Visitor Visas

1. United States – Visitor Visas in 2026

 Main visitor categories

- B‑1 Business Visitor  
  - Purpose: short business trips (meetings, negotiations, conferences, contract discussions), but no local employment or productive work for a US employer. 
  - Typical stay: up to 6 months per entry, with possible extensions in some cases.
- B‑2 Tourist/Visitor  
  - Purpose: tourism, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, short non‑credit courses. 
  - Typical stay: up to 6 months per entry, with discretion at the port of entry. 

- Combined B‑1/B‑2  
  - Most consulates issue a combined B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa that allows both tourism and business activities within the permitted scope.

Key 2026 features and trends

- Strong “temporary visitor” requirement  
  - Law treats B‑visa applicants as intending immigrants unless they prove they will return home.
  - You must show ties such as ongoing employment, property, close family, or other obligations in your home country. 

- Evidence you are a genuine visitor  
  - Clear travel plan matching your stated length of stay. 
  - Funds to cover your entire visit, return ticket or funds for onward travel, and no intention to work or study long‑term. 

- No dual intent and no derivatives  
  - B‑visas are not “dual‑intent” like H‑1B; openly planning immigration risks refusal. 
  - Each family member must qualify individually for B‑1/B‑2; there’s no automatic dependent status. 

- New 2026 “visa bond” rules for some nationals  
  - A refundable bond of 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 USD can be imposed on certain applicants from countries with high overstay rates.
  - Bond applies only when the consulate specifically instructs; it is paid via Form I‑352 and Pay.gov. 
  - Travelers with bonds may be restricted to using designated ports of entry and must depart on time to get the bond refunded.

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 2. Canada – Visitor Visas (Temporary Resident) in 2026

### Main visitor pathways

- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) – “Visitor visa”  
  - For nationals who need a visa to enter Canada for tourism, business visits, or to attend events. 
  - Usually valid for up to 6 months per stay, at officer discretion, for short‑term visits. 

- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)  
  - For visa‑exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. 
  - Linked electronically to your passport; required before boarding the flight.

General 2026 process and requirements

- Determining if you need TRV or eTA  
  - Visa‑required nationals: must apply for a TRV via the IRCC online portal.
  - Visa‑exempt nationals (except US citizens): need an eTA if arriving by air; not usually needed for entry by land or sea. 

- Core eligibility points for a visitor  
  - Purpose: tourism, family visit, business meetings, conferences; no Canadian labour market entry without a separate work permit. 
  - You must convince IRCC you will leave at the end of your authorized stay, have sufficient funds, and have no inadmissibility issues.  

- Application components  
  - Valid passport and completed application (online).
  - Proof of funds, travel plan, and where relevant, invitation letters from conferences, hosts, or organizations. [
  - Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for most applicants; IRCC only begins processing once biometrics are submitted. 

- Processing and timing in 2026  
  - Many events and conferences recommend applying 3–6 months ahead due to variable processing times. 

 3. United Kingdom – Visitor Entry and ETA in 2026

 Standard Visitor visa

- Standard Visitor (visa nationals)  
  - For tourism, visiting family/friends, short business visits, short‑term study (under 6 months), and some medical treatment. 
  - Usual allowed stay: up to 6 months per visit. 
  - Visa fee example: 127 GBP for up to 6 months (official price as of late 2024, still referenced into 2026). 

- Main eligibility criteria  
  - Valid passport for the full stay. 
  - Show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  - Show you can support yourself and dependants, and pay for your return or onward journey. 
  - You must not effectively live in the UK through frequent or successive visits or make the UK your main home.

UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system in 2026

- Who needs an ETA  
  - Non‑visa nationals and short‑term visitors who previously could travel without a visa now need an ETA before travel. 
  - British and Irish citizens are exempt; certain residents with UK immigration status also remain exempt when their status is verified. 

- Role of ETA vs visa  
  - Visa nationals still need a full visa (such as the Standard Visitor visa).
  - Non‑visa nationals need an ETA for short visits, which is digitally linked to the passport and checked before boarding.

- 2026 entry system highlights  
  - Table‑style guidance shows: visa nationals require a valid visa; non‑visa nationals and visitors require a valid ETA. 
  - Failure to hold the correct visa or ETA can lead to refusal of boarding or entry.

 

 4. Europe (Schengen Area) – Short‑Stay Visas and ETIAS in 2026

Here “Europe” usually means the Schengen Area and closely associated states for short stays.

Schengen short‑stay visa – Type C

- What Type C allows  
  - Short stay for non‑EU nationals for tourism, family visits, business, events/conferences, or short study/training (under 90 days). 
  - Valid for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period across the Schengen Area.

- Geographic scope  
  - Allows travel within Schengen states once admitted (internal borders are usually without checks), but national rules can vary slightly in practice. 

- Typical purposes covered  
  - Tourism: holidays, sightseeing, cultural trips. 
  - Family/private visits: visiting relatives or partners legally in Schengen states. 
  - Business: meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and professional events without local employment. 

  - Events: academic, sporting, cultural, or professional conferences. 
  - Short studies: courses or workshops under 90 days. 

- Core document set  
  - Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the intended stay
  - Completed and signed Schengen application form and two recent biometric photos.
  - Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation for the whole stay. 
  - Proof of sufficient financial means and, for family/business visits, appropriate invitation letters and host or company documents.
  - Consulates check internal consistency (dates, destinations, purpose).