Tourist Visa vs Visa-on-Arrival vs eVisa: What’s the Difference?

The route you take depends on your nationality and destination. Here is how the three main visitor options compare.

Traditional tourist visa

Applied for in advance at an embassy or visa centre, usually with an interview and biometrics.

Visa-on-arrival

Issued at the border on landing — convenient, but only for eligible nationalities and often with queues and fees.

eVisa / travel authorisation

Applied for online before travel (e.g. ESTA, ETA, ETIAS). Fast and paperless, but you must apply before boarding.