What is a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a document or stamp placed in a passport that allows the bearer to visit a country for leisure or sightseeing purposes. It’s intended for those who wish to travel to a foreign country for a temporary stay, typically for holidays, exploring, visiting friends or relatives, or other short-term leisure activities.

Purpose of a Tourist Visa:
The primary purpose of a tourist visa is to allow individuals to visit a country for leisure without the intent of permanent residence or long-term stay. It ensures that visitors comply with the legal entry requirements of the destination country and stay only for the intended duration of their visit.

Eligibility Criteria:
General eligibility criteria for a tourist visa usually include:

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
• Proof of financial means to cover the trip and stay.
• A round-trip ticket or itinerary showing entry and exit from the country.
• No intention to seek employment or permanent residency.
• Often, proof of accommodation arrangements.

Application Process:
Applying for a tourist visa typically involves submitting an application form, passport, photographs, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and sometimes a visa application fee. Some countries may require an in-person interview or biometric data collection.

Duration and Conditions:
The duration of a tourist visa varies by country and individual circumstances but is generally limited to a few weeks or months. The visa may allow a single entry or multiple entries within a specific period. Holders of tourist visas are usually prohibited from engaging in any form of employment and are expected to leave the country before their visa expires.

Extensions and Overstays:
In some cases, it may be possible to extend a tourist visa, but this typically requires a valid reason and approval from immigration authorities. Overstaying a tourist visa can lead to fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.