What is an eVisa, and how does it work?
Last reviewed 12 July 2026An eVisa (electronic visa) is an official travel authorization issued by a country’s immigration authority that you apply for entirely online. Instead of visiting an embassy or queuing at an airport, you complete a form, upload your documents, pay the government fee, and receive an approval by email. You then present it — printed or digital — when you check in and cross the border.
eVisas have replaced older paper and stamp systems for tourism and short business trips in dozens of countries because they are faster to issue and easier to verify. This guide explains how they work, who needs one, and how they compare to the alternatives.
How the eVisa process works
- Check that your nationality is eligible. Each country publishes its own list of eligible passports and permitted entry points. Our country guides summarise these.
- Gather your documents. Typically a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport-style photo, and a scan of your passport bio page.
- Complete the official application. Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Errors are the most common cause of rejection.
- Pay the government fee by card through the portal’s payment gateway. This fee is almost always non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
- Wait for processing, which ranges from a few minutes to about five working days depending on the country.
- Save and print your approval, then check every field against your passport before you travel.
eVisa vs. visa on arrival vs. visa-free
| Method | Where you apply | When you’re approved | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Online, before travel | Minutes to ~5 days | Most tourists from eligible countries |
| Visa on arrival | At the airport/border | On the day | Travelers without online access before departure |
| Visa-free | Nothing to apply for | N/A | Nationalities with an exemption agreement |
| Embassy visa | In person / by post | Days to weeks | Long stays, work, study, complex cases |
What an eVisa typically costs
Government fees for tourist eVisas usually sit between US$10 and US$100, depending on the destination, number of entries, and length of stay. Multiple-entry versions cost more than single-entry. The fee you pay on the official portal is the only mandatory charge — there is no separate “stamping fee” for a true eVisa, unlike visa on arrival.
Common questions
Is an eVisa the same as an ETA or ESTA?
They’re close cousins. Travel authorizations like the US ESTA, UK ETA, and Canada eTA are electronic pre-screening approvals rather than full visas, but you apply for them online in much the same way.
Do I need to print my eVisa?
Most countries recommend carrying a printed copy even when digital records exist, in case airline or border staff ask to see it and connectivity is poor.
Can I enter on any date once approved?
No. Your eVisa has a validity window. You must enter on or after the start date and before the expiry date shown on the approval.
Start with your destination
Requirements are specific to where you’re going and which passport you hold. Pick your destination in the visa requirements directory, or read one of our most-used country guides: Vietnam, India, Turkey, or Egypt.