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A visa is essential to travel to almost any country. Therefore, you must know the difference between a regular visa, an E-visa, and a visa on arrival. You may come across these terms while applying for a visa. These terms are used for a visa only. However, the meaning is completely different. Want to know what it is? Read our blog to learn more about what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival.
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Visa?
- Types of Visas Issued
- What’s the Difference Between Evisa and Visa on Arrival?
- How to Apply for a Regular Visa?
- Pros and Cons of Applying for a Regular Visa
- How to Apply for an E-visa?
- Pros and Cons of Applying for an E- Visa
- How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival?
- Pros and Cons of Applying for a Visa-on-Arrival
- Which is Better, EVisa or Visa on Arrival?
- Is an EVisa the Same as a visa?
- Is an eVisa Stamped on a Passport?
- Which is Better, EVisa or Visa on Arrival for Bali?
- FAQs
What is a Visa?
To understand what’s the difference between an e-visa and a visa on arrival you must the meaning of a visa. The visa is an endorsement that is attached to your passport. It allows you to enter or leave a country. A visa is issued for different purposes. For example, tourism, study, business and even work Read more.
Types of Visas Issued
A visa can issued in three different forms. The main difference between these visas is the way it is issued. Keep reading to know what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival.
Regular Visa
A regular visa/sticker visa is also simply called a visa. This is the traditional visa you can get. To travel to a country you must apply for this visa beforehand. A regular visa might require you to visit the embassy or consulate to apply, and/or, submit biometric information, go through a visa interview process, and pay the visa application fees. This can be a tedious process. Therefore, in the 21st century e-visas, and visas on arrival were introduced.
E-Visa
We call a visa an e-visa if you can get the visa application sorted electronically. This means you apply for the visa beforehand but electronically. The entire application process becomes easy if you visit the official website of the country you want to travel to and fill out the form. An e-visa is typically issued within a few hours to days.
A Visa on Arrival
What’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? The main difference is- you can get the visa after you arrive in the destination country. Both regular visas and an e-visa cannot be issued like that. Only if a country permits a visa on arrival to your nationality you can access this benefit. To get a visa on arrival you require fewer documents (compared to a regular visa) and need to stand in line at the immigration counter after arrival. This visa is processed quickly.
Note- All of these visas can be issued for different purposes. For example, tourism, conduct business, working, or studying abroad in a foreign country.
List of Countries with Visa-Free Travel for Indians in 2025
What’s the Difference Between Evisa and Visa on Arrival?
The main differences between an evisa and a visa on arrival are provided below:
| Particulars | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Application | Apply online. You can visit the offical website of the destination country or visit the approved platforms. | After arriving at the airport border you need to apply for a VOA. You can visit the immigration desk for the purpose. The application must be made in person. |
| Eligibility | Countries providing visas have certain conditions. For example- 1. Nationality 2. Purpose of travel (tourism, business, etc) | Several countries offer VOA. However, some countries only provide VOA to certain nationalities |
| Requirements (Examples) | Passport copies, photo, and your travel itinerary. Proof of funds may also be required in some cases. | Passport, details of arrival and departure, and visa fee payment. |
| Approval | Pre-approval. After you get the visa. You can get print it out. | Conditional. The visa is only approved after immigration checks. |
| Processing Time | Generally, done within 2-3 business days | Minutes to hours (depending on the length of the queue, and additional checks) |
| Cost | Fixed by the government | Fees can vary depending on your nationality, and the duration of stay |
| Visa Validity | Set dates. For example, 30 days, or 90 days of stay. | Permits less duration of stay. Generally, less than 30 days |
| Convenience | This is more convenient as the visa is preapproved | what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? The VOA is a less convenient |
| Rejection Risk | Low chance of rejection at the border | High chance of rejection at the border |
| Extension | May be available | Not available |
| Ideal for | Ideal for those who like to plan ahead | Ideal for spontaneous travellers |
Still not clear about what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? You can watch the video below to learn more.
How to Apply for a Regular Visa?
A regular visa application has to be sent to an approved visa facilitation agency, or a consulate or embassy of the destination country. The application process is lengthy.
- You need to know which type of visa you should apply for. Read more.
- Gather the necessary documents, and then schedule your visa appointment
- Visit in person and bring your documents
- Submit biometric information, attend the interview, and pay the visa fees
- Lastly, get a decision on your visa
Pros and Cons of Applying for a Regular Visa
The advantages and disadvantages of applying for a simple visa are provided below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows entry from all entry points to the destination country | Time time-consuming and inconvenient |
| A thorough review takes place. Therefore, there is less chance of any mistake | The visa processing time is long. It can take several days to months |
| Forgery is not possible | More expensive |
How to Apply for an E-visa?
what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? The e-visa application can be sent by visiting the offical website of the country, You can also visit the approved agency’s website and apply for an e-visa.
- Decide which type of visa you want to apply for. Read more.
- Gather the necessary documents
- Visit the website, and fill out the application form
- Pay the fees, and wait for the visa to be processed
- Get a decision, and download the e-visa
Pros and Cons of Applying for an E- Visa
The pros and cons of applying for an e-visa are provided below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient | Every country does not provide an e-visa facility |
| Fast visa processing | Restrictions can apply. For example, you may not be able to enter through certain airports |
| Involves less paperwork | |
| It is cost-effective |
How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival?
What’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? As the name suggests, a visa on arrival is applied after you have reached the country.
- Research and ensure that the country is providing visas on arrival
- Gather the necessary documents for the visa on arrival (it is provided in the official website of the country)
- Travel to the destination country, and go to the immigration counter or the visa on arrival counter
- Apply for the visa by submitting the necessary documents
- Pay the visa application fee in the local currency
- Get your visa
Pros and Cons of Applying for a Visa-on-Arrival
what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? The pros and cons of applying for an e-visa are provided below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Get the visa at the last minute. | Chance of rejection at the border |
| Requires less submission of documents | Every country does not provide VOA |
| No need to go through the lengthy application process | You may encounter difficulties |
| Allows spontaneous planning | |
| Less expensive |
Which is Better, EVisa or Visa on Arrival?
Now you know what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival. In short, both, an e-visa and a visa on arrival have their benefits and disadvantages. However, those who like to plan and don’t want any last-minute problems can choose to apply for an e-visa. On the other hand, a visa on arrival is an excellent choice for those who meet the visa requirements and have planned their trip at the last minute. The visa on arrival facility is generally smooth in countries that offer this facility.
Is an EVisa the Same as a visa?
Yes. EVisa is the same as a regular visa. Both act as a visa only. The difference is that an e-visa allows you to complete the visa application process more conveniently. You don’t have to visit the visa office and go through the lengthy process. The application can be completed online. The processing is also fast.
Get to know about the Dubai Transit Visa
Is an eVisa Stamped on a Passport?
Yes. An E-visa is also stamped on a passport. You can take out a printout of the e-visa and present it to the immigration authorities. They will stamp the visa on your passport after minor checks. The passport stamping happens at the immigration checkpost.
Which is Better, EVisa or Visa on Arrival for Bali?
Evisa is a great option compared to a visa on arrival. This is to spare you the last-minute difficulties, and arrangements to meet the visa requirements. An e-visa is the best visa you can get if you like to plan and have a smooth arrival.
The visa-on-arrival facility in Bali is also a great option. You just need to visit the airport’s immigration desk, submit the documents and get the visa approved. Read more.
Now you knowe what’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival, Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whatever is convenient for you is the best option for you.
To learn more about Bali e-visa, watch this video
FAQs
The Dubai e-visa permits a traveller to apply online for a visa and get the visa electronically. On the other hand, a visa on arrival would mean you are travelling to Dubai’s airport and getting the visa on the spot after submission of necessary documents.
Generally, Indian nationals cannot get a visa on arrival in Dubai. However, Indians with an ordinary passport and who have a valid UK, US, or EU visa can apply for a visa on arrival.
An E-visa is an electronic visa. You can print this out, and present it at the border. Just like any other page, you can download the visa on a mobile phone. An e-visa can also be emailed to you.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- What’s the difference between evisa and visa on arrival? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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