Every country provides an immigration pathway that is catered to visitors and travelers. These “short-term” visa options are typically designed to be hassle-free with quick processing times.

eVisas are commonly used by governments to permit short-term visits. We have addressed some of the major aspects of eVisas, as well as the trends in this article.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an Electronic-Visa. The processing for eVisas is primarily conducted through online channels and platforms. This avoids lengthy processing times and burdensome document collection requirements that are traditionally part of the visa process.

There are several major eVisa “frameworks” around the world:

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): This is the most common short-term visa option for those who wish to travel and visit the United States of America, and typically permits 180-days duration of stay.
• Schengen Visa: This is a short-term stay visa that permits you to travel and stay for 90-days within the Schengen Region.
• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): This is Canada’s eVisa for travelers and visitors in eligible countries, and typically provides 180-days duration of stay.

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Am I Eligible for an eVisa?

Your nationality will determine your eligibility for eVisas. Every country maintains its own policies for processing eVisa applications, as well as determining other key eligibility aspects.

This includes duration of stay, length of eVisa validity, processing times, and other core requirements.

👉 Learn more about eligibility requirements for the eVisa

How can I apply for an eVisa?

Depending on your destination, there are multiple ways to apply for an eVisa, including directly on the government website. And some government agencies are better than others.

Relocate has partnered with Sherpa to provide easy eVisa applications to 140+ countries

What is the duration of stay for eVisas?

The duration of stay refers to the amount of time you are permitted to stay or remain in a respective country or region.

For example, the Schengen Visa permits you to remain in the Schengen Region for up to 90-days. Typically, the ESTA will permit you to remain in the United States for up to 180-days.

There are of course important considerations, such as the total number of days you can remain in a country/year, as well as other practical considerations when crossing the border.

Furthermore, you should note that there is a difference between the duration of stay and length of the visa authorization.

How long are eVisas valid for?

The duration that an eVisas is granted will depend on several factors, most importantly your nationality.

Typically eVisas can range anywhere from 1-year to 10-years.

👉 Find the right eVisa for you in 40+ Countries

What is the difference between a regular visa and eVisa?

An eVisa is simply a way to process a normal visa application online. Since 2020, many governments have provided new ways to submit and process applications online.

Do all Governments offer an eVisa option?

No. Major regions of the world do provide eVisa options. This includes major destinations like the United States, Canada, EU Schengen-Region Countries and elsewhere.

Can I work or study on an eVisa?

Generally, no. The eVisa framework is designed to particularly for those who are traveling and visiting a country. Although you cannot work, you are still permitted to travel for business purposes.

Can I travel for business on an eVisa?

Yes! Most countries will permit you to travel for short-term business trips on an eVisa. It is important to note that you are not legally authorized to work and obtain a salary in that country for this type of work.

In other words, you do not have “formal work authorization”, rather you are being permitted to enter the country on a short-term and temporary basis for work purposes (i.e. business meetings, events, etc.).

Are there other eVisa options that permit me to work?

eVisa is another way to say “electronic visas”. In fact, since 2019, a new remote work and digital nomad visa category has been emerging throughout the world.

Some Governments process these visas online, so a remote worker and digital nomad visas are technically also an eVisa.

With Remote Work and Digital Nomad Visas you are given work authorization and permitted to live and work in that respective country. It is still considered a temporary visa option, but unlike other Tourist or Visitor visas, this will provide you other long-term benefits.

Some of the benefits of remote work and digital nomad visas include:

• Ability to live and work legally in a country;
• Minimal processing requirements and short processing times
• Permission to establish a local bank account;
• Options to extend and renew your remote work/digital nomad visa
• Minimal or no income tax liability (this depends on the country!)

👉 Learn more about Remote Work and Digital Nomad Visas

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