Visa guide

Everything you need to know about visas.

Understand the main visa routes, learn the language used by border authorities, and know which checks actually decide your trip.

Also check passport validity

Reviewed 19th August 2026 · Entry rules can change at short notice.

Visa-free is not rule-free

Stay limits, passport validity and onward-travel conditions can still apply.

ETA and eVisa are different

An ETA is generally travel permission under a visa-exempt system; an eVisa is still a visa.

Transit can change the answer

A connection can add separate permission or document requirements.

Visa terminology

Six labels. Six different routes.

These labels describe different kinds of access. The label is useful, but the exact conditions still come from the destination authority.

Visa-free

No visa application before travel

You can travel without applying for a visa in advance. Stay limits, passport validity and other entry conditions can still apply.

Visa on arrival

Permission issued when you arrive

A visa or entry permission is obtained at the border. Fees, forms, evidence and stay limits may still apply.

ETA / travel authorisation

Pre-travel permission, not a visa

Electronic permission used by some visa-exempt systems before travel. It is usually linked to the travel document you apply with.

eVisa

A visa application completed online

You apply and receive the visa electronically before travel. It is still a visa and may require documents, fees and processing time.

Visa required

Approval needed before departure

You need the destination's approval before travelling. The application route and evidence depend on destination and purpose.

Transit visa

Connections can create a separate rule

Passing through another country can trigger transit requirements, including for some connections where you remain airside.

Understand the data

A score compares. The rule decides.

A passport score is useful for comparison, but it does not replace the entry requirement for your passport, purpose, dates and itinerary.

How EntryAtlas reads rankings

Scores compare

Passport rankings compare broad access between passports at a point in time.

Rules decide

Immigration rules, documents, purpose and your actual itinerary determine whether you can travel.

Always verify

Use the destination government, immigration authority or responsible embassy for the final rule.

Rules change

Policies can change after a ranking or guide is published. Re-check before booking and again before travel.

Before you travel

Four checks before you rely on the label.

“Visa-free” or “eVisa” is only the start. Your document, purpose, stay and official destination rule complete the answer.

Passport validity

Check the passport you will actually travel on, its minimum validity period and any blank-page requirement.

Purpose of travel

Tourism, business, study, work and transit can have different permission requirements.

Length of stay

Check the maximum stay, single or multiple-entry rules and any rolling-day limits.

Official source

Confirm the final rule with the destination authority or responsible embassy before travel.

Ready for the real journey?

Now check the actual trip.

Move from general terminology to the rule for your passport and destination, then keep the official source close for the final decision.

Check a journey Browse destinations