian Embassy or office.
2. Fast Approval and Email Confirmation: After you apply, you will get an email with a travel approval, usually within 72 hours. This email is called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which you will need to show at checkpoints.
3. Used for Many Travel Reasons: You can apply for different e-Visas like tourism, business, medical treatment, attending a conference, or helping a patient. You can choose the type of e-Visa based on your requirement.
4. Entry Through Specific Airports and Seaports: E-Visa holders are allowed to enter the country only through designated international airports and seaports. These entry points have been mainly approved by the country’s immigration authorities to process e-Visa arrivals.
Process to apply for the Regular Visa
In order to apply for a regular paper visa, an individual needs to follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official visa website of the country that you are planning to visit and fill in the visa application form accurately.
- You need to submit the form along with the required documents at the Embassy.
- You may need to attend an interview, depending on the requirements of the country you are applying to.
- Pay the visa fee to the embassy and the amount may vary depending on the country.
- Once your visa is approved, it will be placed in your passport as a sticker which you need to get it from the Embassy.
Process to apply for an e-Visa
In order to apply for an e-Visa, you can follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official website of the country’s e-Visa government portal.
- Select the appropriate e-Visa type (Tourist, Business, Medical, etc.)
- Fill out the application form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans
- Upload a recent passport-sized photo and the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee using a credit/debit card or other online payment methods
- You will get the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.
FAQs on Difference Between Regular Visa and E-Visa
- Can I use an e-Visa for long-term stays like work or study?
No. e-Visas are mainly for short-term tourism, business, or transit. For longer stays, you need to obtain a regular visa.
- Can I extend my e-Visa?
No, you cannot extend your e-Visa unless you have a medical e-Visa.
- Do I need to visit an embassy for an e-Visa?
No, you do not need to visit an embassy to apply for an e-Visa, as you can complete the full process online.
- Does e-Visa require less documents than a regular visa?
Yes, e-Visas generally require fewer documents than regular visas.
- Can I enter any port of entry with an e-Visa?
No, e-visa holders can only enter through designated airports and seaports.
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