Going on international business trips is a great way to make strong connections with others. Meeting face to face creates trust, and can help your company close more deals. However, before booking your next work trip abroad, you’ll likely need to obtain travel authorization, such as a visa, e-Visa, or ETA. We understand that navigating multiple types of visas can be confusing, which is why we wanted to help give you some clarity. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the different kinds of visas, so that you can ensure everyone gets the appropriate type for their upcoming work trip.
The Three Main Types of Travel Authorization
Traditional Visas
Traditional visas are the original type of travel authorization, and have been around long before e-Visas and ETAs. With a traditional visa, you must physically send in your documentation in the mail, and may have to attend in-person appointments. Traditional visas usually have longer processing times than e-Visas or ETAs, and could require you to submit additional documentation. They also tend to cost more than the other types of travel authorization.
It’s important to remember that there’s often not a choice when it comes to what kind of travel authorization you can get. This is dependent on the country and what they offer in terms of visa type. There are a few situations where you can choose (depending on the country), however, this is very limited, and usually not a choice you get to make on your own.
e-Visas
Electronic visas (e-Visas) are a type of visa that you can apply for entirely online. With an e-Visa, you don’t have to worry about sending in any documentation, because you can upload everything digitally. Keep in mind that just because this uses a digital submission process doesn’t mean they are necessarily easier to obtain than a traditional visa or ETA. Processing times can vary, and application errors can still lead to delays. On the bright side, e-Visas are typically more inexpensive and have quicker processing times than traditional visas.
When applying for an e-Visa for your upcoming business trip, you will need to provide certain documents. Some things you may need to upload include invitation letters, employment documentation, a scan of your passport, supporting business documents, and proof of onward travel, amongst other items. Double check that you’ve uploaded all the required documents and ensure your information is accurate before submitting your application.
Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs)
While an ETA is technically not a visa, if you’re eligible, it can sometimes be used in place of a traditional visa or e-Visa during your work trip. This is a pre-travel authorization that’s linked electronically to your passport, which can be seen by immigration officers upon arrival. ETAs typically have the fastest application process, require a minimal amount of documentation, and are often approved quickly. Some ETAs that you can apply for include the Australia ETA, UK ETA, and South Korea K-ETA.
Though it’s true that ETAs are usually the simplest option when it comes to the application process, not everyone is eligible to apply. You must confirm your eligibility beforehand to ensure you’re able to use an ETA. Failing to do so could lead to you not being able to enter your destination country, wasting your time, money, and potentially missing out on business opportunities.
Comparing Processing Timelines and Complexity
Each travel authorization type has a unique processing timeline and application complexity. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your work trip, so that you know exactly what to expect, and how much time you’ll need to prepare. When it comes to processing times, it’s usually faster to obtain an e-Visa or ETA than a traditional visa. Please be aware that processing times can frequently change, so do your research beforehand to know how long it will take.
Another thing to consider is overall complexity. E-Visas and ETAs generally require less supporting documentation, whereas a traditional visa typically calls for you to submit a larger number of items. You will be given a list of everything you’ll need when applying for any of these travel authorization types. Review this list before submitting your application to ensure you have everything you need.
Key Considerations for Corporate Travel Teams
If you frequently send your team on business trips, there are some key things you’ll want to consider when making your plans. For starters, though some places offer visa-free entry to travelers from certain countries, don’t assume that this applies to people traveling for business purposes. Often, this only applies for those traveling for tourism, meaning you still could need to apply for travel authorization. Your team will also need valid passports to travel internationally. Frequently review passport validity to avoid facing any problems.
How SwiftPass Can Help With Your Corporate Travel Team Needs
Getting the right travel authorization is key to a successful business trip. With SwiftPass, your company can easily manage passport and visa services for your employees, ensuring they’re travel ready whenever an opportunity arises. SwiftPass is a complete travel document solution, giving your team access to a secure document vault, smart application management, real-time order tracking, and so much more.
If you’re interested in learning additional information about how SwiftPass can help your company, or need assistance obtaining visas, e-Visas, ETAs, or passports for your employees, please contact a member of our team. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
