multi travel visa

• Schengen Visa Types

How long is the Schengen visa valid?

Schengen visas have a limited validity period, which depends on the trip’s purpose and the visa category itself. The Schengen states issue short- and long-stay visas.

A short-stay visa is issued to a foreigner for the first trip to one of the countries of the agreement. A long-stay visa can be issued to those who have visited Schengen several times and have not violated visa requirements. But the decision is always made by the embassy of the country where the applicant applies.

If a Schengen visa is issued for up to 5 years, this does not indicate the possibility of staying in the Schengen states for all 5 years. The validity period of a visa and the length of stay in countries are different concepts.

The duration of stay in the Schengen Area also depends on the visa type ― up to a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. For example, if a visa is issued for five years, a foreigner can enter the region as many times as they want. The main thing is not to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within 180 days.

To avoid confusion about validity terms and stay terms, we are presenting the Schengen visa types in the table below.

A Schengen visa is pasted into a foreign passport and is often called a visa sticker. The visa has a special hologram, which is forgery protection.

The sticker contains information about the owner and the country that issued the visa. The visa validity area, validity period, duration of stay, and purpose of the visit must be specified.

A visa is required for all citizens of countries not part of the Schengen Area. There are exceptions: citizens of countries with which an agreement on visa-free entry to the Schengen Area was signed. For example, countries like Cyprus, Grenada, and Dominica.

Foreigners receive a visa at the embassies and consulates of the member states of the Schengen agreement. If the applicant plans to visit more than one country, it is recommended to submit documents to the representative office of the Schengen state where they will spend the most time.

With a Schengen visa, you can travel to Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The visa also allows you to visit countries that are:

• candidates to join the European Union — Albania, Romania, Macedonia, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. 
• de facto belong to the Schengen Area due to the peculiarities of their location ― Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino.

However, if a foreigner is travelling with a single-entry visa, they will not be able to use it to return to the territory of a Schengen Area state.

Three types of the Schengen visa depending on the purpose of your trip:

• Uniform Schengen visa (USV);
• Limited territorial visa (LTV);
• National visa.

A visa type depends on the visit’s purpose and the stay’s duration. All types are indicated by the letters: A, C, and D .

Type A visa ― transit, Type C ― short-stay, allows you to stay in the Schengen states for up to 90 days within six months. Type D visa is a national visa issued for a longer stay in a Schengen country, for example, to study.

Validity periods of the visa are limited and depend on the purpose of the trip and the category. For example, a transit visa is issued for up to 2 days. The maximum validity period of a Schengen visa is 5 years. Specialists of the embassy and consulate decide on the deadline.

The duration of stay in the Schengen states is limited : foreigners can stay in the agreement countries for up to 90 days every 180 days. You will need to obtain a national Type D visa for a longer stay.

“A visa sticker” is a Schengen visa’s second name. The visa itself is pasted into the passport. Each sticker contains a unique hologram that confirms the authenticity of the visa.

The sticker must contain information about the owner and the country that issued the visa. The details are the country and city of issuance, visa validity area, validity period and duration of stay, as well as the purpose of the visit.

The visa is issued to citizens from countries outside the Schengen Area.

There are exceptions for the countries that have signed an agreement on visa-free entry with the Schengen Area. Citizens of these countries do not need to obtain a Schengen visa, for instance, Cypriots, Grenadians or Montenegrins.

Foreigners apply for a visa at the consulate of one of the Schengen states. Documents are submitted to the country’s consulate, where the longest stay is planned during the first trip.

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What Is a Multiple-Entry Visa?

A multiple-entry visa is a common category of travel permit. It enables the bearer to make more than one trip to the issuing country.

This is in contrast to a single-entry visa , which only allows a single visit to the destination country and then becomes invalid.

Multiple-entry visas and travel authorizations are typically valid for a long period of time, allowing the holder to make multiple journeys without having to reapply for a new permit for each trip.

Multiple-Entry Visa Definition

Multiple-entry visas are a type of visa that allow the holder to enter the destination country more than once .

This means that the traveler can make multiple visits using the same visa during its validity period.

Some multiple-entry visas and travel authorizations allow a specific number of visits . For example, double-entry and triple-entry visas would be considered sub-types of multiple-entry visas. The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA is one example of a double-entry travel authorization.

In most cases, multiple-entry visas allow the holder to enter the country of issue an unlimited number of times until the expiry date. An example is the Australia ETA .

How Long Is a Multiple-Entry Visa Valid For?

Visa validity periods vary depending on the country of issue . In some cases, the traveler may also be able to choose between different validity lengths.

Multiple-entry visas and travel authorizations often have long periods of validity .

Some examples include:

• Canada eTA — valid for 5 years
• US ESTA — valid for 2 years
• Australia eVisitor visa and ETA  — both valid for 1 year

In some case, it is possible to choose between a single-entry and a multiple-entry visa. One example is the Turkey e-Visa , which is valid for 180 days.

Although the period of validity is usually long for multiple-entry visas and travel authorizations, there is usually a limit to the length of time the holder can spend in the country each visit.

For example, the Canada eTA is valid for 5 years and the holder can visit as many times as they want. However, each stay can last for a maximum of 6 months .

Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.

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Schengenvisa.info

February 4 2024 by Editorial office

Schengen visa for 5 years, how do you get it?

Who regularly travels to the Netherlands or other countries Schengen countries travels, would prefer a multi-year visa with multiple entries. This saves a lot of time, administrative work and costs. A Schengen visa is issued for a maximum of 5 years, but conditions apply.

Obtaining a 5-year multiple-entry visa (MEV) for Schengen allows travelers to travel to the Schengen area multiple times during the visa's validity period. This type of visa is ideal for people who frequently travel to the Schengen zone for business, family visits, partner visits or who have other long-term ties with Schengen countries. Below you will find a brief overview of how to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Length of stay in the Netherlands or other Schengen countries

With a  multiple entry visa  with a validity of 5 years, you can stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for a maximum of 5 days per 90 days during those 180 years. This does not have to be consecutive. You may also distribute this, but you may never stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for longer than 90 days per 180 days.

So if you have been in the Netherlands or another Schengen country for 90 days, you must wait at least 90 days before you can travel to the Schengen area again.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the 5-year multiple-entry visa, applicants must generally have a correct visa history and be able to demonstrate convincing reasons for their frequent travel to the Schengen Area. This includes having previously obtained and lawfully used Schengen visas, no history of overstay, no violation of visa rules, and no false statements in previous visa applications. Financial stability is also required, such as proof of a stable income, financial resources or a guarantee from, for example, a partner .

Benefits of a Schengen visa for 5 years

The benefits of the 5-year Schengen visa are significant: it offers flexibility for frequent travelers, it is cost-efficient over the long term, saves time by avoiding repetitive visa processing times and allows for extensive business and personal travel options within the Schengen area. .

Multiple-entry visas should be issued more often

From February 2, 2020, a multi-entry visa must be issued as standard to reliable frequent travelers. However, Member States may decide not to issue a multiple-entry visa in individual cases .

This MEV is initially valid for 1 year if the applicant has obtained and lawfully used three visas in the previous two years. If you have previously received an MEV for one year, a new MEV will be valid for 2 years. If you have already received a MEV for 2 years, the next one will be a MEV for 5 years. If you have previously received a 5-year visa, this will also be issued next time (provided your application meets the conditions).

Remember the validity of your passport!

It is important to know that the validity period of the visa also depends on the validity period of your passport. For example, if your passport is only valid for 2 years, the validity of your multiple-entry visa will also be a maximum of 2 years. It may therefore be wise to first renew your passport before applying for a 5-year Schengen visa .

Application process MEV

The application process involves collecting the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, medical travel insurance , proof of accommodation or proof of accommodation, flights, itinerary, financial resources or guarantee and previous Schengen visas. You must then make an appointment with VFS Global, which acts as an external service provider for the country that is your main destination, or the first country of entry if no main destination can be determined. A visa interview is mandatory. The costs for a Schengen visa for adults are €80 and €40 for children aged 6-12. This also applies to a multiple-entry visa. Processing time can vary from 15 to 30 days .

Medical travel insurance

Do not forget to ensure that you have a valid one for every trip to the Schengen area, even if you have a 5-year visa medical travel insurance . The Royal Military Police can check this upon arrival at the airport. The same applies to the guarantee and/or accommodation provision.

What to do in case of rejection?

If your application is denied, it is important to understand the specific reasons and address them in subsequent applications. There is usually an option to to object against the decision, where the rejection letter will contain details of how you can appeal and within what period .

Related Topics:

• Multiple entry visa
• Schengen visa application changes
• Multiple entry visa Netherlands
• EU Visa Code
• How long is a Schengen visa valid for?

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The sole purpose of this website is to provide practical information about a Schengen visa. We are not affiliated with the EU, the Dutch government or the IND. No rights can be derived from the texts on this website. Always check with the official authorities for the most recent information and regulations.

Multiple Entry Schengen Visa: Application Process, Requirements and How to Apply

Last Updated : 10 Apr 2024

Last Updated : 10 Apr 2024 at

Some frequent travelers consider the Schengen 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) almost as good as gold.

"Why?"

Simple. It has plenty of advantages for frequent travelers. A popular benefit is that you can travel to and from the Schengen Area as many times as you like , provided you don't break the 90/180-day Schengen rule.

For a frequent traveler like myself, this is exciting stuff!

At first glance, this type of visa may mean nothing to you (yet). However, in this post, I'll discuss the Schengen 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa and why you would want to apply for one.

Let's jump right into it:

What Is The Schengen 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV)?

The Schengen 5-Year MEV is a short-stay visa that allows you to enter the Schengen Zone multiple times. So, as the name suggests, you have "multiple entries."

Unlike other multiple-entry visas, the 5-Year MEV can be used for a total of 5 years. Meaning that you can enter the Schengen Area as many times as you like within 5 years.

Be mindful that you still need to comply with the 90/180-day Schengen rule. Simply put, you're only allowed to visit the Schengen Member States for a maximum of 90 days within every 180-day period. Remember, overstaying in the Schengen Area could lead to heavy fines or even a ban.

What Are The Benefits Of The Schengen 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa?

Now that you know the basics of the 5-Year MEV, let's look at the benefits of such a visa and why you should consider applying for one.

The Benefit Of Multiple Entries

You can visit 26 schengen countries, only one schengen visa application.

As I previously mentioned, you can enter the Schengen Area multiple times without worrying about crossing any legal boundaries.

At first, this might not seem like something to get excited about. However, this allows you to travel to multiple Schengen Countries and sidestep the 90/180-day Schengen rule.

Here's an example:

You could potentially travel to the Schengen Area for more than 130 days without breaking the 90/180-day Schengen rule .

The Schengen 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa remains a Schengen Visa. Therefore, you can travel to any one of the 26 Schengen Member States as many times as you want.

These Schengen States within the European Union include:

Austria , Belgium , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia, Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands , Norway, Poland , Portugal , Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain , Sweden, and Switzerland .

If you travel often, you'll understand why this is included as a benefit.

Applying for a Schengen Visa can be tedious, especially if you travel frequently. With the 5-Year MEV, you only need to complete your Schengen Visa application once. After it's been approved, your visa will be valid for 5 years, so you don't need to apply for another Schengen Visa within 5 years.

In short, more time traveling, less time applying for visas.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For A 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa?

Here's the catch, not everyone can apply for a 5-Year MEV. There are specific eligibility requirements you need to meet. I'll first discuss the basic requirements and then move on to the more specific requirements.

The more standard requirements are as follows:

You must have a valid reason for why you want to enter the Schengen Area multiple times. These can include visiting family members, business purposes, etc.

You must have a clean Schengen Visa history, which means you've never overstayed or worked illegally within the Schengen area.

You must have a clean criminal record to qualify for the 5-Year MEV (or any other MEV).

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for your first trip to the Schengen Zone (with your MEV).

So, you now know the basic requirements for a multiple-entry visa. Now it's time to understand what makes you eligible to apply for the 5-Year MEV.

Get ready to put on your thinking cap:

In order to qualify for a 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa:

"(c) for a validity period of five years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for two years within the previous three years." - REGULATION (EC) No 810/2009 , Article 24

"What does this mean?"

To understand the statement mentioned above, I first need to explain 2 more types of multiple-entry visas that are similar to the 5-Year MEV:

The 1-Year Multiple Entry Visa

The 3-year multiple entry visa, am i eligible for a 5-year mev.

Quick note: The 1 Year, 3 Year, and 5-Year MEVs are essentially the same. The only difference is the validity period of each visa. For example, the 1-Year MEV is only valid for 1 year.

You are eligible to receive a 1-Year MEV if you have previously obtained and used 3 Schengen Visas in the past year. When applying for the 1-Year MEV, you'll need to submit copies of your previous Schengen Visas and proof of your last Schengen travels.

For the 3-Year MEV, you need to have previously used a multiple entry visa valid for 1 year within the past 2 years. Therefore, within the past 2 years of traveling to the Schengen Area, you must have obtained and used a 1-Year MEV.

Now that you know the basics of the other types of MEVs, let's backtrack to the initial question.

"Who Is Eligible To Apply For A 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa?"

You're eligible to apply for a 5-Year MEV if you've previously obtained and used a 3-Year MEV in the past 3 years.

To simplify what I've just discussed: You'll need to obtain each multiple entry visa in a specific order to qualify for a 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa. The order is as follows:

1. 3 Schengen Visas in the past year leads to,

2. A 1-Year Multiple-Entry Visa leads to,

3. A 3-Year Multiple-Entry Visa, which finally leads to,

4. A 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa.

Phew! A lot of MEV applications. Nonetheless, it's definitely worth it.

Important Information Regarding The Schengen Multiple Entry Visa

Before I explain the required documents and the MEV application steps, there are a few important points I want to point out.

The Difference Between Each Schengen Multiple-Entry Visa

The schengen multiple-entry cost, where to apply for the schengen multiple-entry visa, all schengen mev applications and document requirements are the same.

As you already know, there are 3 types of multiple entry visas:

The 1-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

The 3-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

The 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

There is one key difference between each of these multiple entry visas - the validity period. Luckily, it's pretty easy to determine the validity period of each specific multiple entry visa. The " x-year " specifies the validity period, as you probably guessed.

For example:

The 1-Year MEV is valid for one year , whereas the 5-Year MEV is valid for 5 years .

Quick note: I should mention that there are other types of Schengen Visas such as the single-entry visa and double-entry visa that will not be discussed in this post.

The fee for a Schengen MEV is the same as an ordinary Schengen Visa. Therefore, you can expect to pay around €80.00 for your visa application. Keep in mind that the fee is used for administrative purposes and is non-refundable.

Generally, you can apply for your MEV at any Schengen Embassy or Consulate. However, as a general rule, you'll need to apply at the Schengen State's Embassy, where you plan to spend the most time at.

If you plan to travel to Italy for 5 days and Greece for 25 days, you'll need to apply for your visa at the Greece Embassy or Consulate.

Quick note: You can also opt to apply at any other Schengen country, even if you won't be spending time at that country .

No matter what type of Schengen MEV you're applying for, you'll need to submit the same documents and follow the same visa application process. Keep in mind that some Schengen Member Countries have their own specific visa requirements you need to meet. However, it's generally the same across the board.

What Are the Required Documents For A Schengen Multiple-Entry Visa?

Notice how I didn't specifically mention the 5-Year MEV within the title. This is because the required documents will remain the same no matter what type of MEV you're applying for.

When applying for your Schengen MEV, you need to submit the following documents:

Schengen Visa application form

2 Passport-sized photos that meet the following requirements.

A valid passport or travel document. Be sure that your passport has a validity period that exceeds the validity period of your MEV. For example, if you're applying for a 1-Year MEV, be sure your passport is valid for at least 1 year and 3 months.

Copies of your previous Schengen Visas, which are found on the back of your passport.

Valid travel insurance/health insurance that covers a minimum of € 30,000.00 for all medical expenses that may occur during your visit.

A Schengen Visa cover letter explaining why you want to apply for a multiple entry visa.

Proof of accommodation.

Proof of financial means that proves you have the financial resources to support yourself during your trip.

A return flight itinerary that proves you'll return to your home country.

Proof of residency if you're a citizen applying from a different country (like a US Green Card).

Proof of your employment status.

An invitation letter (if applicable).

Quick note: If you're unsure about these required documents, Atlys has a more in-depth guide that covers all the specifics .

How To Apply For A Schengen Multiple-Entry Visa?

Contrary to popular belief, the Schengen MEV application is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is follow the steps you would when applying for a standard Schengen Visa. Next, I'll walk you through the exact steps you need to take when applying for your Schengen MEV.

Step 1: Collect All The Required Documents

Step 2: fill in your schengen visa application form, step 3: schedule your schengen visa appointment, step 4: attend your schengen visa appointment, step 5: wait for your mev visa to be processed.

Personally, I prefer to gather all the required documents first. However, it's up to you.

The easiest way to ensure you have all the required documents is to create a checklist. Doing so will allow you to keep track of the documents you already have and those you still need to get.

Quick note: Your Schengen Visa cover letter will be a crucial document. Spend some time creating the perfect cover letter that explains why you're applying for a multiple-entry visa.

For step 2, you need to start filling out your Schengen Visa application . This is an important step of the application as this is where you indicate that you're applying for a multiple-entry visa.

In your application form, you'll find a section named " 27. Number of entries requested ." You'll need to check the " Multiple Entries " box here. Furthermore, you'll need to stipulate your planned entry and exit date to and from the Schengen Area.

You're not allowed to stay more than 90 days (within 180-days) in the Schengen Zone.

The next step is to schedule a Schengen Visa appointment . This can easily be done by using Atlys to apply for your visa. Or, you can opt to use VFS's appointment tool or call the Schengen Embassy directly.

Whatever option you choose, I should point out that you may not be able to find an appointment slot that suits your specific time preference. Therefore, ensure that you start your visa application as early as possible, which is 6 months before your departure date.

After scheduling your visa appointment, you'll need to travel to the Embassy/Consulate on your appointment date. Here you'll attend an in-person interview with an Embassy staff member and submit your required documents.

During your appointment, the Embassy official will ask you numerous questions about the purpose of your trip and why you want a multiple-entry visa.

This is your opportunity to explain to the official that you travel to the Schengen Area frequently for " x " purposes. You can also show them your previous Schengen Visas to prove you travel frequently and have a clean visa history.

You can use your supporting documents to prove any statements you make during the interview. For example, suppose the embassy official asks when you plan to return to your home country. Simply show your return flight tickets as proof.

One final thing:

Your appointment is also where you'll need to submit your biometric information and pay the visa fee. Your biometric information mainly includes your 10 fingerprints. This is not required if you've submitted them in the past 59 months.

You're basically finished. Now all you need to do is wait for your visa to be processed by the embassy. The processing time for a Schengen Visa is typically around 10 - 15 business days. However, keep in mind that it can take longer.

A few reasons for a delayed processing time:

Visa policy changes

A flood of Schengen Visa applications

Political changes and events

Travel restrictions, etc.

After your visa has been processed, you'll receive a notification (via SMS, email, or a call) from the embassy asking you to collect your new visa.

How Do I Know If My Schengen Visa Allows Multiple Entries?

Within your passport, you'll find your Schengen Visa sticker. It should look something like this:

Under " NUMBER OF ENTRIES ," you should see " MULTI ." This means you have a multiple entry visa. To see the validity period of your multiple entry visa, check the dates under " FROM " and " UNTIL ." Your visa should be valid for 1, 3, or 5-Years.

You Now Know How To Apply For A Schengen MEV

After reading through this guide, you'll have a good understanding of the Schengen MEV, its requirements, as well as the application process. Now, all that waits is almost unlimited travel to the great Schengen Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A Schengen MEV only allows a maximum stay of 90 days within every 180-day period, whereas a residence permit allows you to reside/live in a Schengen Country for more than 90 days (also known as a long-stay visa, or national visa).

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The Best Travel Visa Services

The 9 best travel visa services.

• Passport Visas Express
• Travel Visa Pro
• Rush My Travel Visa
• Handy Visas

What's the Easiest Way to Get a Travel Visa?

Online travel visa providers have revolutionized the way individuals apply for visas when planning their international trips. These services offer a wide range of benefits that simplify and expedite the travel visa application process, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

One of the most significant advantages of using online travel visa providers is the convenience they offer. Traditionally, getting a travel visa required multiple visits to embassies or consulates, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient. With online travel visa providers, you can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your own homes or office. This eliminates the need for in-person visits and long waiting times, saving you valuable time and effort.

Wednesday, April 10th

2024 Travel Visa Service Reviews

• Can apply for multiple visa types (tourist, business, student)
• Works directly with embassies of 150+ countries
• Three tiers of service (Regular, Preparation, Concierge)
• Thousands of five-star reviews
• Customer service is easy to reach

Passport Visas Express has been providing expedited passports and express visa services for nearly two decades. They have received recognition from reputable sources like CNN, BudgetTravel, and The Washington Post as a reliable and affordable solution for obtaining travel visas online.

Works with embassies of most nations

Get started by selecting your travel destination: when you click on the button, it'll show you some of the most popular countries (China, Thailand, India) or you can select "view all countries" if where you're going isn't on that short list. Passport Visas Express works directly with the embassies of more than 150 countries, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding your location here.

You'll know if you need a visa

We were glad to see that this service makes it abundantly clear when travelers don't need a visa for travel to a particular destination. For example, at the time of this evaluation, Brazil had paused its requirements for tourist entry visas, and PVE stated that upfront at the top of the country-specific page. Helpfully, they also listed out other expedited visa types that were on offer, such as work, diplomatic, and non-US citizens.

You won't pay for something you don't need

Similarly, we were really impressed when we went to look up the Australian tourist visa , which is known as being both lengthy and expensive. What seemed like a downside - seeing that Passport Visas Express had it as "service currently unavailable" - turned out to be a huge mark in this company's favor. Why? When we reached out to their live chat agent (who responded promptly, by the way), they explained that at the moment, Australia was requiring all tourist visas to go through their embassy directly, with no third-party assistance allowed. Other companies were not so clear about that - and were perfectly willing to take our money for something we might not have needed (a different type of visa for those who didn't qualify for what the Australian government was offering to direct applicants).

Very transparent visa process

So, let's take a look at a country with a long list of visa requirements: China . How does Passport Visas Express do? In a word, excellent. From the very first moment you land on the China visa page, you'll be able to see exactly what to expect: pricing, process, and more. For example, on a basic tourist visa, you'll pay service fees starting at $449 (on top of the required consular fees, of course). You'll also need to enter your zip code to get the application requirements for the consulate nearest you. We love how PVE spells out each step needed, from the tourist visa application review to the flight confirmation and beyond.

DIY or concierge, you choose

Generally speaking, there are three levels of service available from Passport Visas Express. Regular lets you complete your travel visa application at your own pace, with their team on standby to answer any questions you might have, and then you send your application to them for processing. You can also opt for the Preparation service as an upgrade during checkout; this tier connects you with one of their experts over the phone, who will complete the application for you during the call and then send it to you to print, sign, and return for processing. Finally, if you prefer to skip online checkout completely, you can call for Personal Concierge service: the agent will create your order, ensure all needed services are included, fill out your application, and send it to you for your signature.

Thousands of 5-star ratings

PVE holds up really well when you consider its reputation too. Across nearly 6,000 reviews on Trustpilot, more than 95% of clients gave this travel visa service a 4- or 5-star rating, averaging an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. People describe their experience as being quick and easy, and many mention how pleased they were with the availability of the customer support team. While we wish that Passport Visas Express would put something on their site about how they handle rejected visa applications - is there a refund? Does it only apply in certain circumstances? - the overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients, especially those who have used this travel visa service on multiple occasions, leaves us feeling like that's a pretty minor concern overall.

#1 pick for travel visas

When it comes to applying for a travel visa, it doesn't get much better than Passport Visas Express. They deliver on their promises, returning your passport with a completed visa right on time and giving you all the help and reassurance you might need along the way. You should feel very comfortable entrusting this service with your documents. We're pleased to name Passport Visas Express as our new #1 pick for getting help with travel visas.

• Mostly offers tourist and business visas
• VIP and Executive Choice concierge service available
• Help available via phone, text, live chat, online form, or in person at one of 50+ USA office locations
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

If you want all of the features of a large agency with the one-on-one service of a boutique travel visa company, Travel Visa Pro is the right place for you. In business for over a decade, this service specializes in making travelers' lives easier with full-service in-person locations and simple online applications, support even on weekends and at night, and the kind of attention you'd expect from a world-class travel visa provider. You can also get passport services here, whether you need one for the first time or you're replacing a passport that's expired or stolen

Won't make you apply for something you don't need

Let's take a look at how Travel Visa Pro did with three countries we used for comparison across providers.

• With respect to Australia , who was requiring applicants to get tourist visas directly through a government website at the time of this evaluation, Travel Visa Pro didn't spell that out. But, in contrast with some rival visa platforms who let us go ahead and apply for... something... TVP said that we would need to reach out to them so that they could research our request, because the requirements weren't updated in their system. We would have liked to see a clear explanation of what was going on with Australian tourist visas, but this approach was good enough for us.
• Brazil was also a special case at the time of this evaluation: it wasn't requiring tourist visas for US passport holders, but those fees were scheduled to be reinstated in a few months. While Travel Visa Pro didn't have anything about the reinstatement date, it correctly indicated that we wouldn't need a visa for tourism of 90 days or less.

Excellent choice for Chinese travel visas

China was the third destination in our comparison, and we were pleased to see that TVP offered several travel visa types (employment, family visit, business, crew, tourist) - because the visa types for other countries here were more limited than some rival services. The information provided for travel to China was the most comprehensive we saw on any visa site, explaining everything from different visa types to document and photo requirements. Travel Visa Pro also gave us lots of options for processing time on our China visa: 16-30 days for a service fee of $499, 11-15 days for $999, and 5-10 days for $1,499. That's a big advantage over many rival services who were only offering 15-30 day processing at the time of this evaluation. We could also opt for concierge service for $199 (VIP) or $499 (Executive Choice): extras with those packages include overnight inbound and outbound delivery, photo printing, and so on. Those services are available as a la carte purchases if you prefer not to pay for a package, but the bundled services will always be a better deal.

Round-the-clock support

We appreciate that Travel Visa Pro makes it easy to get help, too. You can reach out via phone, email, text, or online form 24/7 - or you can even visit one of their in-person locations nationwide. That makes this an excellent choice for anyone who might want a little face-to-face reassurance that their travel visa application will be in good hands.

Travelers love this company

And yes, Travel Visa Pro really does live up to its promises. Everywhere you look, you'll find almost nothing but five-star reviews for this travel visa and passport service. Some of the phrases that jumped out at us include "TVP saved my trip and my sanity" , "reliable and extremely responsive" , and "I wish more companies were this good" . The Better Business Bureau agrees, giving Travel Visa Pro its accreditation and an "A+" rating.

Best for travelers who need extra support or quick processing

Travel Visa Pro comes in as a very close second to our #1 pick in the industry. TVP wasn't quite as clear on why certain countries weren't available for visa applications, and travelers who need visa types beyond tourism or business might not be able to apply here, depending on the destination. But, this company goes above and beyond most rival services with respect to customer service, especially with the ability to reach out to a rep 24/7. If you think you might need a little extra reassurance during your travel visa application process, or if you're in a tight situation time-wise, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with Travel Visa Pro.

• Many different travel visa types available (artist, athlete, courtesy, missionary, research, tourist)
• Website is very easy to use and informative
• Pricing is typically competitive
• Help available via phone and email

Since its establishment in 2003, VisaHQ has been a leading provider of online visa services and U.S. passport solutions. They offer a convenient and efficient way for travelers to apply for visas to nearly any country worldwide. With their advanced online platform, customers can easily complete a single electronic form for some destinations, eliminating the need for paper documentation. VisaHQ also assists US citizens with passport services, including obtaining, renewing, and replacing passports.

Could be a little clearer when requirements change

How did VisaHQ do when we looked at three countries for comparison (namely Australia, Brazil, and China)? At the date of this evaluation, Australia was requiring tourists needing their most basic tourist visa (subclass 601) to apply directly through their government website, and VisaHQ disappointed us by not explaining that. Instead, their site defaulted to the tourist e-visa (class 600) "if you cannot get subclass 601" . Confused? We would have been too, if we didn't already have the heads-up about what was going on at the time.

Lots of visa types available

On the other hand, we were very pleased with VisaHQ's results for a Brazilian tourist visa : they correctly identified it as not necessary (which was true at the time of our visit), as well as informing travelers of the exact date when that visa requirement for US citizens was scheduled to be required again. We also appreciated that many different visa types were available for this destination country, all visible with a handy scroll bar on VisaHQ's main Brazil visa page: artist/athlete, courtesy, missionary, official, scientific, and so on.

Visa requirements clearly explained

And China? VisaHQ did well there too, offering help with visa types ranging from tourist to journalist and many others. As you may know, the Chinese visa process is not simple, and this site does a great job of explaining absolutely everything a traveler will need to do and provide. You complete the application form online and print it off, then send it in along with your other documents (passport, proof of residency, the Where You Stay form).

Transparent pricing

For any country where you need a travel visa, VisaHQ clearly spells out what your total cost will be right on that country's page. For example, a Chinese tourist visa would incur a fee of $784: $185 for the embassy fee and $599 for VisaHQ's service fees. Is that a reasonable cost? That depends: on the China main page, it said those fees would cover a turnaround time of 7-9 business days, which is a steal compared with rival travel visa services. However, when we got into the application, the processing time was shown as 15-20 business days: honestly, that's the timeframe we were expecting in current conditions, and that puts VisaHQ as a little more costly than other services charging in the neighborhood of $499 for that processing speed.

Good reputation

Overall traveler feedback for VisaHQ is definitely positive. Out of 3300+ reviews, the company earned an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. One of the most frequent compliments is on the processing speed for travel visas: many customers say that their applications were approved and passports returned well in advance of the promised timeframe. Other clients praise the customer service team, with one person saying that VisaHQ gave them "the most rapid response [they] have ever had in dealing with customer service by email" .

Not a favorite of the BBB

But, should you go out looking for VisaHQ reviews yourself, be prepared to find an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau ( we were surprised too ). That's for failing to respond to two complaints out of the five filed with the BBB over the last three years: not what we would call an egregious pattern of misbehavior, anyway. And, most of the complaints we spotted as we sifted through reviews elsewhere were responded to appropriately and quickly by VisaHQ representatives.

Excellent option for travel visas

VisaHQ is one of our preferred providers of travel visas. The site is one of the easiest to use that we've ever seen, making it fast and simple to choose the right visa for your trip and to understand what the requirements for approval will be. Less experienced travelers will benefit from having access to customer support reps via email and phone, and everyone can appreciate getting their visa paperwork processed and completed faster than promised. Give VisaHQ a look the next time you're planning on traveling internationally.

• Good for tourist visas
• In business for 10+ years
• Almost 35,000 five-star reviews

Decent refund policy

The company iVisa, founded in 2012 by two friends pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School, was born out of their own frustrations with the cumbersome visa application process. As avid travelers, they understood the hassle of dealing with government offices and extensive paperwork while trying to balance their growing families. They aimed to create a streamlined solution that would enable hassle-free travel without the need for time-consuming forms or visits to foreign embassies. Since its inception, iVisa has served over one million satisfied customers who appreciate the simplicity of their processes.

Helpful FAQ for newbies

If you're a first-time applicant for a travel visa, you may have questions regarding the necessity of a visa, the application process, and the expected timeframe for obtaining one. iVisa offers a helpful FAQ page to address such concerns and provide clarity. This page covers topics like eVisas, visa validity duration, application status tracking, typical visa processing times, and other essential information.

Isn't always clear with countries' requirements

Using the iVisa site is pretty straightforward. Select the country you're from and your intended destination, and you'll see what's required for that location, including details on government fees. But, here's what we didn't love. We checked out a country that, at the time of this review, wasn't requiring tourist visas for US citizens ( Brazil ). iVisa told us that - but at the same time, we were pushed to use the service to take care of our health declaration. When we tried to start that process, we were then told no, it wouldn't be necessary until a date in the future when the country was reinstating required tourist visas. It felt very confusing, and if we hadn't already been familiar with the travel visa requirements for that destination, iVisa certainly wouldn't have set our mind at ease.

Visa types limited to tourism

Another drawback we found when using iVisa was not being able to choose among different travel visa types. Not everyone needs a simple tourist visa: some travelers need options for business, missionary work, scientific research, and so on, and we didn't find that kind of help here (despite easily getting it through some of iVisa's rivals in the industry).

What will you pay for iVisa's help in getting your travel visa application processed? That depends on the location and the speed you prefer. For example, if you're traveling to Brazil, you'd pay $35 for standard processing, $65 for rush processing, and $100 for super rush processing - on top of any governmental fees the country requires at the time of your application.

iVisa's refund policy is good but a little convoluted. If you decide to cancel your visa application, you can get all of your money back if your status is "received" or "in progress" . Once it switches to "information needed" , your refund amount drops to "up to 90%" , and then down to zero if your visa application reaches "waiting on government" or "complete" status. What if your travel visa application is rejected? Your ability to get a refund from iVisa will depend on what type of service you purchased. Guided visa services - US B1/B2, Australia Visitor, UK Visitor, Canada Visitor, China, and Schengen visas - are all non-refundable if your application is denied, unfortunately. But, other travel visas here are covered by a full refund policy.

Mixed but generally positive client feedback

How about reputation? iVisa has nearly 35,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, and most clients wind up happy with the service they receive. People usually describe it as fast and affordable, and they feel that the process of getting their travel visa was made much easier to understand with iVisa's help. But, if you scroll through some of the most recent reviews, not everyone is thrilled with the experience here. Although only 10% of iVisa clients would rate the service as three stars or lower, those less-than-glowing reviews often relate to some of the downsides we mentioned: taking travelers' money for services they might not really need, not offering refunds when clients expected them, or taking weeks (or months) to process visa applications that could be accomplished by applying directly with the destination government's embassy in a matter of days.

Good but not our favorite anymore

iVisa is still a reputable place to get your travel visa - at least, as long as you're traveling as a tourist and not needing a more specialized kind of permission to enter the country. We're encouraged by the fact that 90% of iVisa's clients still give the service a 4- or 5-star rating too. But, with respect to overall clarity on countries' requirements, iVisa has fallen behind some of its competitors and is no longer our highest-ranked option for travel visas. You may want to see what rival services have to offer before deciding on iVisa for your trip.

• Multiple visa types available (tourist, student, and more)
• Service mostly consists of filing your completed application: you do the work to get it filled out, and they take it to the embassy or consulate
• In business for over 30 years

For over 30 years, Travel Document Systems (TDS) has worked with corporate and individual international travelers, cruise lines, NGOs, travel agents, and tour operators to provide expedited visa and passport processing. With locations in DC, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, and LA, this company is just a short walk from most embassies, consulates, and the US Passport Agency itself.

Might give you a visa you don't actually need

How did TDS perform when we looked at three popular visa destinations (Australia, Brazil, China)? We had mixed feelings with the Australia results: at the time of this evaluation, Australia was requiring tourists staying less than 90 days (which, honestly, is most people) to apply for an ETA visa through their channels only and not with third-party help. TDS correctly identified that - but their Australia page defaulted to the Long Stay (90+ days) visa, something that many inexperienced travelers might not realize isn't the documentation they need.

Some countries have available visas beyond tourism

Brazil came up roughly the same way: TDS showed the tourist visa as not required for US passport holders (which was correct at the time of this review) but defaulted to a 10-year validity visa that might not be what the average tourist wants. Other visa types were also available for Brazil, such as student, technical, and work.

Okay for multiple visa types in China

Finally, China. It was noteworthy that there was a disclaimer about Chinese visas on every country page we saw, not just China's itself - explaining that processing times were much longer than what was posted on the site because of the volume of applications being processed at the Chinese embassies and consulates, even for clients paying for Express (2-3 business day) processing. But, TDS also encouraged prospective clients to email them if they have a tight departure, to verify whether or not they can help within the needed timeframe. We appreciate that! TDS offers help with many different types of visas in China, including business, tourist, student, and visiting family/friends. You'll pay $269 for Regular travel visa assistance here and $319 for Express, but again, TDS explained very clearly that the 5-7 business days or 2-3 business days given as timeframes weren't applicable at that time.

Be aware of what services are included in your initial fee

We would recommend going through the Document Requirements listed for each country's visa process. You'll find helpful information, both in general and specific to TDS' processes. For example, as we browsed the list for a Nepali tourist visa, that's where we spotted the fact that we'd have to pay an extra $50 for someone at TDS to review our documents for completeness and correctness ( we would have thought that was part of the service fee, but apparently not ). We also saw that travelers can pay an extra $12 to have TDS format a selfie and return it digitally for printing. In other words, when you pay the generic fee for a travel visa here, you're still doing most of the work yourself. That's fine if you know that all you're getting is someone to file your visa paperwork for you, unless you choose to pay more for additional services.

Watch that grade

And reputation? Interestingly, the TDS website proudly displays a badge from the Better Business Bureau to prove their accreditation there - but when you click on the link, the BBB listing for this company not only showed no accreditation but also a "D-" grade. Oops . Fortunately, though, that rating was for failing to respond to two complaints out of a total of three filed over the last three years - and there were no complaints filed with the BBB in the most recent 12-month period (so not exactly an avalanche of poor customer experiences).

Where's the recent feedback?

Feedback elsewhere was a little... mystifying. There were nearly 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot, averaging about 4.4 out of 5 stars... but none of them were newer than 2018. Similarly, on Shopper Approved, TDS stopped participating in their rating collection back in 2021 - and even the TDS website copyright ended in 2022. And, when we called the local number for the Washington DC headquarters during normal business hours, we got a recorded message saying all agents were busy and inviting us to send an inquiry via email. Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice in Wonderland would say...

Below average for travel visa services

TDS might be a solid place to get a travel visa - but it's hard to feel overly confident about that, with customer feedback dropping off to almost nil over the last few years. We appreciate the accurate information on each country's visa requirements pages, but at the same time we were discouraged by not being able to reach someone during regular business hours. Our recommendation is to keep TDS in mind as an option, but only after you've checked out our higher-ranking providers of travel visa services first.

• Mostly tourist visas, though other types (work, student) available for some destinations
• Expedited service available for some destinations
• Refunds available within first 72 hours

Rush My Travel Visa tells you what you need to know right in the company name: they specialize in getting your visa application done quickly. This is a service of Expedited Travel, who also offers passport services, and the company is registered with many foreign consulates.

Might charge you for something you don't need

As a way to gauge the accuracy of various travel visa services, we usually looked at three countries: Australia, Brazil, and China. At the time of this evaluation, Australia was not allowing third-party help for travel visas, requiring visitors to go directly through the government website/app. And yet, Rush My Travel Visa was still offering its service at a price of $45 for their service plus $20 in embassy fees. That didn't leave us feeling super confident.

Not always clear on whether or not you'll need a visa

The travel visa page for Brazil wasn't any better. While it stated very clearly that " Brazilian travel visas are required for all US Citizens" , Rush My Travel Visa only offered work and student visas - probably because, at the time of our visit to the site, Brazil had temporarily suspended the tourist visa requirement. But, there was no mention of that on the country page here.

Cheaper - but slower - than most for Chinese travel visas

China travel visas were a little more robust, though. We were able to choose visas for tourists, business, work, students, or crew, and the pricing was spelled out clearly. For a standard multiple-entry tourist visa to China, Rush My Travel Visa charges a service fee of $334, in addition to an embassy fee of $140 and an extra $10 service fee for having RMTV pay those fees on your behalf. However, the only processing speed was 25-40 business days, with no options for expediting paperwork. That's ironic for a service that literally has the word "rush" in its name.

Very limited refund policy

How about refunds? If you cancel your travel visa order within 72 hours, you can get a full refund. Beyond that, though, Rush My Travel Visa will not return your money - even if your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or your visa application is rejected. We wish they would take responsibility for errors on their part - or at least spell it out if they already do that, instead of leaving it unstated.

You'll either love it...

Looking at reviews in places like Trustpilot, they were almost all positive. Customer gave praise for specific customer reps and their hands-on help during the application process, quick turnaround times, and being able to get visas done right when clients had made a mess of it on their own.

...or hate it

However, the company (under parent brand Expedited Travel) has only earned a "B" rating from the Better Business Bureau, with nearly 150 complaints filed there over the last three years. People complained about a lack of customer service, unclear requirements for submitting visa and passport applications, and documents that were so delayed that trips had to be canceled. Not exactly encouraging, despite the increase from a "C+" rating the last time we looked.

Do you feel lucky?

Obviously, Rush My Travel Visa is getting mixed client feedback. It's hard to reconcile such different experiences. We're left wondering if it's the luck of the draw when choosing Rush My Travel Visa.

Try a different service for travel visas

Despite the positive feedback, we can't give Rush My Travel Visa a high rating. With constantly-changing visa requirements, a service like this one needs to be 100%^ up to date at all times, and there's no excuse for taking money from nervous travelers who should go directly to the destination government to complete their paperwork instead. Beyond that, this service doesn't offer as much as its rivals do - for visa types or processing speed. We strongly recommend that you look at a higher-ranked travel visa provider instead of RMTV.

• Offers primarily tourist visas to about 100 countries
• Can add another traveler to initial application
• In business since 2019
• 100% refund if your visa application is denied

Handy Visas started in Spain in 2019, aiming to turn the travel visa application process into a more carefree, streamlined process for travelers on all five continents. Since inception, the company has sold more than a million services with a 99% approval rate on travel visas.

Not necessarily clear

To make a fair comparison across travel visa providers, we often went by the A-B-Cs of Australia, Brazil, and China: all countries that had at some point required US citizens to have a visa for entry. During this evaluation process, Australia was requiring applications to be made directly through their own website or app and not using a service like Handy Visas. On the Australia page, Handy Visas correctly identified that we would need a visa as a US passport-holder, but it wasn't until we went further into the "apply now" process that we were told that Handy Visas would be unable to process our request. Also, the site didn't explain that it was because of the Australian government's policy change: because we were directed to contact our nearest embassy or consulate, we would have been left thinking there was a problem on our side if we didn't already know about the direct-apply requirement.

Could be more specific

Handy Visas got it mostly right when it came to Brazil , telling prospective US travelers that a tourist visa wasn't required at the time and not even directing people to any kind of application. Well done! But, unlike some rival sites, Handy Visa failed to mention that the requirement was scheduled to be reinstated in the near future, which would have been helpful to know.

No help for US citizens needing a Chinese travel visa

And China ? Total fail for US passport holders trying to use Handy Visas. All we got was this: "Citizens of United States need to apply for a Visa for China. We recommend contacting the nearest embassy or consulate of China for more information." Or how about we go to a competitor travel visa service who will gladly help us apply for a Chinese travel visa?

More "no" than "yes" here

So, if you're keeping score, at this point Handy Visas had yet to come up with a destination country they could help us with. Let's try a few more. Nepal? Yes, we would need a visa - and Handy Visa's link took us to the Nepali government website to apply directly ( guess you don't want to help us with that one? ) Russian Federation? We were redirected to a .ru website that gave us a 502 Bad Gateway error.

Higher fees than rivals

Finally, we found one: India. We had to go deep into the application to find out that there were multiple travel visa types available here (like tourism, business, medical treatment). It was also a nice perk that we could add another traveler to our application once we finished entering our own details. However, it was only when we got to the payment page that we finally got to see how much we'd be paying for the service: $89 for standard 1-business-day processing time. That's quite a bit more than many competitor services, and much more than if you apply for it directly with the Indian Embassy online.

Support only offered via email/DM

One very important aspect of using Handy Visas is this: they offer 24/7 customer support... but only via email/online message, and they tell clients to expect a 72-hour turnaround time. That's okay if you're not on a tight deadline, but not ideal if you've got an extremely time-sensitive situation or if you're a less-experienced international traveler who wants an answer now and not three days from now.

Unexpectedly good acceptance guarantee

On the other hand, this company offers a guarantee that beats almost every other travel visa service out there: if your application is denied by your destination country, you'll get a full refund of the fees you've paid. That alone is reason to see if Handy Visas can help you with your needed travel documents.

Mostly positive ratings from travelers

Plus, client ratings of Handy Visas are surprisingly good, though most of them are coming from travelers outside of the US. On Trustpilot, 90% of users across 900+ ratings give this travel visa service a 4- or 5-star score, citing ease of use and prompt emails when issues need to be corrected in the paperwork. But, as you'd expect, for people in a pinch who need a rapid response, Handy Visa's 72-hour-via-email situation can be a source of complaints.

Not awful, but not the best for US travelers

We're so conflicted when it comes to ranking Handy Visas. On the one hand, we love the refund policy and we're encouraged to see hundreds of recent reviews from customers who had no problems getting their travel visas here. However, on the other hand, Handy Visas couldn't take care of our Chinese tourist visa at all, and we have huge reservations about working with a Spain-based company that only takes questions and concerns via email with a three-day turnaround. All of that combined puts Handy Visas as just below average in our rankings, particularly for anyone traveling on a US passport.

• Multiple visa types available (tourism, missionary/religious, artist/athlete, and more)
• In business for 30+ years
• Worked with more than 5 million travelers

Travisa has been providing immigration and visa services for over 30 years, catering to both corporations and individuals. With a team of over 1,600 skilled professionals, including immigration experts, lawyers, and migration consultants, spread across 60 offices in 27 countries, Travisa is the primary visa service provider for 75% of Fortune 500 companies. They offer a comprehensive range of services through their two primary brands: Newland Chase, a subsidiary specializing in global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations, and Travisa, offering business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients.

Performs well with up-to-date visa requirement info

To see how Travisa measures up, we looked at visas for three different countries: Australia (who, at the time of this review, was requiring visa applications to go directly through the government and not through any third-party service), Brazil (who had paused requiring tourist visas), and China (who's known for having a lengthy, somewhat difficult travel visa process). We were glad to see that Travisa got it all right. Unlike some of its competitors, this service didn't start us down a path of some unrelated paperwork or anything we didn't absolutely need. We also appreciate that Travisa offers many different types of travel visas, including professional artists, missionaries, and business travelers, not just your standard tourist paperwork.

Detailed information if you dig for it

When you select your destination country and visa type, you'll get a long list of things to know before you go, including entry restrictions, processing times, and service fees. Looking at China as an example, Travisa says to expect to pay $140 in consular fees and $185 for their standard processing of 8 business days "or longer" . But, when you click on "see more details" , you'll also learn that there's also a 6.9% processing fee when Travisa pays your government agency fees.

BBB rating drop

That should clue you in to the fact that Travisa still ranks low here because of ongoing less-than-positive client feedback. For example, the Better Business Bureau gives this travel visa service a not-impressive "B-" rating for failing to respond to a couple of customer complaints there, a drop from its previous "A-" rating the last time we evaluated the service. That in itself wouldn't be a huge issue, but the complaints continue elsewhere.

Travelers complain about surprise fees

The most frequently mentioned problem? Lack of transparency in pricing. Time and again, clients say they paid one amount when they submitted their application, only to get further charges down the road - ones that they say were never spelled out in an invoice, during checkout, or anywhere easily discovered during the Travisa paperwork process. You'll see roughly the same results when you look up the reputation of Travisa's parent company, CIBT. While CIBT does better with the BBB ("A+" rating and accreditation), client feedback is equally bad: you'll see words like "scam" , "rip off" , and "never again" in many different reviews.

Not a good choice for individual consumers

It's no wonder that Travisa remains low in our rankings of travel visa companies. Although we were glad to see that their country-specific pages were up to date - after all, some of their rivals' sites weren't - that's not nearly enough to compensate for Travisa's lack of transparency in pricing and overall poor track record. You'll save yourself a lot of stress and money by going with a higher-ranked travel visa provider and avoiding Travisa.

• Based in Spain
• Limited refund policy
• Limited destination countries

Headquartered in Madrid, Visagov is on a mission to make it as easy as possible to travel abroad. However, because Visagov is based in Spain, it might not be the visa service of choice for US travelers. The only way to contact the company is via email: not the most reassuring situation if you have an urgent issue or your application is particularly time-sensitive. We're not sure how that lines up with the "24/7 visa and travel assistance" they so proudly advertise.

Very limited list of destinations

We also had a hard time finding all of our target destinations in Visagov's list of countries: neither Brazil nor China were included. Australia was there, but at the time of this review the country was requiring travelers to apply for a visa directly with their government and not through a third-party service like this one - but Visagov was still accepting applications. We had similar issues looking at other countries in Visagov's list. Mexico or Montserrat? "Application temporarily unavailable." ETIAS (to enter the Schengen area in Europe)? Nowhere to click to apply.

Website is difficult to use

When we finally found a country whose travel visa we were eligible to apply for - New Zealand - the process was mostly uncomplicated, winding up with a total charge of $64 USD. The only irritating part was trying to find "United States" in the various country dropdown lists (country of passport issuance, residency): it's not alphabetical, so you have to scroll through until you happen to spot it.

You may or may not qualify for a refund

Visagov has a refund policy, but it's not the most straightforward. If your visa application is denied by the destination government, you'll get a refund of those fees. But, the policy also says "you will never receive a payment corresponding to [their] handling and processing fees, any other refund request will be excluded" .

Some travelers actually like this service

With all of that, it was surprising to find quite a few 4- and 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Some clients actually had a good experience using Visagov . On the other hand, complaints were as you'd expect: hard to reach customer service when they needed help, incorrect info on documents that couldn't be fixed in time to process the visa paperwork, and so on.

Worst travel visa service in our evaluation

That still doesn't change our mind: Visagov is our lowest-rated travel visa provider, particularly for US citizens. You might not find the country you're visiting in their list, and even if you do, the application might not be available. And who wants to work with a provider that can't even be reached on the phone or at least via live chat? We don't. Avoid wasting time (and money) by going directly to one of Visagov's higher-ranked competitors instead.

Continued from above...

Expert guidance is another valuable benefit provided by online travel visa providers. These services often employ professionals who are well-versed in travel visa regulations and requirements. They can review documents, provide advice, and ensure that applications are accurate and complete. By having experts oversee the process, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your application is being handled by knowledgeable individuals that also help reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to visa rejection.

Another hidden benefit of online visa providers is that they can increase the chances of visa approval. Due to their extensive knowledge and experience with visa regulations, these services understand the specific requirements of destination countries. They can provide valuable insights and advice on gathering the correct supporting documents and preparing applications that comply with the embassy's guidelines. This attention to detail significantly enhances the likelihood of obtaining a travel visa successfully.

Of course, you need to understand what a visa is and why you might need it for an upcoming trip. A travel visa is an official paper that a country's government gives you to let you enter and stay in their country. Common visa types include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas. Countries have different visa rules, depending on factors like the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, and where you're from.

There are additional services that some online travel visa providers offer, that can enhance your overall travel experience. For instance, some platforms provide visa tracking services, which allow you to monitor the progress of your application. Additionally, some providers offer visa expediting services for urgent travel needs, ensuring that you receive your travel visa within a shorter timeframe.

So, which service should you choose to make it fast and easy to get your next travel visa? There are lots to choose from, and many of them seem pretty similar at first glance. But, if you're trying to narrow down the possibilities a little, here are some factors that might tip the scale towards one or the other:

• Ease of navigation. Getting a travel visa (especially on short notice) can be nerve-wracking. The best services are simple to use from the get-go, showing you exactly which countries require visas and what you can expect from the application process.
• Timeframe. How long does the visa service say it will take to get your application approved and your passport back into your hands? Can you get it expedited if you're supposed to travel in the near future?
• Fees. Governmental fees will be the same no matter where you apply for your visa, but check out how much the service charges to take care of the application for you. Pay close attention to shipping/delivery fees.
• Reputation. What do other travelers say about the travel visa service? Did they get their paperwork done on time? Would these clients use this service again?

If you're traveling to a country that requires a travel visa for entry, you can simplify your life by using one of the top-rated services in our rankings here at Top Consumer Reviews. We've done the work to show you the best of the best - and the worst of the worst - so that you can rest assured that your travel visa paperwork is in good hands. Enjoy your trip!

Travel Visa Service FAQ

What is a travel visa, which countries require me to have a visa, how much do travel visas cost, what do i need to apply for a travel visa, do i have to go in person to apply for a travel visa, why should i use a travel visa service, how much do travel visa services cost, how long will it take to get my travel visa approved and my passport back in hand, compare travel visa services.

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What is a U.S. Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.

(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. In this situation, when planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country, see country information in the International Travel Section section of this website.)

More Information about Visas

Find out what visa type is appropriate for you

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.

Please visit our Visa Wizard to find out what visa type is appropriate for you.

You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions   or find out about the  Visa Waiver Program .

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Understanding Multiple Entry Visas

(This may not be the same place you live)

  What is a Multiple Entry Visa?

A multiple entry visa is a special type of visa that permits its holder to enter the United States multiple times within a given time frame. For instance, a nonimmigrant who is granted a multiple entry visa will be allowed to enter the United States for a short period, go back to their country of origin, and then return to the United States at a later date a number of different times.

Most multiple entry visa applications are usually for a particular kind of visa called a “visitor visa” or a “B visa.” B-1 and B-2 visas are typically issued to nonimmigrant visitors who wish to enter the United States on a temporary basis for a particular purpose. 

You should apply for a B-1 visa if you are a nonimmigrant who wants to travel to the United States for a limited amount of time to engage in certain business activities, such as settling an estate or negotiating a contract.

On the other hand, you should apply for a B-2 visa if you are a nonimmigrant who wants to travel to the United States for a limited amount of time for tourism purposes or to obtain medical treatment. For instance, if you are taking a long holiday or visiting friends and relatives in the United States, then you may want to consider applying for a B-2 visa. 

It is important to note that while there are various categories of multiple entry visas, many of them are for persons seeking entry into the United States as a nonimmigrant traveler who does not intend to abandon the residency status of their home country. In other words, nonimmigrant travelers are not looking to remain in the United States on a permanent basis. 

In contrast, persons who wish to permanently live and work in the United States will need to apply for an immigrant visa and follow the process to register as a lawful permanent resident. Those who become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., a green card holder), will need to apply for a re-entry permit if they want to travel abroad for a period of less than two years and then resume their immigrant status as a U.S. lawful permanent resident.

How Does a Multiple Entry Visa Work?

What is the difference between multiple entry visa, a re-entry visa, and a single entry visa, what are the requirements for obtaining a multiple entry visa, how long is a multiple entry visas valid for, do i need a lawyer for multiple entry visas.

The way in which a multiple entry visa works is that they are normally valid for a specific period of time. This time period is known as the “validity period.” The validity period can range from anywhere between six months to 12 months, with a maximum of up to twenty-four months if the visa holder applies for an extension. 

The visa holder will then be allowed to enter and re-enter the United States within this validity period in accordance with various travel restrictions.

Assuming that their passport and multiple entry visa has not expired, a person who holds a multiple entry visa may enter and re-enter the United States as many times as they want. Bear in mind, however, that these visas are only meant to allow access to the United States for particular travel purposes like business or tourism. Accordingly, multiple entry visa holders who return shortly after they departed from the United States may raise suspicions. 

In which case, if an immigration officer does not believe that a nonimmigrant multiple entry visa holder is genuinely returning for business or tourism purposes, then they may be permitted to deny them entry into the United States and can send them back to their home country immediately. Hence, why it is so crucial for individuals seeking entry to the United States to select the correct type of visa, which will be based on their reasons for visiting.

It is very important that a nonimmigrant keep in mind that there are a number of differences between a multiple entry visa holder, the holder of a re-entry permit , and a single entry visa holder. These differences are as follows:

• Instead, a multiple entry visa holder will be allowed to stay for the validity period, then may need to leave the United States, and return again at a later date. In general, these types of visas usually cost more and take longer to secure one.
• The main difference between that of a re-entry permit versus a multiple entry visa is that its holder is already considered a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Those who are holders of multiple entry visas do not intend to and cannot become lawful permanent residents of the U.S. through this type of visa. Instead, they would need to file an application to become a lawful permanent resident.
• Once the nonimmigrant traveler leaves the country, they will need to re-apply for a new visa to be able to return again to the United States. Unlike a multiple entry visa, single entry visas are generally easier, cheaper, and faster to obtain. 

Applicants who wish to apply for a multiple entry visa must comply with the requirements set out by their country of origin. In general, such requirements may vary based on the country as well as on the type of visa for which an applicant is applying. Multiple entry visas are primarily issued based on an applicant’s reasoning for obtaining one. 

For example, if an applicant was traveling to the United States for the purposes of settling a quick business matter, then they would apply for a multiple entry work-related visa , such as a B-1 visa, and adhere to all of the conditions required to obtain that kind of visa.

Multiple entry visas also have some unique requirements, which applicants may not encounter when applying for a different sort of visa like a single-entry visa. Some conditions that may only apply to multiple entry visas include:

• Gap visitation periods: Depending on their country of origin, a nonimmigrant traveler may need to wait a certain amount of time in-between each visit to the U.S. For example, nonimmigrant travelers from India who hold a multiple entry visa will be required to wait two months before they can re-enter the U.S. after a visit. However, there may be some exceptions wherein an immigrant traveler may be able to waive this requirement.
• Maximum time limits per stay: Again, depending on the country, there may be a maximum amount of time set on how long an applicant can stay per each visit. For instance, a nonimmigrant traveler from China can remain in the U.S. for a maximum of thirty days per each entry period. Nonimmigrant travelers from Brazil, however, can stay in the U.S. for a maximum period of 90 days. 
• Good record standard: Aside from the eligibility criteria, applicants seeking multiple entry visas must also demonstrate that they have a good or clean record with immigration authorities. This means that their record must not contain items, such as a criminal history, incidents of removal or deportation, and/or violations while visiting countries outside of their home country.

Again, it is important that applicants bear in mind that the requirements for each type of multiple entry visa will depend on a number of factors, including the rules established in the applicant’s country of origin and their overall immigration record. Additionally, the eligibility criteria for each type of multiple entry visa can vary from year-to-year since U.S. immigration laws and policies may be subject to change.

Multiple entry visas can remain valid from anywhere between five to fifteen years, depending on the type of visa and which country a nonimmigrant traveler is arriving from. However, most are usually valid for a period of ten years. 

As discussed above, this does not mean that persons who hold a multiple entry visa will be permitted to stay for that amount of time. It only means that they will not need to apply for another multiple entry visa until their current one expires. 

For example, imagine if a person is given a 10-year multiple entry visa document that expires in 2035. Although they will not be permitted to remain in the United States from 2025 to 2035, they will not have to apply for a new multiple entry visa document until 2035. In other words, they will be able to use that document to enter the United States throughout the 10-year time frame, assuming all other criteria are met and they abide by the rules of the validity period.

A multiple entry visa can be a very useful document for its holder. However, they can be somewhat difficult to obtain and are typically more costly to apply for than a single entry visa. Therefore, if you need assistance with applying for a multiple entry visa, you should consult with a local immigration lawyer immediately for further advice. 

An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to explain precisely how multiple entry visas work and can offer recommendations as to which option may be best suited for your particular circumstances. Your lawyer can also walk you through the application process and can discuss how to go about obtaining one for a loved one.

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Jaclyn started at LegalMatch in October 2019. Her role entails writing legal articles for the law library division, located on the LegalMatch website. Prior to joining LegalMatch, Jaclyn was a paralegal and freelance writer. After several years of working for both criminal defense and entertainment law firms, she enrolled in law school. While in law school, her law journal note was selected for first-round publishing, and can be found on various legal research databases. Jaclyn holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, specializing in both intellectual property law and data law; and a B.A. from Fordham University, majoring in both Journalism and the Classics (Latin). You can learn more about Jaclyn here. Read More

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

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Useful and Updated Guide to China Single, Double and Multiple Entry Visa

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 7, 2024 :

1. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

2. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

3. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

4. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

5. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

6. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

7. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

8. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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Number of Entry (入境次数) is a very important element for a Visa, because it decides how many times you can enter into a country or region during the validity, basically matters to your second or following trips. For overseas visitors, China Visa has three different number of entries: China Single Entry , Double and Multiple Entries Visa . What’s the cost of each? How to get a Tourist (L) Multiple Entry Visa for China? What to pay attention to for a Single Entry Visa to China? They are all priority should be figured out before application and arrival to China if hold one. Let’s read the following introduction one by one to better understand. ( Zero Entry Visa issued for foreigners' overstaying in China can only be used for exit, no entry is allowed.)

Quick Access to

• China Single-Entry Visa
• China Double-Entry Visa
• China Multiple-Entry Visa
• China 5-Year/10-Year Visa

Introduction of Number of Entries of China Visa

When applying for China Visa, based on personal travel plans, all applicants will fill in proposed number of entries to China's mainland, either 1 entry (within 3 months), 2 entries (valid for 3 to 6 months), and multiple entries (for 6 months, 1 year and above) and special notes on the China Visa Application Form . The embassy visa officer will give a final number of entry by considering your application materials and intended purpose to China's mainland.

Samples of China Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visa

Once successfully issued, the “Entries” is stamped clearly in Arabic numerals with proper visa type, validity, issuance date and personal information on the China Visa page. ( understand all China Visa informations here ) “ 01 (壹) ” means single (one) entry, “ 02 (贰) ” stands for double (dual) entries, “ M (多) ” means multiple entries. Literally, you’re allowed to enter China 1, 2 or many times as long as the visa is still valid. A China Visa will become invalid if the number of entries have been used up, or the entry date expires (even there is entry times left). A new trip to China requires a new China Visa with valid entries.

China Single Entry Visa - Travel to China Once Only

☞ what is single entry visa in china.

China Single-entry Visa is a one entry visa allowing only one entry and one exit out of China. It is usually issued for short-term visitors to destinations in one single trip (e.g. Chinese Tourist Group Visa for no longer than 30 days, Shenzhen 5-Day Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa ) and special long-term types of China Visa (such as China Z/X1/J1/Q1/S1/D Visa with a stay over 180 days.) According to individual case, some foreigners may granted China Single-entry Tourist Visa or Non-commercial Visit (F) Visa with a validity of 3 months.

International tourists wishing to visit Forbidden City in Beijing , famoud Bund view in Shanghai , amazing Terracotta Warriors Army in Xian or idyllic countryside scenery in Guilin ... in a single trip may apply a single entry visa while submiting application overseas.

China 3-Month Single-Entry Tourist Visa Issued in Manila

☞ What to Notice about China Single Entry Visa?

Short-term tourists or business visitors or travelers for other aims shall exit before the permitted stay period ends. Another entry without a valid China Visa is strictly forbidden. Long-term Single Entry Visa holders, like the Z Visa, are required to apply for a China Residence Permit from the Exit & Entry Administrative Department of local Public Security Bureau where you will stay, within 30 days after entry .

☞ China Single Entry Visa Fee

The Single-entry China Visa cost differently for lots of factors, including your citizenship, where you submit application to (embassy, consulate or China Visa Application Service Center), which service you use, etc.

Note: For US and Canadian passport holders , China Visa Application fees for single entry, double or multiple entries and all types (3 months, 6 months, 1 year and even 10 year) are the same, third countries shall pay differently for each type of entries. For submission direct to embassy, applicants only need to pay visa application fee, while apply through service center, you need to pay additional service fees.

China Double Entry Visa - Make A Second Trip to China

☞ what is double entry visa for china.

China Double Entry Visa is a kind of visa given two/dual entries for aliens to China's mainland. Easy to understand that, holding a China double-entry Visa, you can enter and exit, and enter again before the expiration date. No need to apply a visa for the second visit. It’s much convenient and time-saving if you do plan another travel in China.

China 6-Month Double-Entry Tourist Visa Issued in Hong Kong

☞ Single Entry or Double Entry?

When thinking about which type of entry visa to apply, you must plan your travel route in advance. Hong Kong and Macau are regarded as third regions from China's mainland. Therefore, if you attend Canton Fair in Guangzhou and have a possible travel to Hong Kong or Macau, you’re suggested to obtain a China Double-entry Visa if will return to China's mainland later. Similarly, a Double-entry Visa is needed if you will return to China's mainland and depart for a international destination. (e.g. Flight: US --> Beijing --> Singapore --> Beijing --> US; Curise: Japan --> Tianjin --> Xiamen --> Hong Kong --> Bangkok.)

☞ Cost of Double Entry Visa to China

Note: For US, UK, Canada, Australia passport holders, a double-entry short-term visa costs mostly the same as a single-entry visa.

China Multiple Entry Visa - Visit China Many Times in Different Trips

☞ what is multiple entry visa for china.

A China Multiple-entry Visa refers to the holders can enter China's mainland many times during the validity . It can be issued to short-term (3 months, 6 months) or long-term (1 year, 2 years, 5 years and 10 years) visitors. As long as the visa is still valid, there is no limitation of the number of entries. For foreign travelers who may frequently visit China, the Multiple-Entry Visa is the most recommended and best choice, cause you can visit China's mainland more than twice in different trips.

China 10-Year Multiple-Entry Q2 Visa

☞ How Do I Get A Multiple Entry Visa for China?

The application requirements and materials remain the same as a normal short-term visa application. To increase the chance to get a China Multiple-entry Visa (maybe a Toursit L Visa, Business M Visa), you shall make a clear statement on the application form, provide previous record to China (visas, photos...), which may help to explain your willingness to visit China often. We suggest you better prepare former visit evidence as much as possible.

☞ China Visa Multiple Entries Fees

Below are schedules of China Multiple-entry Visa fees in US, you can check on the offcial website of Chinese Embassy in your country or guide page on www.visaforchina.org. .

China 5-Year and 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

● china 5-year multiple-entry visa.

Ethic Chineses (foreigners of Chinese origin) living abroad can apply 5-Year China Q1/Q2 Visa from overseas Chinese Embassy or apply 5-Year Residence Permit after entry in China.

>> British citizens can also apply the 5-Year China Visa for tour (L Visa), business (M Visa), short-term family reunion (Q2 Visa) and private affiairs (S2 Visa), if he/she once granted Chine 2-Year Multiple Visa 2 times or more, or got a China 2-Year or longer Visa once and visited China more than 3 times during recent 2 years.

>> Americans studying in China may apply 5-Year China Student (X1) Visa.

>> Officially invited foreign experts & scholars, recoginized high-level talents can get China Visa on Arrival at border ports, and then apply 5-Year China Visa or Residence Permit, or the longest 10-Year China Talent (R) Visa from local Public Security Bureau.

● China 10-Year Multiple-entry Visa

Currently, only US, UK, Canadian, Argentinean passport holders are eligible to apply for 10-year multiple-entry China Visa, including the Tourist L Visa , Business M Visa , Family Reunion Q2 Visa and Private Visit S2 Visa . Each country has specific requirements to apply, for example, to apply a 10-year China Visa, an American needs a valid passport with more than 1 year’s validity, a British shall obtained 2-year or 5-year multiple-entry China visa before, Canadians will be issued visa valid no longer than the passport validity.

Tips: Argentine citizens can only apply 10-year Tourist & Business Visa with a maximum stay period of 90 days each visit.

How Much is A 10 Year Visa to China?

Americans and Argentineans have to submit application directly to Chinese Embassy in US or Argentine respectively. So just visa application fees would be occured. While Britishs and Canadians must submit though China Visa Application Center, additional service fees will be charged by the center.

Note: Under special situation, the duration of stay per entry can be extended for foreigners of Chinese origin up to 180 days.

More FAQs about Number of Entry of China Visa

Q1: Can I get a 10-year visa for China?

Only citizens from certain countries ( US, UK, Canada, Argentine ) can apply China 10-Year Multiple Visa for specific purposes. Even you’re qualified, the final decision is made by the visa officer, and the result is not always guaranteed.

Q2: I got a double entry visa to China. The visa is valid from March 20 to June 20. I entered China two times already before May 20. Can i use the visa to enter China later?

No, you can’t. The entries permitted to you has been used up, so your visa became void even it’s still during the validity period.

Q3: How to get Hong Kong Multiple-entry Visa?

Foreigners of 170 countries are visa exempted to Hong Kong for 7 to 180 days for multiple trips. Others can apply a Hong Kong Multiple-entry Visa from Chinese Embassy abroad, remember to request a multiple-entry visa if you want one. How to Apply for Hong Kong Visa >>

Q4: How to Understand the “ Entry Before Date” on (old version) China Visa?

Usually, a China Visa starts to be valid since issued. The "Enter Before" is the last entry date (24:00 UTC+8). The new version is marked as “Valid for Entry By”, which is the deadline for entry to China. A China Visa would be expired after passed that date.

Travel with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any visa-related support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in China's mainland, among all, Beijing , Shanghai , Hong Kong are often used as gate way cities, Xian , Guilin , Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just  contact us , tell your interests and travel plans, we could customize a perfect China tour as you like.

World Architecture Expo along the Bund, Shanghai

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• Visas and immigration
• Visit the UK

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Apply for a standard visitor visa.

If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You must meet the eligibility requirements and only do permitted activities .

Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to visit the UK. You can check if you need a visa before you apply.

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, or if you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Apply online

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

If you’re applying with family members, each person must have their own application and pay the fee. They need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.

You can apply on behalf of your partner and child, if they cannot apply for themselves.

Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. 

Find out how to sign in to your account .

Long-term Standard Visitor visas

You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

If you’re under 18 years old when you apply , your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.

You may be given a shorter visa than requested if UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) believe you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you applied for.

You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or if your application is refused.

Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.

Documents and information you’ll need to apply

You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. There must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa.

You’ll need to provide the following information in your online application:

• the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
• where you’ll be staying during your visit
• how much you think your trip will cost
• your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
• your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
• how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
• details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

• details of your travel history for the past 10 years
• your employer’s address and telephone number
• your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
• the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
• a certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis ( TB ) test if you’re visiting for more than 6 months

You need to provide additional documents if you’re visiting the UK:

• as an academic
• for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’
• for medical reasons

You must provide certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Proving your identity and providing your documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.

At your appointment, you’ll need to:

• prove your identity with your passport or travel document
• have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken
• provide the required documents that show you’re eligible for a Standard Visitor visa

The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You can check to see if you can get your visa decision faster .

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI .

You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

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How to Get a 10-Year China Visa

If you need to take multiple trips to China every year , you can consider applying for a China 10-year visa.

What a 10-Year Visa Is

A 10-year visa doesn't allow you to stay in China for 10 years . It means that your visa is valid for 10 years.

It will allow multiple short stays of up to 3 months for tourist or business visits. The duration for each stay can vary from 30–120 days depending on your nationality and purpose of travel.

Reasons to Get a 10-Year China Visa

1. Save your time and reduce hassle. If you'll be traveling back and forth to China because of work or family, a 10-year travel visa will keep you from needing the visa application process every single time you make a trip.

2. Save your money. The cost of a 10-year visa is the same as other short-term visas for US citizens. The $140+ fee will only have to be paid once and then you're covered for 10 years.

Who Can Apply

As of February 2018, citizens of the following five countries are eligible for a 10-year visa:

• The United States
• The United Kingdom

These 10-year visas are only applicable for visas with the purpose of tourism (L), business (M), private visits (S2), or family reunions (Q2).

How to Apply

The application process for this 10-year visa is similar to other short-term visas.

1. Download the visa application form and fill it in.

One thing to note: when you fill out your visa application, just tick the box that shows "10-Year Visa". If no such option exists, find section 2.2 where it shows "Other" and write "10 years" in that space.

2. Submit your documents (listed below).

3. Pay the visa application fee and collect your visa.

Read more information about how to apply for a China visa .

Which Documents Are Required

• An original passport that's valid for 6 months with blank side-by-side visa pages
• A completed visa application form
• A recent passport photograph
• A flight ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation.

The above documents are enough if you go to China for tourism purposes. If your purpose of travel is business , extra documents are required: a written invitation from a host in China with an official stamp and a company business letter.

You don't need to submit the documents every time you visit China. The only time you need to provide these documents is when you're first applying for the 10-year visa.

If your passport expires , you will need to carry it to show your 10-year visa, as well as your new passport when you travel to China.

How Long It Takes to Process a 10-Year Visa

Just as with the other China visas, the processing time for a 10-year visa is 2–4 working days.

Touring China with China Highlights

If you obtain a 10-year visa, it becomes very convenient to visit China. You will have many chances to indulge in China's beautiful scenery and rich culture.

Contact us, and we can tailor-make an endless variety of tours to suit your requirements and interests.

Here are our most popular China tours, for inspiration:

• Classic Wonders: 11-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai
• A Close Encounter with Pandas: 13-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai
• Best China Tours 2024/2025: Top Tours for First & Return Trips
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 2-Week Riches of China
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Routes (2024)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

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The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

Did I miss anything? Got a question? Leave it below.

Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now:

Book your accommodation.

Best hotel rates are found at Agoda and Hotels.com .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years. You should too.

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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

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• About the UAE
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Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

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From Japan’s e-visa to Dubai’s 5-year tourist visa, here are the latest visa updates for Indian travellers

Latest visa news for indians: check out the latest visa updates for indian travellers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience this summer vacations..

Latest Visa Updates for Indian Tourists:  As the summer holiday season is just around the corner, it’s crucial to start planning one’s travel itinerary to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 , India is ranked 80th. Indians get visa-free access to 62 countries.

From eVisas introduced by Japan to Dubai’s multiple entry five-year visa, in recent months, there have been new visa regulations in various countries across the globe for India, and being well-versed in the latest visa requirements will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience and making informed decisions.

Here is a complete list of the latest visa updates every Indian traveller should know.

1. japan’s e-visa:.

Japan has introduced an eVisa system for Indian travellers, making it easier and more convenient to visit the country. Starting in April, eligible Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an eVisa for short-term tourism purposes through the application process operated by VFS Global. Now, instead of physical stickers in passports, visas will be issued electronically and would offer a single-entry option, allowing stays up to 90 days.

2. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia’s Schengen visa:

Becoming the recent EU nations to join Europe’s Schengen travel area, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa  to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means that Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

3. Dubai’s five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa:

Dubai introduced a new visa program tailored to Indian travellers in February, which offers a five-year, multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to 90 days in the country, with the possibility of a single extension not exceeding 180 days annually, for both business and leisure trips, with unlimited entries and exits within five years.

4. Thailand’s visa-free entry:

The Thai Government has introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders, enabling them to enter Thailand without a tourist visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with an exemption granting a 30-day stay for tourism purposes.

5. Kenya to eliminate visa requirements:

Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Indian citizens and all international tourists, to boost its tourism industry. This decision aims to provide easier access to Kenya’s rich wildlife and beautiful beaches, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s unique attractions.

• e-Tourist Visa
• Indian passports
• tourist visa

Trupti Khamkar, who acted in the film Crew alongside Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, spoke about the challenges she faced while shooting. She had to memorize her lines all day and only had a short time to perform after the lead cast left. Despite this, she believes the experience has prepared her for any challenging set in the future.

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