Electronic visas have transformed international travel, replacing lengthy embassy visits and paper-heavy applications with streamlined online processes that can be completed from your home computer or smartphone. In 2026, more than 60 countries worldwide offer some form of electronic visa system, making it easier than ever to plan international trips without the hassle of traditional visa applications. This comprehensive guide covers every country offering e-visas, how the systems work, typical processing times and costs, and practical tips for successful applications.
What Is an E-Visa and How Does It Work?
An electronic visa, commonly known as an e-visa, is a digital travel authorization linked to your passport number and stored in the issuing country's immigration database. Unlike traditional visas that require visiting an embassy or consulate in person, e-visas are applied for, paid for, and received entirely online. Upon approval, you either receive a PDF document to print and carry with your passport, or the authorization is simply linked electronically to your passport number.
The typical e-visa application process follows a straightforward sequence. You visit the official government e-visa portal of your destination country, fill in the online application form with your personal and passport details, upload required documents such as a passport photo and passport bio page scan, pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card, and receive your e-visa approval by email, usually within one to seven business days.
It is important to distinguish e-visas from other electronic travel systems. An e-visa is a full visa issued digitally. An ETA or electronic travel authorization, used by countries like the United States (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and soon the Schengen Area (ETIAS), is a lighter screening tool for visa-exempt travelers. While both are obtained online, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility criteria.
Advantages of E-Visas Over Traditional Visas
| Feature | Traditional Visa | E-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | In person at embassy or visa center | Online from anywhere |
| Processing Time | 1-6 weeks typically | 24 hours to 7 days typically |
| Documents Required | Extensive paper documentation | Digital uploads; fewer requirements |
| Passport Submission | Must surrender passport during processing | Keep your passport; no physical submission |
| Appointment Needed | Yes; may have weeks-long wait | No; apply anytime |
| Cost | Varies; often higher with service fees | Usually lower; single online fee |
| Biometrics | Often required in person | Rarely required |
E-Visa Countries: Asia
Asia leads the world in e-visa adoption, with countries across the continent recognizing the benefits of digital visa systems for boosting tourism and simplifying border management.
| Country | Processing Time | Cost (Approx.) | Validity / Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | 3-5 days | $26 | 30 days single entry |
| Bahrain | 1-3 days | $30 | 14 days; extendable |
| Cambodia | 1-3 days | $36 | 30 days single entry |
| India | 3-5 days | $25-80 | 30 days to 5 years depending on type |
| Indonesia | 1-2 days | $35 | 30 days; extendable once |
| Kyrgyzstan | 3-5 days | $50 | 30 days |
| Laos | 3-5 days | $45 | 30 days |
| Malaysia (eNTRI) | 1-2 days | $20 | 15 days; specific nationalities |
| Myanmar | 3-5 days | $50 | 28 days tourist visa |
| Oman | 1-3 days | $20-50 | 10-30 days depending on type |
| Pakistan | 5-7 days | Varies by nationality | 30-90 days |
| Saudi Arabia | Minutes to 1 day | $160 | 1 year; 90 days per visit |
| Singapore (SG Arrival Card) | Minutes | Free | Up to 90 days |
| Sri Lanka (ETA) | 1-3 days | $50 | 30 days; extendable to 180 |
| Taiwan (travel authorization) | Minutes | Free | 90 days; specific nationalities |
| Tajikistan | 2-5 days | $50 | 45 days |
| Uzbekistan | 2-3 days | $20 | 30 days |
| Vietnam | 3-5 days | $25 | 30-90 days; single or multiple entry |
E-Visa Countries: Africa
Africa has seen a rapid expansion of e-visa programs, with many countries replacing traditional embassy-issued visas with modern digital alternatives to promote tourism and simplify entry procedures.
| Country | Processing Time | Cost (Approx.) | Validity / Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benin | 2-5 days | $50 | 30 days; extendable |
| Cameroon | 5-7 days | $90 | 90 days |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 2-5 days | $73 | 90 days |
| Djibouti | 2-5 days | $23 | 31 days |
| Egypt | 3-7 days | $25-60 | 30 days; single or multiple entry |
| Ethiopia | 1-3 days | $52-82 | 30-90 days |
| Gabon | 3-5 days | $70 | 30 days |
| Guinea | 5-7 days | $80 | 90 days |
| Kenya (ETA) | 3-5 days | $30 | 90 days |
| Lesotho | 3-5 days | $30 | 30 days |
| Madagascar | 2-5 days | $37 | 30-60 days |
| Malawi | 3-7 days | $50 | 30 days |
| Nigeria | 3-7 days | Varies | 30 days; business or tourist |
| Rwanda | 1-3 days | $50 | 30 days |
| South Sudan | 5-10 days | $100 | 30 days |
| Tanzania | 3-10 days | $50 | 90 days |
| Uganda | 3-5 days | $50 | 90 days |
| Zambia | 3-5 days | $50 | 90 days single/double entry |
| Zimbabwe | 3-5 days | $30-55 | 30-90 days |
E-Visa Countries: Americas and Oceania
| Country | Processing Time | Cost (Approx.) | Validity / Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 3-5 days | $100 | 30 days |
| Australia (eVisitor/ETA) | Minutes to days | Free-$20 | 90 days per visit; 1 year validity |
| Colombia | 1-5 days | $52 | 90 days; specific nationalities |
| Cuba (tourist card) | 1-3 days | $30-50 | 30 days; extendable |
| New Zealand (NZeTA) | Minutes to 72 hours | $17 NZD | 2 years; up to 6 months per visit |
| Suriname | 3-5 days | $54 | 90 days |
E-Visa Countries: Europe and CIS
| Country | Processing Time | Cost (Approx.) | Validity / Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armenia | 1-3 days | $7 | 21-120 days |
| Georgia | 1-5 days | $20 | 30 days; specific nationalities |
| Moldova | 1-5 days | Free | 90 days; specific nationalities |
| Russia | 4-20 days | $40 | 16 days; specific entry points |
| Turkey | Minutes | $20-60 | 30-90 days; varies by nationality |
| ETIAS (Schengen Area) | Minutes to 30 days | 7 EUR | 3 years; 90/180-day rule |
Tips for Successful E-Visa Applications
Use Only Official Government Portals
This is the most important piece of advice. Many third-party websites create professional-looking visa portals that charge significantly more than the official government fee, sometimes two to five times the actual cost. They add no value beyond filling out the same form you would complete yourself. Always verify that you are using the official government e-visa website by checking the URL domain against government resources and embassy listings.
Apply Early but Not Too Early
Most e-visas have a limited validity from the date of issue, not the date of travel. If you apply too far in advance, your e-visa might expire before your trip. Aim to apply one to four weeks before your planned arrival date. This gives enough time for processing while ensuring the visa will be valid for your travel dates.
Prepare Your Documents Digitally
Before starting the application, have high-quality digital versions of all required documents ready. This typically includes a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photograph meeting the specific country's requirements, and any supporting documents like hotel confirmations or flight bookings. Ensure files meet the portal's size and format requirements to avoid upload errors.
Double-Check All Information
Even small errors in your passport number, name spelling, or date of birth can result in your e-visa being invalid when you arrive at the border. Triple-check all entered information against your physical passport before submitting. If you discover an error after submission, contact the issuing authority immediately, as most countries allow corrections but may charge an additional fee.
Save and Print Your Confirmation
Always save a PDF copy of your approved e-visa and print a physical copy. While many countries can verify your authorization electronically, having a printed copy is invaluable if their systems experience technical issues or if you encounter border agents who prefer paper documentation. Keep the printed copy with your passport and a digital backup on your phone and email.
Check Entry Point Restrictions
Some e-visas are only valid at specific ports of entry such as major international airports and may not be accepted at land borders or smaller airports. Verify that your planned entry point accepts e-visa holders before booking your travel arrangements.
Common E-Visa Issues and How to Resolve Them
Despite the simplicity of e-visa systems, travelers occasionally encounter problems. Payment failures are among the most common issues, often caused by banks flagging international transactions. Notify your bank before making the payment and have an alternative payment card ready. If a payment fails, do not attempt to pay again until you confirm whether the first transaction was actually processed to avoid double charges.
Application processing delays beyond the stated timeframe can occur during peak travel seasons or due to additional security checks. If your application takes longer than expected, check the portal's tracking system before contacting customer support. Email confirmation delays can sometimes be resolved by checking your spam folder or logging into the application portal directly to check your status.
If your e-visa is denied, most systems provide a reason for the rejection. Address the specific issue and reapply. Common denial reasons include poor-quality document uploads, passport validity issues, or information discrepancies. In rare cases, a denial may require you to apply for a traditional visa through an embassy instead.
For more information about travel authorization systems, explore our guides on ETIAS for US citizens, visa-free countries for EU passport holders, and how to apply for a Schengen visa when an e-visa alternative is not available.
