Difference Between Visit Visa and Tourist Visa in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Planning to travel abroad and confused about visa types? The difference between Visit Visa and Tourist Visa in 2026 is something many people search before applying. Both sound similar, but they are used for slightly different purposes depending on why you are travelling.

A visit visa is usually for meeting family, friends, or attending short business activities, while a tourist visa is mainly for holidays, sightseeing, or leisure trips. The stay duration, documents, and conditions can also vary based on the country. In this blog, you’ll understand which one suits your travel plans better. Keep reading to avoid visa mistakes and choose the right option for your trip.

What is a Tourist Visa?

 A tourist visa is a short-term travel permit that allows you to enter a country for holidays, sightseeing, or leisure trips. You apply for it when you plan to explore popular attractions, spend time relaxing, or take a short vacation. It does not allow you to work or earn money in that country.

Key Points About a Tourist Visa:

• Usually issued for a limited duration, like 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the country.
• You must show proof of return tickets and enough funds for your stay.
• Travel insurance is often required in many countries.
• Extension options are limited and depend on immigration rules.
• Overstaying can lead to fines or future visa rejection.

What is a Visit Visa?

A visit visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to another country mainly to meet family members, relatives, friends, or for short business activities. You apply for this visa when your purpose is personal visits rather than tourism. It is meant for temporary stays and does not allow you to take up a job.

Key Points About a Visit Visa:

• Often requires an invitation letter from the person you are visiting.
• You may need to submit proof of relationship with the host.
• The host might have to show financial documents or sponsorship details.
• You must provide accommodation details for your stay.
• Validity and stay period depend on the country’s immigration rules.

Quick Read: What Are the Different Types of Visas?

Difference Between Visit Visa and Tourist Visa

When you plan to travel abroad, you might get confused between a visit visa and a tourist visa. Both are short-term visas, but the purpose of travel is different. Below are the differences between the two visa types.

Visitor Or Tourist Visa Requirements

You’ll need to meet certain basic conditions before applying for a visit or tourist visa. The requirements for a visitor or tourist visa are mostly simple, but you must submit proper proof and documents. It’s important to check the exact rules of the country you are visiting. Below are the requirements for a Visitor or Tourist Visa:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date and have blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: A properly filled and signed visa form with correct personal and travel details.
• Passport-Size Photographs: Recent photos as per the country’s size and background guidelines.
• Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings (return ticket) and a rough travel plan during your stay.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter if staying with someone.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letter to show you can manage expenses.
• Travel Insurance: Some countries require valid travel medical insurance for your stay.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Job letter, business proof, property papers, or family ties to show you will return.

Suggested Reading: What is The Difference Between a Visa and a Passport?

Tourist or Visit Visa Application Process: How to Apply?

The application process for a visit visa or tourist visa will vary depending on the country you're visiting. However, there are some general steps that you can follow: 

Step 1: Check the visa requirements for the country you're visiting.

Step 2: Gather the necessary documentation.

Step 3: Complete the visa application form.

Step 4: Pay the visa application fee.

Step 5: Submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting.

Explore: How to Check If Your Canada Visa is Real or Fake?

Visit Visa Processing Time

The visitor visa processing time can vary depending on the country you are applying to, the current visa application load, and your circumstances. However, it is typically several weeks or months. Here are some examples of Visitor visa processing times for different countries are mentioned below

Visitor Visa Processing Time to Australia

The visitor visa processing time to Australia for Indian nationals varies depending on the type of visa. Here are some examples:

• A Visitor visa (subclass 600) takes 28 days to process.
• A Transit visa (subclass 771) takes 1-16 days to process.
• A Student visa (subclass 500) takes 49 days to process.
• A Work visa (subclass 482) takes 7-12 months to process.
• A Business visa (subclass 600) takes 21 days to process.

Visitor Visa Processing Time to Canada

• The visitor visa processing time to Canada is 28 – 45 days.
• However, the processing time can be longer if your application is incomplete or if there are any additional steps required, such as medical examinations or security checks.

Tourist Visa Processing Time

The tourist visa processing time varies from country to country. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Some examples of tourist visa processing times for different countries are mentioned below:

Tourist Visa Processing Time to Australia

The standard processing time for an Australian visitor (tourist) visa is 30 days, but it may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the application.

Tourist Visa Processing Time to Canada

• The Canada tourist visa processing time for a visa application can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
• It is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid any delays.
• The estimated processing time for a Canadian visitor visa is 83 days for Indian applicants. Other sources suggest a range of 10 to 27 days for those already inside Canada and 2 to 8 months for those applying from outside Canada. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual processing time may vary. It is important to apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays.

Also Read: Different Canada Visa Types for Indians

Visitor Visa Fees/ Tourist Visa Fees

The visitor visa fee, aka tourist visa fee, is the amount of money that you need to pay to apply for a visitor visa/ tourist visa to a particular country. The exact amount of the fee varies from country to country. For example:

• The Canada Visitor Visa fees for an application are CAD 100 per person, with an additional CAD 85 biometrics fee. The total cost of applying for the visa is CAD 185.
• The Australian visitor visa fee is AUD 145. This is the standard visa application charge for most visa applicants. However, there are some exceptions to this fee as well.

Tips to Choose Between a Visitor and Tourist Visa

Sometimes it gets confusing to decide which visa you should apply for. The purpose of your trip is the main thing that decides it. Before applying, it’s better to clearly understand your travel reason and documents.

• Know Your Main Purpose: If you are going for sightseeing or a holiday, tourist visa is usually right. If you are visiting family or friends, a visitor visa makes more sense.
• Check If You Have an Invitation: If someone is inviting you and ready to host you, go for a visitor visa. Without a host, tourist visa is often easier.
• Look at Sponsorship Option: If your expenses are sponsored by a relative, visitor visa may be better. If you are paying for everything yourself, tourist visa works fine.
• Review Document Requirements: Visitor visas may need relationship proof and host documents. Tourist visas usually focus more on travel and financial proof.
• Consider Length of Stay: Some visitor visas allow slightly flexible stay based on invitation. Tourist visas mostly follow fixed short-term limits.
• Check Future Travel Plans: If you plan to travel again soon for leisure, a tourist visa (especially multiple-entry) can be more convenient.

Check Out: Top 20 Countries with Visa on Arrival For Indians

Visit Visa vs Tourist Visa: Choosing the Right One with GetGIS

Choose the right visa for your travel needs. Get help from GetGIS if you are unsure of the visa type you need. They will guide you in choosing the appropriate visa and provide the necessary application materials. Our services extend to PR services, Job seeker visa services, and job search assistance, and more.

Making an informed visa decision ensures a seamless travel experience. Who knows, you might create lasting memories during your journey.

Book Your Free Consultation

Useful Links:

• How To Apply For Germany Job Seeker Visa From India
• Sweden Visa Types & Requirements for Indians in 2026
• Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2026
• Top Visa Free Countries for Indians