For journeys to most countries, you need a travel permit. The new E-Visa makes this process much easier. However, whether you are allowed to use it depends on a number of things. We clarify the most important questions about visa-free travel with E-Visa.
Instead of a classic visa issued by an embassy or consulate, many countries now offer an electronic travel authorization for a visa-free stay.
Numerous travel countries worldwide already have their own E-Visa program, allowing nationals from selected countries and regions to enter the country more quickly, at lower cost, and without complications.
The main differences at a glance:
| E-Visa vs. visa | ||
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | Classic visa | |
| Costs | € 0 - € 30 | € 50 - € 2.000 |
| Documents | Passport (sometimes photo and/or hotel booking) | Passport, evidence documents (e.g., contracts, certificates), health certificate, passport photos, police clearance certificate |
| Application | Online | In-person at the embassy or consulate |
| Processing time | 0 - 7 days | 15 - 200 days |
Compared to the classic visa from the embassies, the main advantage of the E-Visa is the fast, easy, and cheap online application. Usually, a valid passport, a credit card, and an email address are enough for electronic travel authorization.
Only a few E-Visa countries require a digital passport photo and proof of hotel reservations in addition to the passport. However, the time-consuming and costly dialog with embassies and consulates is no longer required.
Currently, the following governments offer E-Visa applications for travelers from selected countries:
| E-Visa country | Official name |
|---|---|
| Egypt | eVisum Egypt |
| Australia | eVisitor Australia |
| Azerbaijan | Azerbaijan e visa |
| Europe | ETIAS (from 2024) |
| India | e-Visa India |
| Cambodia | e-Visa (Visa T) |
| Canada | eTA Canada |
| Kenya | eVisa Kenya |
| Myanmar | eVisa Myanmar |
| New Zealand | NZeTA |
| Oman | eVisa (26B Tourist Visit Visa) |
| Sri Lanka | ETA Sri Lanka |
| Tanzania | eVisa (Ordinary Visa) |
| Turkey | E-Visa Turkey |
| United Kingdom | ETA UK (from 2024) |
| USA | ESTA |
| Vietnam | E-Visa Vietnam |
Other countries and regions are currently in the planning stages for their E-visa programs. This includes the new E-visa for travel to South Africa.
The requirements for visa-free travel with an E-Visa differ from destination to destination. Often, only a valid passport is required, which is sufficient as a basis for the automatic application check.
Some countries, such as New Zealand, Myanmar, and Tanzania, also require uploading a digital passport photo. Furthermore, application forms often include specific security questions to determine the personal eligibility of applicants.
Also, E-Visas only authorize certain stays in the respective countries. For example, taking up employment is prohibited in most cases, and the visa-free stay is limited to a specific period (e.g., 30 or 90 days).
As a rule of thumb, you can remember the following requirements for E-Visas:
An E-Visa application is made online and often accompanied by uploading documents such as a passport scan, a photograph, or, in rare cases, a hotel reservation.
Without exception, personal and passport information must be provided in every E-Visa application. There are often questions about your travel plans, countries you have traveled to recently, or your biography.
E-Visa applications for people traveling with you (e.g., children or spouse) can often be added directly to your application. Therefore, collect all required data and documents from all co-travelers in advance.
The waiting time for your E-Visa to be approved varies from country to country. Sometimes you will have a confirmation in your mailbox after just a few minutes, and in other cases, you will have to wait several days for your E-Visa. But in any case, you will be informed about the status by email.
The validity of your E-Visa varies from country to country. A look at your printed or saved travel authorization will clarify both this question and any uncertainties about whether you need to have left the country by the end of your E-Visa's validity.
Some E-Visa countries require you to leave before your E-Visa expires. Other countries grant entry until the last day of validity, allowing actual travel time beyond the validity period printed on the permit.
In all cases, it is important to adhere to the maximum length of stay (e.g., 30 days at a stretch) as well as the departure date indicated in your passport or visitor's ID card. Extensions of E-Visas on the spot are possible only in rare cases.
If you are traveling with an E-visa, it is important to be aware of the requirements for entering and staying in your destination country.
Start the application process well in advance of your travel date to avoid unexpected delays. Although many E-visa applications are processed quickly, it is always a good idea to leave yourself some time - and to be able to apply for a traditional visa at the embassy in case of an emergency.
Familiarize yourself with entry and exit regulations, as they can vary from country to country.
Before you travel, make sure your approved E-visa is still valid. In rare cases, visa requirements change, or travel authorizations are revoked without notice.
Gather all required documents that may be relevant to your entry. Some countries may require proof of ties to your home country or proof of hotel reservations.
Be aware that E-visas have a limited validity period, and renewals can rarely be issued on the spot. If you intend to stay longer than the authorized period, you should investigate the possibility early and contact the authorities if necessary.