Tourist Visa Process and Checklist for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, and Germany
1. Canada Tourist Visa
Process:
- Determine the Visa Type: Apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).
- Complete the Application: Fill out the visa application form online via the IRCC portal.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay CAD 100 as the application fee.
- Submit Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photographs at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Wait for Processing: Processing time is typically 14–30 days.
- Receive the Visa: If approved, you’ll receive the visa on your passport.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photos (as per specifications)
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay slips)
- Travel itinerary (flight tickets, accommodation bookings)
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of ties to your home country (job letter, property documents)
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
2. Australia Tourist Visa
Process:
- Create an ImmiAccount: Apply online through Australia’s immigration portal.
- Fill Out Form 1419: Submit the Visitor Visa application.
- Attach Documents: Upload all required documents online.
- Pay the Visa Fee: AUD 150 for Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
- Processing: Visa processing takes 20–50 days.
Checklist:
- Passport copy (bio-data page)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
- Travel itinerary (flights and accommodation)
- Purpose of visit (letter explaining the trip)
- Employment verification or business registration
- Evidence of family ties or property ownership in your home country
3. New Zealand Tourist Visa
Process:
- Online Application: Apply through the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Fill Visa Application Form: Complete the Visitor Visa application form.
- Pay the Application Fee: NZD 246 (fee varies depending on nationality).
- Submit Biometrics: Attend the nearest VAC for biometrics.
- Wait for Processing: Processing time is 20–35 days.
Checklist:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Travel itinerary (flight and hotel bookings)
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
4. UK Tourist Visa
Process:
- Apply Online: Submit an application on the UK Government Visa website.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Standard Visitor Visa fee is £100.
- Submit Biometrics: Attend an appointment at the visa application center.
- Attend the Interview: Provide supporting documents and answer questions.
- Processing: Takes approximately 15–30 days.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips)
- Travel itinerary (flights and accommodation)
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of ties to home country
- Travel insurance
5. USA Tourist Visa
Process:
- Complete DS-160 Form: Fill the Non-immigrant Visa Application online.
- Pay the Visa Fee: USD 160.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book slots for biometrics (VAC) and visa interview (embassy/consulate).
- Attend the Interview: Provide all documents and answer questions about your travel.
- Processing: Usually processed in 7–10 days after the interview.
Checklist:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photos (per US specifications)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Proof of financial support
- Travel itinerary (flight tickets, hotel reservations)
- Evidence of ties to your home country
- Supporting documents for employment/business
6. Germany Tourist Visa
Process:
- Fill Visa Application Form: Apply for a Schengen Visa via the German Consulate.
- Book Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the visa application center.
- Submit Documents: Provide the required documents during your appointment.
- Pay the Visa Fee: EUR 80.
- Processing: Typically takes 15–30 days.
Checklist:
- Valid passport
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos (per Schengen specifications)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, ITR)
- Travel itinerary (flights and accommodation)
- Travel insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30,000)
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Visa fee payment receipt
Comparison of Processing Times and Costs
Country | Visa Fee | Processing Time |
---|---|---|
Canada | CAD 100 | 14–30 days |
Australia | AUD 150 | 20–50 days |
New Zealand | NZD 246 | 20–35 days |
UK | £100 | 15–30 days |
USA | USD 160 | 7–10 days |
Germany | EUR 80 | 15–30 days |
This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary steps and requirements to obtain a tourist visa for these popular destinations.