Traveling to a foreign land comprises different formalities. A traveler needs to understand these procedures thoroughly in order to apply for the right one.
Considering that the world has largely shifted from the traditional paper visas to its digital counterparts, individuals need to know about eVisas and eTAs. Whether you are applying for a Canada online visa or a Cambodian travel visa, you need to know which country offers what ‘soft versions’ of the traditional visa. For instance, Canada mostly offers travelers an eTA while Cambodia offers an eVisa to travelers.
While both the types are easy and have been introduced to ensure convenience to travelers, they come with a fair share of differences. Both are streamlined solutions for seamless traveling, yet feature some differences. Depending on the country you are visiting, opt for the specific type.
An Overview of Both
eTAs and eVisas both serve the purpose of making traveling to foreign lands easier and simpler for all. Both can be applied online and is far more convenient than going to the Embassy and enduring hours of long queues and the struggle of handling several documents.
Study the table below to get an overview of the two.
| Comparing Points | eVisa | eTA |
| Category | Visa permission | Pre-travel authorization |
| Permission | Definite entry at the border | No guaranteed entry at the border |
| How to apply | Online | Online |
| Should be used with | Passport | Passport |
| Applies to | Eligible countries | Visa-exempt countries |
| Validity | 1 to 2 months | 1 to 5 years |
| Entry | Single/Multiple | Multiple |
| Pre-boarding | Required | Required |
Understanding the eVisa
Also known as the electronic visa, this is a document that is issued by the country’s government. Owing to this document, the visitor can gain access into the land and stay there for a specific time period. The eVisa is different from the traditional visa in the form that it is not affixed to the passport like a sticker.
Obtaining the eVisa
The entire procedure is done online.
- Applicants need to fill out an online form with relevant travel details, personal information, and other supporting documents like a digital photograph and a photocopy of the passport.
- Upon the submission of the form, you need to pay a fee online via a credit or a debit card.
- Wait until the immigration authorities review the applications and check all your details. This could be a little time taking, depending on the country you are applying for.
- Once approved, the eVisa is sent to your email. While the copy remains saved on your email ID, most travelers often carry a printed copy with them to present to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Using the eVisa
The use of the eVisa varies according to the country and also the type you are applying for. Depending on your purpose, you could be applying for a tourist visa, student visa, business visa, etc. Also, take note whether you are applying for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa.
There can always be specific conditions pertaining to the eVisa as per the country. For instance, the Cambodian travel visa is obtained pretty quickly if you have submitted all the correct documents.
Countries Issuing a eVisa
Not all countries issue eVisa for foreign travelers. So, be mindful at the time of applying.
- Africa: Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, Tanzania, etc.
- Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, etc.
- Europe: Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, etc.
Understanding the eTA
An eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization is issued to citizens of visa-exempt countries. This works as a pre-boarding permission and does not replace a visa. However, it is needed to gain permission to enter the destination country. Travelers can register for an eTA digitally when they intend to visit a foreign land for a short period of time.
Obtaining the eTA
The entire procedure gets completed smoothly online.
- Just like the eVisa, this also requires the completion of an application form that includes all your personal details, passport info, date of birth, etc. Submit only upon confirming that all details are correct.
- eTAs might be free or you might need a nominal application fee after the form submission. However, the amount is generally lower than that of an eVisa.
- You receive eTA validation almost instantly, within minutes or hours.
- The confirmation is sent via email, and the traveler has to show this document at the time of boarding and immigration checking after arrival.
Using the eTA
eTA is generally issued to travelers who intend to visit the foreign land for a brief duration. It could be for transit, tourism, or business that is valid for 90 days or less. However, the eTA is generally valid for a much longer time and can be used anytime afterward. They can be issued for single and multiple entries.
There are always specific conditions pertaining to acquiring the eTA. For instance, the Canada online visa lets travelers stay in the country for the mentioned duration, but once you have arrived, you can apply for an extended stay with a visitor visa.
Countries Issuing an eTA
The introduction of eTA has made traveling easier and more convenient for all travelers. More often than not, it is generally issued for visa-exempt countries. Also, an eTA is needed even if you simply intend to cross the country’s border and visit somewhere else.
- Africa: Morocco (AEVM), Kenya (eTA), Seychelles (eTA), etc.
- America: Canada (eTA), Mexico (SAE), United States (ESTA), etc.
- Asia: South Korea (K-eTA), Japan (eTA by 2025), Israel (eTA-IL), etc.
- Europe: United Kingdom (eTA), European Union (eTIAS by 2025), etc.
- Oceania: New Zealand (NZeTA), Australia (eTA and eVisitor), etc.
How Do eTAs and eVisas Affect Travel Planning?
The document that you apply for depends on your scope and purpose of traveling.
For instance, a tourist desiring a two-week vacation in Cambodia will need to apply for a Cambodian travel visa, but someone attending a short business meeting in Canada will only need a Canada online visa. Turkey’s eVisa lets the visitor attend business conferences and perform tourist-y activities.
But Canada’s eTA is much more flexible and lets the individual visit the land for tourists, go to business meetings, or simply transit through the country. Australia’s eTA allows tourists to visit the country for a brief period of time but does not give them permission to get a job or study there.
Ready to Travel to a Foreign Land With an eVisa or an eTA?
A welcome change from the traditional route of acquiring a sticker visa from the Embassy, the digital route of acquiring a eVisa or an eTA has made it quite easy for travelers to go to foreign lands for any purpose.
Both offer distinct advantages but have their own limitations. So, whether you apply for a Cambodian travel visa or a Canada online visa, be clear of your intentions first and then proceed to apply. Choose the right kind of visa and a reliable online portal from where you make the application securely.
Knowing the differences between the two enables you to plan better for your future travels and eliminate the chances of potential complications that might otherwise arise upon arrival at the destination country. For any queries regarding the choice between a eVisa or an eTA, the helpdesk is here to guide you.
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