For an Indian passport holder, a tourist visa comes in one of four flavours: visa-free, visa on arrival, e-visa / ETA, or a traditional embassy / VFS visa. Knowing which one your destination uses tells you exactly how early to start, what to prepare and what it will cost. Here is each, in plain language.
1. Visa-free — just your passport
You need nothing but a passport valid for six months and, usually, a return ticket and proof of funds if asked. Nepal, Bhutan and Mauritius are the everyday examples for Indians. The only real prep is making sure your passport isn't within six months of expiry.
2. Visa on arrival — issued at the airport
You still get a visa, but at the destination airport: fill a form, hand over one or two photos and a fee (carry it in local currency or US dollars), and get stamped in. Keep printed hotel and return-flight details handy. The risk is queues and the occasional "conditions changed" surprise — which is why we confirm the live rule before you fly.
3. e-Visa / ETA — apply online, print, fly
The modern default for the UAE, Vietnam, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Kenya and many more. You apply on an official portal (or through an agent), upload a photo and passport scan, pay by card, and get an approval by email in roughly 24–72 hours. Two rules save people: apply from the official site only, and give it a week — "instant" e-visas sometimes go to manual review.
4. Embassy / VFS — the full application
Schengen (Europe), the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia use this route: an online form, an appointment at a VFS or embassy, biometrics, and a document file — bank statements, ITR, employment or business proof, and a covering letter. This is where most rejections happen, almost always over weak financial documentation or an inconsistent story, not the destination itself.
How long should you allow?
Visa-free and VoA: same-day. e-Visa/ETA: apply 1–2 weeks ahead. Embassy/VFS: start 4–8 weeks ahead — Schengen appointment slots in peak season disappear fast. When a trip mixes types (say a Europe tour with a UAE stopover), plan around the slowest one.
Where Explera fits
Our Surat visa desk handles all four — we tell you which type applies, prepare and file e-visas, build embassy document files that actually get approved, and book VFS appointments at the branch nearest you. Start on the [visa hub](/visa) or read our detailed [Schengen](/blog/schengen-visa-from-surat-guide) and [USA B1/B2](/blog/usa-b1-b2-visa-guide-from-gujarat) guides.
