What is the Difference Between Visitor and Tourist Visa?

The main difference between a visitor visa and a tourist visa lies in the duration of stay and the purpose of the visit. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Duration of Stay: A tourist visa typically allows travelers to stay in a country for up to three months, while a visitor visa is usually valid for longer periods, such as six months or even longer, depending on the country's regulations.
• Purpose of Visit: A tourist visa is specifically for leisure travel, such as vacation or visiting family and friends. On the other hand, a visitor visa may be granted for various purposes, including visiting friends or family, medical treatment, or business.
• Entry and Validity: Tourist visas are usually valid for single or multiple entries, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter the country during their stay. Visitor visas, however, may require extensions after a certain period.
• Application Process: While tourist visas are typically issued on arrival at airports or other ports of entry, visitor visas must be applied for in advance from the foreign government's embassy or consulate.

For example, in the United States, a foreign national traveling for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The B-2 visa is specifically for tourism purposes, while other visitor visa categories, such as the B-1 visa, are for business purposes.

Comparative Table: Visitor vs Tourist Visa

The main difference between a visitor visa and a tourist visa lies in the activities allowed during the visit and the duration of stay. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

In summary, a tourist visa is specifically for tourism and leisure purposes, while a visitor visa can be used for a broader range of activities, including tourism, family visits, and business meetings. Additionally, visitor visas are usually valid for longer periods than tourist visas.