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Page updated on June 10, 2026 · Verified by 2 experts
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Travel Visa 2026: Who Needs One, Types and How to Apply

Visa, exemption, e-visa, ESTA, ETIAS: who needs what to travel in 2026? Types, processing times, indicative costs and official sources, explained clearly.

Direct answer

Quick answer

  • ✓ Short stays (under 90 days) are often visa-free
  • ✓ Online authorisation sometimes required (ESTA, eTA, ETIAS)
  • ✓ E-visa or embassy visa for non-exempt countries
  • ✓ Passport valid 6 months past your return date in most cases

Rules change often: always check before each trip.

Note: ETIAS expected late 2026 for the Schengen area

The ETIAS authorisation (7€) goes live in the last quarter of 2026 for visa-exempt non-EU nationals entering 30 European countries. It will not be mandatory during the transition phase. EU citizens are not affected when travelling within the EU.

The essentials in 30 seconds

  • 1

    It depends on the country and the length of stay

    Many passports allow visa-free entry to 150 or more destinations for short stays. Longer or special trips are another story.

  • 2

    Visa-free does not mean zero paperwork

    No visa still often means an online step: ESTA for the US, eTA for Canada, soon ETIAS for Europe for non-EU travellers.

  • 3

    E-visa: the most common format

    Online application, card payment, answer within a few days. India, Egypt, Kenya, Sri Lanka and many more work this way.

  • 4

    Passport valid 6 months past return

    A near-universal rule outside the EU. Checked at boarding. Keep at least 2 blank pages.

  • 5

    The embassy is the source of truth

    Your government's travel advice and the destination's embassy always override aggregators and paid middlemen.

The main types of travel documents

A summary of the cases you will meet depending on your destination. Indicative costs for 2026.

TypeProcessing timeIndicative costExample destination
Visa-free short stay Instant (on arrival) Free Japan, Thailand, EU, Mexico
Online authorisation (ESTA) Minutes to 72 h 40 USD United States
Online authorisation (eTA) Minutes to a few hours 7 CAD Canada
Online authorisation (ETIAS) Minutes to 96 h (from late 2026) 7€ Schengen area (non-EU)
E-visa 2 to 7 business days 20 to 100€ India, Egypt, Kenya, Vietnam
Visa on arrival At the border (queue) 20 to 60€ Egypt, Cambodia, Jordan
Embassy / consulate visa 1 to 6 weeks 60 to 200€ Russia, China, some African states

Official sources

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ETIAS (official EU)

Schengen travel authorisation

🇺🇸

ESTA (official CBP)

Authorisation for the United States

🇨🇦

eTA Canada (official)

Electronic Travel Authorization

🇫🇷

France Diplomatie

Country-by-country travel advice

FAQ

Do I need a visa to travel in 2026? +
It depends on the country and how long you stay. For a short tourist trip, many passports allow visa-free entry to 150 or more destinations. Some countries require an online authorisation (ESTA, eTA) or an e-visa. Check your destination on your government's travel advice page before you book.
What is the difference between a visa and a visa exemption? +
An exemption means you enter with no prior paperwork, just your passport. A visa is an authorisation issued before departure, by an embassy or online. In between sit online authorisations (ESTA, eTA, ETIAS), lighter than a full visa but still required.
Is the ESTA a visa? +
No. The ESTA is an electronic travel authorisation to enter the United States without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Program. It costs 40 USD since late 2025, stays valid for 2 years and allows stays of up to 90 days. Apply only on the official site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2026? +
Only if you are a visa-exempt non-EU national, such as a US, UK or Canadian citizen. EU citizens are not affected within the EU. ETIAS goes live in the last quarter of 2026 and will not be mandatory during the transition phase. The announced cost is 7€, valid for 3 years.
What is an e-visa and how do I get one? +
An e-visa is a visa applied for entirely online, with no consulate visit. You fill in a form, pay by card and receive a PDF to print. India, Egypt, Kenya, Vietnam and Sri Lanka all work this way. Allow 2 to 7 business days and apply only through the official government website.
Does my passport need to be valid for 6 months? +
In most countries outside the EU, yes: the passport must stay valid at least 6 months beyond your return date. Airlines check this at boarding. Within the Schengen area, validity covering your stay is usually enough. When in doubt, renew early, as it takes several weeks in many countries.
How long can I stay without a visa? +
Usually 90 days, but it varies: 90 days within any 180 in the Schengen area, 90 days in the US, 60 days in Thailand, 6 months in Canada or the UK. Overstaying your allowed period exposes you to fines and sometimes an entry ban.
Can I trust websites that sell visas online? +
Be careful. Many private sites pose as official and overcharge for a free or cheap formality. The official ESTA costs 40 USD, the eTA 7 CAD, ETIAS 7€. Apply only through government sites: esta.cbp.dhs.gov, canada.ca, travel-europe.europa.eu.
Do I need a visa just to transit through an airport? +
Usually not if you stay airside without clearing immigration. Some countries still require a transit visa even without leaving the airport, such as China and, depending on the route, the US and Canada. Check every layover, not just your final destination.

Marie Laurent

Verified author

Southeast Asia specialist · 12 years experience.

🔄 Updated: June 10, 2026 · ✓ Verified by 2 experts
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