How Long Does It Take to Get a Tourist Visa? Processing Times Explained

Tourist visa processing times explained for travelers

Summary

A key concern for travelers applying for a tourist visa is “How long will it take to get approved?” Processing times differ from country to country and depend on several factors like embassy workload, season, and completeness of documents. This guide explains average tourist visa processing times, common delays, and tips for a smooth experience.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Tourist Visa Processing Time?

2. Average Processing Times for Popular Countries

3. Factors That Affect Processing Time

4. Peak Season Delays

5. Tips to Avoid Delays in Visa Approval

6. FAQs

What Is Tourist Visa Processing Time?

Tourist visa processing time refers to the number of working days between submitting your application and receiving the embassy’s decision. It depends on:

• The country you are visiting

• Type of application (e-visa, paper visa, visa-on-arrival)

• Your individual profile and travel history

Average Processing Times for Popular Countries

• Schengen Tourist Visa (Europe): 10–15 working days; may take up to 30 days in peak season.

• UK Tourist Visa: About 15 working days; priority service is available for faster results.

• Canada Visitor Visa: Usually 25–40 working days, depending on application volume.

• Australia Visitor Visa: Around 15–25 working days for most applicants.

• UAE Tourist Visa: Quick approvals in 3–7 working days (sometimes faster through airlines or agents).

• Thailand Tourist Visa: 4–7 working days; e-visas can be quicker.

• Singapore Tourist Visa: Typically 3–5 working days.

Factors That Affect Processing Time

1. Completeness of documents – Missing paperwork can stall processing.

2. Seasonal workload – More applications during holidays or summer.

3. Applicant’s travel history – First-time travelers may undergo stricter checks.

4. Visa type – Multiple-entry visas sometimes take longer.

5. Embassy/consulate efficiency – Timelines differ based on jurisdiction.

Peak Season Delays

Visa applications rise sharply in summer (May–July) and holiday season (October–December).

• Processing may extend by 2–3 weeks. 

Tips to Avoid Delays in Visa Approval

• Apply well in advance (minimum 1–2 months before travel).

• Submit all documents as per the embassy checklist.

• Use refundable bookings until the visa is approved.

• Track your application on the embassy/VAC website.

• Consider priority/express visa services where available.

FAQ's

1. How early should I apply for a tourist visa?

At least 4–6 weeks before travel, and even earlier in peak seasons.

2. Can I speed up the visa process?

Yes, some countries offer priority or express processing at an additional cost.

3. Are e-visas processed faster than paper visas?

Yes, e-visas are typically approved within 3–7 working days.

4. Why do some visas take longer than others?

Factors include embassy workload, applicant history, and visa category.

5. Is visa-on-arrival faster?

Yes, but not all countries provide this option for Indian travelers. Always check eligibility.