A visa is permission to travel to a country’s border and request entry. The purpose of your trip decides which visa you need: a holiday, a business meeting, study, work, a family visit or simply a connection. Applying under the wrong type can lead to a refusal even when every document is in place.
This guide compares the main visa types in plain language and points to our detailed articles. Exact document lists and fees vary by country, so always check the current page of the consulate or authorised application centre before you apply.
How many types of visa are there?
Visas fall into two groups: short-stay visas and long-stay (national) visas. Short-stay visas cover tourism, business meetings, trade fairs, family and friend visits, cultural and sports events, medical treatment and transit. In the Schengen area these are type C visas, allowing up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visas are for work, study and family reunification beyond 90 days. In Schengen countries they are type D national visas, and each country applies its own rules.
What is the difference between a tourist and a business visa?
A tourist visa is for travel and holidays; a business visa is for short work-related visits such as meetings, trade fairs and seminars. Neither allows employment. The difference lies in the purpose your file proves: a tourist file centres on accommodation and an itinerary, while a business file needs an invitation from the host company and an assignment letter from your employer.
Travelling for business on a tourist application creates a mismatch between purpose and documents, which is a common refusal reason.
Which visa do students, interns and Erasmus participants need?
The length of study decides. Courses, exchanges and internships under 90 days are usually covered by a short-stay visa. Programmes lasting a semester or longer need a national (type D) student visa, often followed by a residence permit.
An acceptance letter, proof of tuition or scholarship, accommodation and means of subsistence are the common documents. For Erasmus students, the grant letter is a key part of the financial evidence.
How do work and family reunification visas work?
Both are long-stay national visas handled under the destination country’s rules. A work visa usually starts with the employer: a contract or binding job offer and, where required, a work permit approval. Family reunification relies on officially documented ties to a spouse, parent or child living lawfully in that country.
These applications can take months rather than weeks, and may involve language requirements, apostilles and sworn translations.
What about cultural, sports and medical visas?
These are purpose-specific short-stay visas. Cultural and sports visas rely on an invitation from the organiser and proof of your role as a participant, artist or athlete, such as a federation or club letter. A medical visa requires an acceptance letter from the treating institution, an estimate of costs and proof of how they will be paid.
Companions apply separately and document their relationship to the patient.
When is a transit visa required?
A transit visa may be required in the country where you change flights. If you stay in the international transit area, you usually do not need one; however, some countries require an airport transit visa (type A) from certain nationalities. If you must collect baggage or change airports, you need a regular entry visa.
Check the transit country’s rule before buying your ticket.
How do you choose the right visa type?
Answer three questions: why are you travelling, how long will you stay, and who pays? Purpose decides the visa type, duration decides short-stay versus long-stay, and the payer decides the income and sponsor documents.
If you have more than one purpose, apply under the main one and explain the rest clearly. If you are unsure, describe your situation to your adviser before building a document list; starting with the wrong type is the most expensive mistake.