Tourist Visas vs Business Visas

Although business travel can feel exciting when visiting another country, there is a big difference between traveling for leisure and business. This is especially true when it comes to applying for a visa. Tourist visas and business visas are very different, and you’ll need to know ahead of time which one you should apply for. Applying for the wrong visa could delay your travel plans, or you may have to cancel your plans altogether. To help you decide which type of visa is right for you, we’ve created a guide that details everything you need to know regarding the differences between tourists visas and business visas. Read on for everything we think you should know.

Tourist vs Business Visas: Purpose

Tourist visas cover a wide range of activities that have nothing to do with work or business. You will most likely need a tourist visa if you will be traveling to a country for leisure purposes, such as sightseeing. Not all countries require tourist visas, so do your research and check if your destination country requires you to get one ahead of time. If you aren’t sure whether or not you’ll need a tourist visa, some activities that may require you to acquire one include:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Vacation
• Visiting with family or friends
• Attending social events held by various organizations or non-paid participation in sporting or entertainment events
• Medical treatments
• Attending recreational, short-term studies, such as a two-day cooking class

Work visas and business visas are very different from tourist visas. If you’re traveling for business-related purposes, these types of visas may be suitable for you, depending on what you plan on doing for work in your destination country. Below are some examples of work-related activities that may require you to have a work or business visa:

• Consulting with business relations or associates
• Attending a professional or education conference or convention
• Negotiating contracts or settling estates
• Engaging in commercial or trade activities
• Research, lecturing or paid appearances
• Attending and participating in business meetings
• Making investments or business purchases
• Interviewing and hiring staff

Tourist vs Business Visas: Requirements

Visa requirements may vary slightly from country to country, but there are typically a few notable differences when it comes to applying for a tourist visa and a work visa. Please review these requirements closely, as failing to follow them could result in your application being delayed or denied.

Requirements for both types of visas generally include:

• Valid passport
• Two passport photos
• Visa application from your destination country
• Other: Some countries require proof of funds and a copy of a valid ID in addition to your passport

Tourist visas may additionally require:

• Proof of upcoming travel
• Hotel reservation
• Letter of employment (to prove you have a job to return to)

Business visas may additionally require:

• Business letter of invitation from your destination country
• Letter of employment
• Company letter of intent

Tourist vs Business Visas: Processing Times

Processing time between tourist visas vs business visas can vary, with one not necessarily faster than the other. If you have all the required documentation and don’t need an in-person interview for your destination country you’re planning to visit, Swift Passport and Visa Services offers expedited visa services. Please note that processing times can vary depending on the type of visa you need, when you need it, and what country you need a visa for. If you have any questions about visa processing times, please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.

Tourist vs Business Visas: Length of Stay

When you get a visa (no matter if it’s a work, business, or tourist visa), you will be allowed to stay in your destination country for a certain amount of time. Tourist and business visas are usually offered for a stay of 30 to 90 days for a single visit, although you may be able to apply for a longer stay or file for an extension if needed. Some countries also offer visas that allow multiple stays over a period of several years.

How to Apply For a Tourist Visa

If you need a tourist visa for your upcoming trip, Swift can help! The first thing you’ll need to do is visit the Expedited Visa Services page of our website, and select the country that you need a tourist visa for. Then, once you fill out your application and complete the checkout process, you’ll receive a list of documents that you’ll physically need to send to our Chicago office. Our team will then review your application, and send your visa to you once it’s ready. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!

How to Apply For a Business Visa

Getting your business visa or work visa is quick and easy when you choose to obtain it with Swift. We make the process simple so that you can focus on what really matters. To get the application process started, visit the Business Visas page of our website. Here, you can complete your application, submit your order, and send in all of the required documents. We will then send your business or work visa to you once it’s ready, so that you can have it in time for your upcoming trip. We look forward to assisting you!