A visitor visa is your official entry pass to explore new countries for tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending short business meetings. However, each country has its own application process, timelines, and documentation requirements. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about applying for a visitor visa, including popular destinations like Canada, UK, New Zealand, Thailand, and India.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa (also known as a tourist visa) is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter a country temporarily for leisure, tourism, or personal visits. It does not allow the holder to work or stay permanently.
Visitor Visa Requirements, Fees, and Processing Time – Explained
Here is a quick comparison of the basic requirements, visa fees, and average processing times across five popular destinations:
Country | Key Requirements | Visa Fees (Approx.) | Average Processing Time |
Canada | Passport, funds proof, travel plan, biometrics, insurance (optional) | CAD 100 + biometrics fee | 20–45 days |
UK | Passport, travel itinerary, funds proof, purpose of visit, insurance (recommended) | GBP 115 | 3 weeks |
New Zealand | Passport, proof of funds, onward ticket, NZeTA (if applicable) | NZD 246 | 20–30 days |
Thailand | Passport, accommodation, funds (USD 700+), return flight | USD 40–80 | 5–10 business days |
India | Passport, travel details, digital photo, funds proof | USD 10–80 (based on duration) | 3–5 business days |
Note: Fees and times may vary by country of residence and consular processing load. Always refer to the official embassy/immigration site for the most accurate updates.
Canada Visitor Visa
Canada offers a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for visitors.
- Processing Time: As of July 2025, the average processing time is 20 to 45 days, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
- Validity: Can be issued for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, but each visit can last up to 6 months.
- Biometrics Required: Yes.
Application Method: Online via the IRCC portal or through Visa Application Centres.
UK Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa is suitable for tourism, business meetings, and short study.
- Processing Time: Usually 3 weeks, but allow extra time during peak seasons.
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months.
Multiple Entry Option: Available for 2, 5, or 10 years.
New Zealand Visitor Visa
New Zealand welcomes tourists with its Visitor Visa for recreation or family visits.
- Processing Time: Approximately 20 to 30 days.
- Stay Duration: Up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): Required for visa-waiver countries.
Also Read: New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa
Thailand Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
Thailand offers both single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas.
- Processing Time: Around 5 to 10 business days.
- Stay Duration: 60 days for single-entry, extendable by 30 more days.
Visa Exemption: Citizens from certain countries can enter visa-free for 30 days.
India Visitor Visa (Tourist e-Visa)
India’s e-Tourist Visa is one of the most accessible and widely used visitor visa types.
- Processing Time: 3 to 5 business days.
- Validity: 30 days (single entry), 1 year, or 5 years (multiple entry).
- Application: Online through the Indian government’s e-visa portal.
Documents Required for Visitor Visa
Though requirements vary by country, here’s a general list of documents needed:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-size photographs
- Travel itinerary (flights, hotel bookings)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
- Travel insurance (where required)
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
- Employment letter or leave approval
- Biometrics and visa fee receipts (if applicable)
Visitor Visa Extension
In certain cases, you can extend your visitor visa:
- Canada: Apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your status expires.
- UK: Extensions are rare and only granted under exceptional circumstances.
- New Zealand: Extensions allowed under special cases with strong reasons.
- Thailand: You can apply for a 30-day extension at the immigration office.
India: Extensions are generally not allowed except in emergency cases.
Visitor Visa Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is crucial and often mandatory for visa approval in many countries. It covers:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation
- Travel disruptions
Recommended Coverage: Minimum of $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the destination.
What to Do If Your Visitor Visa Gets Rejected: Appeal or Reapply?
Receiving a visa rejection can be disappointing, but it’s not the end of the road. Here’s what you can do:
- Review the Rejection Letter: Understand the specific reasons cited—lack of documentation, insufficient funds, or doubts about return intentions are common causes.
- Correct the Issues: Gather stronger supporting documents, update your travel plan, or clarify financial proof.
- Reapply: In most countries (like Canada, India, Thailand, and New Zealand), you can reapply anytime after rejection. Just ensure your new application addresses past issues.
- Appeal the Decision: Some countries like the UK allow appeals or administrative reviews, especially if the rejection was based on a legal misjudgment.
Consult a Visa Expert: Immigration consultants can help you prepare a stronger application and improve your success rate.
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Visitor Visa Application
Many visitor visa applications are rejected due to small but critical errors. Avoid these common mistakes to increase your chances of approval:
- Incomplete Application Form – Always double-check that every section of the form is filled accurately.
- Insufficient Financial Proof – Show consistent income and enough savings to support your trip.
- Unclear Travel Purpose – Be specific and honest about your reasons for travel. Vague or suspicious intentions raise red flags.
- Missing Supporting Documents – Always include flight bookings, hotel reservations, and invitation letters where applicable.
- Incorrect or Fake Information – Any inconsistency or false data can result in an automatic refusal and future bans.
- Lack of Return Proof – Failing to demonstrate strong ties to your home country (like a job, property, or family) is a common rejection reason.
- Skipping Travel Insurance – In countries where health insurance is mandatory, not submitting proof can lead to denial.
Last-Minute Applications – Don’t wait till the last moment. Apply early to avoid delays or rejections.
Conclusion
Applying for a visitor visa involves careful planning, accurate documentation, and awareness of each country’s unique rules. Whether you’re heading to Canada, UK, New Zealand, Thailand, or India, ensuring that your paperwork is complete and your travel insurance is in place will make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.
Need Help with Your Visitor Visa?
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