October 10, 2025 | 04:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One of the essential documents required for traveling overseas is a visa. More than a travel permit, visas also determine the purpose, length of stay, and legal rights of a traveler during their stay in a foreign land.
People travel overseas for a broad range of purposes, from pursuing education, tourism, or work. This has inspired the emergence of various visa types to ensure smooth travel, legal compliance, and peace of mind for all parties involved.
Below are various types of visas as reported by Times of India.
1. Tourist Visa
For people who simply want to embark on leisure travel, a tourist visa is required. This visa allows visits for several weeks to several months, depending on the country. Holders of this visa are not allowed to work or study abroad.
2. Business Visa
Business visas are commonly used by professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives to conduct business activities abroad. Business visas are usually valid for several weeks or months, but some countries offer multiple-entry options for a year or more. Despite holding a business visa, the holder is prohibited from taking up employment and settling in the destination country.
3. Student Visa
For students, this visa can be used to enroll in universities, conduct research, or participate in vocational programs abroad. Student visas usually correspond with the duration of study. In some countries, student visas can also be used to work part-time during studies to earn extra money.
4. Work Visa
A work visa is different from a business visa. This visa is used by people who want to work abroad and stay for a specific length of time. To obtain this visa, the requirements may include a job offer, professional qualifications, and sometimes relevant work experience.
5. Transit Visa
This visa, as the name suggests, is required when traveling to a specific country, but must pass through another country in transit. This visa can only be used for a few hours to several days. Travelers usually need to show proof of onward travel to obtain this visa. Some countries do not allow holders of this visa to leave the city.
6. Medical Visa
For people seeking medical treatment, a medical visa allows patients to receive treatment in hospitals overseas. The duration of this visa usually depends on the treatment period, with additional recovery time. A person may need a hospitalization certificate, medical reports, and proof of funds. Some countries allow caregivers or family members to accompany the patient with the same visa.
7. Family/Dependent Visa
Family or dependent visas allow a person to join a partner, parent, or child living abroad. The visa validity period usually reflects the duration of the primary visa holder. Depending on the country's regulations, holders of family visas can also study or work. To obtain this visa, documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates and proof of financial support are required.
8. Diplomatic/Official Visa
This visa is specifically for government officials, diplomats, or representatives of a country. This visa is issued for short-term travel or based on assignment. Holders of this visa often receive special privileges, such as exemptions for customs duty, visa fees, or local laws. A diplomatic visa cannot be issued to ordinary citizens.
9. Permanent Residency/Immigrant Visa
For those who want to live permanently abroad, there are permanent residency visas. These visas allow holders to reside indefinitely in a foreign country, sometimes leading to permanent citizenship.
Usually, a this visa is obtained when a person has a skilled job, investment, or family sponsorship. The holders enjoy most of the rights of citizens, including employment, education, and health care. Some countries even allow PR holders to vote and work in the government.
10. Working Holiday/Cultural Exchange Visa
Working holiday visas or cultural exchange visas are used for traveling while working. A working holiday visa usually lasts for 6-12 months and can be extended. Holders can work in seasonal jobs, internships, or participate in cultural programs.
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