What is the Difference Between an E-Visa and Visa On-Arrival?

A visa is a travel document that is legally issued to cross-border travelers to enter a designated country and stay for a period. There are many types of visas depending on the purpose of travel, duration of stay, number of entries, ways to get, and visa formats. In order to accelerate visa applications and facilitate exchanges between countries, some countries issue unique visas. Have you heard of E-visa and visa on arrival? In this passage, we are going to talk about what are they and their differences.

What is E-Visa?

E-visa refers to an electronic visa that can be completely applied online. The requirements and usage are almost the same as a regular visa, but unlike the traditional visa stamps or stickers, it is digitally linked to your passport. If your destination country issues E-visa, you can easily apply for it with a mobile device without visiting the embassy or consulate. More conveniently, you can present it on your smartphone to the customs officer at the checkpoint.

Currently, electronic visas are available in the following countries and regions. If your destinations are listed below, please check its official website for application instructions.

What is Visa-on-arrival?

Visa on arrival or visa upon arrival is also known as VoA or landing visa. A pre-arranged visa must be obtained before setting out while a VoA could be applied after arriving at the port of entry. This type of visa is based on bilateral agreements, aiming to boost short-term travel between countries, such as tourism, business meetings, and family visits for 30-90 days.

The list of VoA-eligible people varies from country to country. It is quite necessary to check the entry requirements while planning your trip. Next, we will take some major countries as examples and introduce the destinations that issue visa-on arrivals.

Countries That Issue Visa on Arrival for US Passport Holders

Countries That Issue Visa on Arrival for UK Passport Holders

Countries That Issue Visa on Arrival for Canadian Passport Holders

Countries That Issue Visa on Arrival for Australian Passport Holders

Difference Between an E-Visa and Visa On-Arrival

Although they are both travel documents that make it more convenient to travel to foreign countries, they do have many differences.

Application Process

This is considered the main difference. E-visas are fully applied online, including filling out electronic forms, uploading supporting documents, and paying online. Visas on arrival are obtained in person at the airport, destination port or land checkpoint of the destination country. No matter which visa type you choose, make sure your passports are valid and have a certain period of validity.

Processing time

E-visa is a digital form of pre-arranged visa without which you are not allowed to board. Although its application is processed faster than that for regular ones, it might still take a few days or weeks to receive one. Therefore, you are suggested to apply for it as early as possible.

Visa on arrival can be obtained after arriving. The processing time ranges from a few minutes to hours depending on how long the queue is and whether you can provide sufficient documentation.

Eligibility

Whether you can obtain an E-visa or visa upon arrival depends on your nationality, destination and traveling purposes. Electronic visas are usually single-entry permits and are more widely applicable. VoA usually allows multiple entries and is only available for citizens of certain countries. Moreover, eVisa is more secure. Imagine that you travel all the way and finally arrive only to find that you are rejected to get VoA, which is quite depressing. For example, some Asian countries like Bahrain, Cambodia, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Tanzania, issue both types of visas to US citizens. It is suggested to get an E-visa in advance.

Visa Fee

The visa fee depends on where you go. Landing visas are usually cheaper than E-visas. Some of them are even free of charge. Electronic visas are more convenient and cheaper than traditional ones, but there might be extra service fees.

Summary

Let’s make a summary. Both E-visa and visa on arrival are legal permits allowing travelers to enter a foreign country. They both required applicants to show valid passports, tickets for return or onward journey, hotel reservations, proof of financial support, etc. However, they differ a lot in terms of application process, processing time, eligibility, and fees. E-visa must be applied 100% online before traveling while the VoA can be obtained after arriving. It is important to check the entry requirements of your destination and choose the most suitable one according to your nationality, budget, length of stay, and traveling purpose.