Visa Glossary
Confused by visa jargon? We explain every term in plain English, specifically for Indian travelers.
eVisa (Electronic Visa)
An eVisa is a digital visa that you apply for and receive entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry (airport/border) when you land in the destination country, without prior application.
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel means you can enter a country with just your passport — no visa application, no fee, no stamp needed before arrival.
Visa Required (Sticker/Stamp Visa)
Visa required means you must apply for and receive a visa from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a single visa that grants access to 27 European countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Transit Visa
A transit visa allows you to pass through a country's airport or territory on your way to another destination, without entering that country for tourism.
Biometrics (Visa Biometrics)
Biometrics in the visa process means providing your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center, used for identity verification.
Passport Ranking (Passport Index)
Passport ranking measures how powerful a passport is based on the number of countries its holders can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.
Travel Insurance (Visa Travel Insurance)
Travel insurance is a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other risks while traveling abroad. It's mandatory for many visa applications.
VFS Global
VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing company for visa application processing, operating visa centers on behalf of embassies and consulates worldwide.
DS-160 (US Visa Application Form)
The DS-160 is the mandatory online nonimmigrant visa application form that must be completed by anyone applying for a US visa, including tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and work visas.
Visa Overstay
Visa overstay means remaining in a country beyond the authorized period on your visa, which can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future visa bans.
Multiple Entry Visa
A multiple entry visa allows you to enter and exit a country multiple times within the visa's validity period, without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
Single Entry Visa
A single entry visa allows you to enter a country only once. Once you exit, the visa is used up — you cannot re-enter on the same visa.
Apostille
An apostille is a form of authentication/legalization for documents issued in one country so they are recognized as valid in another country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention.
Yellow Fever Certificate (ICVP)
The Yellow Fever Certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis — ICVP) is a yellow vaccination booklet proving you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever, required for entry to many African and some South American countries.
Cover Letter for Visa
A cover letter for a visa application is a formal letter addressed to the embassy explaining the purpose of your trip, your travel plan, ties to India, and why you are a low immigration risk.
Bank Statement for Visa
A bank statement for visa is a document showing your financial history and current balance, used by embassies to verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip.
Visa Validity vs Permitted Stay
Visa validity is the period during which you can use the visa to enter a country. Permitted stay is how long you can actually remain in the country per visit. These are two different things — confusing them is a common cause of overstay.
Travel History for Visa
Travel history refers to your record of past international travel — countries visited, visas obtained, and your compliance with immigration rules. Strong travel history is one of the most important factors for getting visas approved.
Know the Terms, Plan Better
Now that you understand visa terminology, put your knowledge to use. Check visa requirements for your dream destination.