Visa FAQ

An expedited visa is a type of visa processing service that allows applicants to receive their visas in a shorter timeframe than the standard processing time. To obtain an expedited visa, Embassy may require an additional consular (visa) fee, or proof of travel (flight/cruise/tour itinerary), or both.

The timeframe for expedited visa processing varies based on the visa requirements of individual countries, with some countries offering turnaround times as short as one business day. Expedited visa services, such as those provided by VisaHero, cater to but not limited to tourist and business visas.

A consular fee is the charge imposed by the Embassy or Consulate for visa issuance, often referred to as an application fee.
When you apply for a visa through VisaHero, you will be billed for the consular fee, and we will subsequently remit the payment to the Embassy on your behalf upon submission of your application. It’s important to note that most consular fees are non-refundable.

Emergency visas are granted exclusively for urgent travel to a particular country due to unforeseen circumstances such as:

• Family Emergency
  Such situations may involve the death or illness of an immediate family member. Typically, you will need to provide proof of documentation showing the name and relationship of the immediate family member, a description of the situation, and relevant contact information for the attending physician, hospital, or funeral home.
• Medical Emergency
  Medical emergencies involve the need to travel to another country for urgent medical treatment. In such cases, providing a description of the situation and contact details for the attending physician is required. An emergency visa may also be applicable to the accompanying traveler. The same information concerning the situation and attending physician would need to be provided in such instances.
• Other Emergency
  Typically, you are required to provide evidence substantiating the emergency, such as supporting documentation, to be eligible for consideration in obtaining an emergency visa.

Electronic (travel) visa is an official endorsement, issued electronically, by the authorities of a foreign country, granting the holder permission to enter and stay in that country for a specific purpose and duration.
List of electronic visas through VisaHero can be found here.
Electronic visas are commonly referred to by various abbreviations, including:

• E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Widely used to describe visas that are applied for and issued electronically, without the need for a physical stamp or label in the passport.
• ETV (Electronic Travel Visa): Essentially the same as an e-visa, indicating that the visa process is conducted electronically.
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Similar to an e-visa, an ETA is an authorization granted electronically for travel, typically linked to the traveler’s passport.

These terms are often used interchangeably, and the specific terminology may vary from country to country. It’s important for travelers to use the terminology specified by the country they are visiting and to obtain information from official government sources or authorized visa service providers to ensure accuracy and compliance with the visa application process.

While a U.S. passport allows you to travel internationally, it does not automatically grant you the right to enter every country.
The need for a visa in addition to a U.S. passport depends on the visa requirements of the country you intend to visit.

The best time to apply for a visa depends on various factors, including the type of visa you need and the country you plan to visit. Here are some general guidelines:

• Plan in Advance: In general, it’s advisable to start the visa application process well in advance of your intended travel dates. Some visas may have a lengthy processing time, and unexpected delays can occur.
• Check Processing Times: Research the processing times for the specific type of visa you are applying for and the consulate or embassy handling your application. This information is typically available on the official website of the consulate or embassy.
• Peak Seasons: Consider the peak seasons for visa applications. Some embassies and consulates may experience higher volumes of applications during certain times of the year, such as holidays or vacation seasons. Applying during less busy times might result in quicker processing.
• Verify Visa Validty: Take into account your travel plans. Some visas have specific validity periods, and applying too early might mean that the visa expires before your intended travel dates. On the other hand, applying too close to your departure date might not leave enough time for processing.
• Documentation Readiness: Ensure that you have all the required documentation ready before applying. Delays in obtaining necessary documents can extend the processing time.
• Changes in Circumstances: Be mindful of any changes in your circumstances, such as changes in employment, marital status, or travel plans, as these might impact your visa application.
• Check in with VisaHero: Simply call, chat, or email us, and we can provide you with all the information you need to help make your travel plans a reality.

If you’re applying for Traditional/Sticker visa stamped inside your passport: yes.
Traditional visa is a stamp (or sticker) placed on one of the blank pages of your passport, and the visa application cannot proceed without the original passport.
We highly recommend that you securely send your passport and visa application using a traceable courier service such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, or USPS Express Mail.

A single-entry visa allows for a single entry before its expiration, serving the specific purpose for which it was granted.
On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa permits the traveler to enter the country multiple times, with the frequency typically governed by factors such as the visa’s expiration date, the traveler’s nationality, or restrictions on the total number of days permitted in the country within a given year.