Every seasoned traveler knows that the wait for a visa can be the longest part of the journey.

Certain destinations, however, can approve your travel in less time than it takes to pack. We’ll shed light on the world's fastest visas, narrowing down the visa options for travelers in a hurry.

Let’s explore the quickest visas together, unveiling the most rapid routes to the world!

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

What Makes a Visa Process Quick?

While some visa processes can take weeks, if not months, others can be granted in just a few days or even hours. 

There are 3 main factors that contribute to lightning-fast approvals.

Let's explore:

Efficient Online Application Systems

Modern travel demands modern solutions.

Countries that have incorporated user-friendly online application systems tend to process visas more swiftly. 

But how? 

By digitizing visa application processes, these nations eliminate the time-consuming manual entry of data and reduce human error.

Features such as real-time document uploads, immediate fee payments, and automated response systems ensure a smoother and faster experience for the applicant.

Simplified Documentation Requirements

The adage "less is more" holds true even in the realm of visa applications. 

Countries that have pared down their list of mandatory documents offer a quicker turnaround. 

By focusing on essential documents, like passports and proof of accommodation, and avoiding excessive paperwork, the processing speed is naturally improved. 

Moreover

Clear guidelines on what’s required from applicants eliminate back-and-forth communications, thus reducing delays.

Streamlined Verification & Processing Workflows

Behind the scenes, an efficient visa process is often down to a streamlined workflow. 

Automated systems that can instantly verify details like passport validity, cross-check international databases, and swiftly alert officers to potential discrepancies play a pivotal role. 

By marrying technology with optimized human effort, some countries can boast impressively rapid visa processing times.

Priority Visas

Priority visas, also referred to as "fast-track" or "express" visas, are a unique type of visa service that some nations provide. 

For an additional fee, this service ensures that visa applications are processed more quickly than standard ones, often within a few days or even hours.¹

They're ideal for travelers who have urgent travel needs or want to expedite the visa approval process.

This is our top 5 list of countries that offer the speediest priority visas:

• United Kingdom: The UK offers a Priority Visa service for visitors, students, and work visas, which promises a decision within 5 working days of the application date.
• Australia: Australia's Priority Processing service is available for certain visa subclasses, ensuring faster processing times than standard applications.
• Canada: Canada's Express Entry system for skilled immigrants is a form of priority processing, allowing candidates to receive decisions in a matter of months. Additionally, certain visa categories have expedited services available for an extra fee.
• United States: The U.S. offers premium processing for specific work visa categories, such as the H-1B, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.
• India: India offers an e-Visa service for tourists, business visitors, and medical visits. While standard processing times are already swift, it also offers an expedited service that can process visas within 1 to 2 days.

It's essential to note that availability, fees, and processing times for priority visa services might vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific visa category applied for.

In addition, applicants should also be aware that priority visa services may not expedite the visa duration and validity granted.

While the processing time may be faster, the actual length of time the visa is valid for may not change.

Therefore, it's crucial to carefully review the specific guidelines and requirements for the priority visa service for their nationality and visa category to accurately assess the potential benefits and limitations.

Quickest Tourist Visas 

Spontaneous adventures are the essence of modern travel, but they often require lightning-fast visa processes to turn plans into reality. 

For the intrepid explorer deciding on a whim to explore a new horizon, waiting weeks for visa approval isn't always an option.

Let’s take a look at the quicker options:

Visas-On-Arrival

One of the most convenient options for spontaneous travelers is the visa-on-arrival. 

Rather than navigating bureaucratic processes before departure, these countries allow visitors to apply for and obtain a visa directly at the airport or border entry point, simplifying the journey for many.

In our seasoned opinion, these are the top 5 countries that grant visas-on-arrival for time-strapped travelers:

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Maldives
• Thailand

E-Visas

E-visas represent the fusion of technology with international travel; instead of traditional paperwork, these countries offer online application processes that aren’t only eco-friendly but often lightning-fast. 

Perfect for the tech-savvy traveler eager to hit the road.

Our top 5 countries to obtain quick e-visas for tourist activities are:

• India
• Myanmar
• Sri Lanka
• Turkey
• Vietnam 

Quickest Employment-Based Visas

Employment-based visas, tied to a job offer, are essential tools that facilitate the migration of skilled professionals globally. 

These visas grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in a country based on their professional skills and a valid job offer from an employer within that nation.

Our top 5 quickest employment-based visas currently available are listed below:

• Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved sponsor for up to 4 years.
• Canada’s Express Entry System: This is a points-based system that fast-tracks skilled immigrants' applications for permanent residency, often resulting in decisions within a few months.
• New Zealand’s Essential Skills Work Visa: Tailored for skilled workers, this visa category has a reasonably swift processing timeline, especially for occupations in high demand.
• The United Kingdom’s Skilled Worker Visa: Formerly known as the Tier 2 Visa, the Skilled Worker Visa has a streamlined process for professionals with a confirmed job offer in the UK.
• Germany’s Blue Card: Designed for non-EU skilled professionals, the Blue Card not only facilitates quicker visa processing but also paves the way for permanent residency.

Consider this

The "quickness" of visa processing can be influenced by various factors, including the applicant's profession, demand in the host country, the completeness of submitted documents, and more.

Always consult the latest official guidelines and perhaps even consider seeking advice from immigration professionals when considering employment-based migration.

Quickest Work Visas

For those looking to work internationally, the speed at which a country processes its work visas can be a significant deciding factor. 

These visas allow professionals to work in a foreign nation legally, and some countries have honed their systems to offer incredibly fast processing times.

Top 5 countries offering the quickest work visas:

• Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): Recognizing the need for skilled professionals, Australia has streamlined the processing of this visa, often delivering decisions in a matter of weeks.
• Canada’s Express Entry System: Catering to skilled workers, Canada's Express Entry system is renowned for its efficiency, often providing decisions within a few months.
• New Zealand’s Essential Skills Work Visa: New Zealand's robust demand for skilled professionals in certain sectors allows this visa category to have relatively swift processing timelines.
• The United Kingdom’s Skilled Worker Visa: The UK values international talent and, as such, has optimized its visa processing for skilled professionals, ensuring faster turnaround times.
• Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit: Focused on attracting individuals in high-demand professions, Ireland's work visa for critical skills often sees expedited processing.

Quickest Business Visas

Business professionals often need to travel internationally on short notice. 

Whether it's for a pivotal meeting, conference, or a brief project, business visas cater to these short-term needs without the extensive processes of employment or work visas.

These visas are essential for those who need to conduct business abroad without long waiting times.

Here’s our definitive list of the top 5 countries offering quick business visas:

• Singapore’s Business Visit Visa: Recognized for its efficient bureaucracy, Singapore offers swift processing times for business travelers, often within a matter of days.
• South Korea’s C-2 Short-Term Business Visa: Suited for those attending meetings, consultations, and negotiations, South Korea's system is streamlined for rapid approvals.
• Japan’s Temporary Visitor Visa for Business Affairs: Japan's visa system is known for its efficiency, particularly for business travelers from many countries, offering short turnaround times.
• The UAE’s 96-hour Business Visa: Tailored for brief business visits, the United Arab Emirates offers this visa with an incredibly quick processing period, ideal for last-minute trips.
• Hong Kong’s Business Visit Visa: As a global business hub, Hong Kong understands the need for quick visa processes, often providing decisions within a week for many nationalities.

Quickest Student Visas

The pursuit of education knows no boundaries, and for many aspiring students, international study is a sought-after goal. 

To facilitate this without delays, countries provide student visas, allowing foreign students to pursue their academic ambitions within their borders. 

While some nations might have lengthy processing times, others have streamlined their systems, ensuring that eager learners don't have to wait too long to embark on their educational journey.

In our opinion, the top 5 quickest student visas are from the following countries:

• Australia’s Student Visa (Subclass 500): With its Electronic Travel Authority system, Australia often processes student visa applications quickly, especially if the student meets all the requirements and is studying at a recognized institution.
• New Zealand’s Student Visa: Prioritizing international education, New Zealand offers efficient processing for genuine students, especially if they have a confirmed place in an approved educational institute.
• Canada’s Study Permit: Recognizing the value of international students, Canada has optimized its system, particularly for those attending recognized universities or institutions. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, available for certain nationalities, further expedites the process.
• Ireland’s Student Visa Program: Catering to both English-language learners and higher education students, Ireland's visa system is fairly streamlined for genuine students, provided all documentation is in order.
• Germany’s National Visa for Study Purposes: As a hub of education, especially for STEM courses, Germany provides a relatively swift student visa process for those admitted to recognized institutions.

If you’re a student interested in international study opportunities, our advice is to ensure that you meet all requirements, have all necessary documentation, and stay updated with the latest regulations from official sources before applying. 

A well-prepared application can further expedite the process.

Quickest Digital Nomad Visas

Recognizing the rise of remote workers, some countries have introduced digital nomad visas.

These special permits allow foreign nationals to live and work in the host country for a specified period without being tied to a local employer or business.

It's an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of work in the digital age, and some digital nomad visas are processed relatively quickly.

Below, we’ve listed 4 of the quickest digital nomad visas currently available:

• Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa: Estonia was one of the pioneers in offering this type of visa. With a straightforward application process and clear guidelines, Estonia's digital nomad visa is among the quickest to obtain for eligible professionals.
• Barbados’s 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp: This Caribbean island offers a fast-tracked application for digital nomads, allowing them to work and live in Barbados for up to a year.
• Georgia’s Remotely from Georgia Program: With a commitment to attract digital professionals, Georgia's program is streamlined and efficient, allowing for a relatively swift visa approval process.
• Croatia’s Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads: This Mediterranean country recently launched its digital nomad visa program, catering to the needs of remote workers with a straightforward and efficient application process.

Quickest Transit Visas 

While the primary aim of most visas is to allow travelers to stay in a country for extended periods, transit visas serve a different purpose. 

These short-duration visas permit travelers to pass through a country en route to another destination. 

For those with tight schedules or unexpected layovers, the speed at which these visas are processed can be critical. 

Fortunately, the following 6 nations understand this urgency and offer expedited services for transit visa applications:

• The United Kingdom’s Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For travelers who don't intend to pass through the UK border, this visa offers a quick solution, especially when booked in advance with clear travel plans.
• France’s Airport Transit Visa: Designed for travelers who have a layover in a French airport without entering the Schengen area, this visa boasts efficient processing times for eligible nationalities.
• The USA’s C-1 Transit Visa: Suitable for those passing through the United States en route to another destination, the C-1 visa's processing is relatively swift, especially when applied for alongside primary travel plans.
• Germany’s Airport Transit Visa: This visa allows for a brief stopover in German airports for non-Schengen travelers and is quickly processed for those meeting the criteria.
• Canada’s Transit Visa: Canada offers this visa to travelers making a stop of less than 48 hours on their way to another country. The application process is streamlined and is often expedited if travel plans are evident.
• Australia’s Transit Visa (Subclass 771): Designed for travelers passing through Australia for up to 72 hours, this visa offers prompt processing, especially when travel itineraries are clearly presented.

Quickest Family Visas

Recognizing the importance of familial bonds and the desire to keep families united, many countries offer family (or reunification) visas. 

These permits are specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to join their close relatives who are citizens or legal residents of the host country. 

The speed of processing these visas can be crucial, especially in situations where families have been separated for extended periods.

In our expert opinion, the following 4 countries offer some of the quickest family visas:

• Australia’s Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100): Australia has a reputation for its efficient visa processing, and its family visa for partners and spouses is no exception. When all requirements are met and the necessary documentation is provided, the process can be relatively swift.²
• Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship: Prioritizing the reunion of families, Canada's immigration system has streamlined processes for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• The UK’s Family Visas: Catering to various familial relationships, including spouses, fiances, and dependents, the UK offers a relatively expedited process, especially when applicants meet all the criteria and present comprehensive documentation.
• New Zealand’s Partnership Resident Visa: For those looking to join a partner already living in New Zealand, this visa offers a straightforward pathway. New Zealand's commitment to keeping families together is evident in its efficient visa processing.

Saying that…

“Quickness” can be relative. 

Family visa processing times can vary based on factors like the volume of applications, the completeness of documentation, the specific familial relationship, and more.

Quickest Immigrant Visas 

Immigrant visas pave the way for long-term residency, eventually leading to citizenship. 

These visas are designed for individuals seeking to permanently relocate to a new country, often driven by reasons like family or work.

Given the life-changing nature of such decisions, the speed of processing these visas can be a vital factor for many applicants. 

Here’s our list of the top 4 countries that have optimized their immigration systems to offer faster pathways to prospective residents:

• Canada’s Express Entry System: Tailored for skilled workers, this point-based system evaluates candidates on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those meeting the criteria can often expect decisions within a few months, making it one of the quickest routes to Canadian permanent residency.
• Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Targeted at skilled professionals who aren't sponsored by an employer or family member, this visa category boasts efficient processing times for those who meet the point-based assessment criteria.
• New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Aimed at attracting professionals with skills that are in demand in New Zealand, this visa pathway often offers swift processing for candidates who score highly on their point-based evaluation system.
• Germany’s Blue Card: For non-EU nationals with a recognized degree and a binding job offer (with a certain minimum salary), Germany's Blue Card not only provides a fast-track to residency but also offers a pathway to permanent settlement.

Quickest Golden Visas 

Unlike traditional immigrant visas, which are typically based on familial ties, employment offers, asylum reasons, and (sometimes) investment, golden visas are only granted to high-net-worth individuals in exchange for significant financial investment. 

Investors seeking either a residency perk or a potential path to citizenship often leverage these visas. 

Due to these individuals' considerable economic contribution, some countries have optimized their golden visa processes for efficiency.

These are the top 3 quickest golden visas to get, in our seasoned experience:

• Portugal’s Golden Residence Permit Program: By making qualifying investments, such as purchasing real estate or creating jobs, applicants can receive Portuguese residency relatively quickly. Furthermore, this can eventually lead to citizenship, making it a popular choice among affluent investors.
• Greece’s Golden Visa Program: Greece offers one of the fastest golden visa programs in Europe. With a real estate investment of a specified minimum value, applicants can secure Greek residency in a matter of weeks.
• Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (MIIP): By contributing to the national development fund and investing in real estate or stocks or bonds, eligible individuals can secure Maltese residency. Given the nation's EU membership, this program has been particularly attractive to many, and its efficiency is a strong selling point.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

In an era defined by global connectivity and rapid movement, securing visas in a timely manner can be the linchpin to countless opportunities, whether they be professional, educational, or personal. 

While each country's visa process bears its own unique intricacies, it's evident that many nations recognize the demand for efficiency and have adjusted their systems accordingly. 

As travelers, entrepreneurs, and adventurers continue to traverse our interconnected world, staying informed about the quickest visa routes becomes an invaluable asset in the journey of exploration and ambition.

Keep learning about the visa landscape through our selection of informative articles!

Learn More: Visas