Tourist and Visit Visa Comparison: Canada, Australia, UK, USA and New Zealand
Compare tourist visa requirements, processing times, and multiple-entry options for Canada, Australia, UK, USA, and New Zealand. Tips for successful visitor visa applications from GCC countries.
Tourist Visa Comparison Guide
Visitor visas allow you to travel for tourism, visit family, or conduct business activities. Each country has different application processes, processing times, and validity periods that affect your travel planning. This guide compares the five most popular tourist destinations.
Canada Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada requires a Temporary Resident Visa for citizens of many countries including India, UAE residents depending on nationality, and GCC nationals. The TRV allows stays of up to 6 months. Single and multiple-entry visas available with multiple-entry validity up to 10 years or until passport expiry. Processing time: 20-60 days depending on country of application. Biometrics required. Application fee CAD 100 plus biometrics fee CAD 85. Required documents include: valid passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, employment letter, and ties to home country. Canada also offers the CAN+ streamlined process for frequent travelers to the US or those who previously held a Canadian visa.
Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Australia's visitor visa permits stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months depending on grant conditions. Multiple-entry options available with validity up to 12 months. Processing time: 20-40 days for standard applications. Application fee AUD 190. Streamlined processing available for applicants from select countries through the Visitor (Sponsored Family) stream. Required documents include: valid passport, financial evidence demonstrating sufficient funds (AUD 5,000 minimum recommended), employment verification, accommodation bookings, and genuine visitor statement explaining travel purpose and ties to home country. UAE residents with valid employment can apply online with simplified document requirements.
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months for tourism, business, or family visits. Multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months (standard), 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. Longer validity options require justification. Processing time: 15-30 working days for standard applications. Priority service (5 working days) and Super Priority (24 hours) available for additional fees. Application fee GBP 115 for 6-month visa. Biometrics required at Visa Application Centers. Required documents include: valid passport, recent bank statements showing sufficient funds, employment letter with approved leave, accommodation details, and round-trip flight booking.
USA B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The US B-1/B-2 visa is a combined business and tourism visa allowing stays of up to 6 months per entry. Validity: typically 10 years for applicants from most countries including India. Required in-person interview at US Embassy or Consulate. Processing time: varies significantly by embassy, typically 2-8 weeks for interview appointment availability. Application fee USD 185. ESTA visa waiver available for citizens of 40 countries including UAE for stays up to 90 days. Required documents: DS-160 confirmation, valid passport, financial evidence, employment verification, and travel history documentation.
New Zealand Visitor Visa
New Zealand offers tourist visas allowing stays of up to 9 months (3 months initially, extendable). Multiple-entry validity up to 5 years for frequent travelers from select countries. NZeTA (electronic travel authority) available for citizens of 60+ visa waiver countries including UAE residents with certain passports. Processing time: 15-25 days for standard applications. Application fee NZD 315 for paper applications, NZD 175 for online applications. Required documents include: valid passport, evidence of onward travel, sufficient funds (NZD 1,000 per month minimum), and health insurance.
Tips for Successful Visitor Visa Applications
Strong visitor visa applications demonstrate clear ties to your home country including: stable employment with approved leave, family responsibilities requiring your return, property ownership or significant financial assets, previous international travel history with compliance to visa conditions, and a clear travel itinerary with accommodation bookings. Avoid common mistakes such as submitting insufficient financial evidence, providing inconsistent information across forms, applying too close to intended travel date, and failing to declare previous visa refusals. Consulting a registered immigration advisor improves outcomes for complex cases.