Evolution of Electronic Visas: From Paper to Digital Permits
Recently, many countries have been rapidly moving away from physical documents to digital ones. This is associated with technological advancements and the demand for more efficient travel processes.
Electronic visas have changed the way how governments manage immigration, offering faster application procedures and greater convenience for travelers, while improving security and data protection.
Let’s dive into the history of visas, from paper to modern digital permits, and try to predict what we’ll see in the future of travel.
Traveling With a Regular Visa
A regular visa is a traditional form of travel that has existed for a long time. To get a regular visa, a traveler must attend an embassy or a consulate. It involves filling out a paper application form and providing physical copies of documents.
Often, applicants must have a visa interview with a consular officer, who must answer various questions concerning their purpose of travel, which may include topics such as personal life, health, or occupation. This aims at preventing illegal immigration.
Then, an applicant must wait for the result and, on the appointed date, collect the visa evidence, which usually takes the form of a sticker or stamp on the passport.
Regular visas are issued for different purposes, from short-term to long-term stays. Upon arrival, a traveler must show their passport containing the visa proof.
Introduction of Electronic Visas
Implementing electronic visas was a significant shift in the world of traveling, making the usual visa procedures easier and quicker. Australia launched its first e-Visa in 1996, while a rapid increase in using electronic visas and travel authorizations began in the early 2000s.
The e-Visa application is completed entirely online, meaning that the applicant doesn’t have to travel to an embassy and can fill out the form remotely. The list of required documentation is normally shorter than for a regular visa. The documents are uploaded to the website in a digital form.
The approved online visa is sent to the applicant’s email as a PDF document. Usually, travelers must print out the e-Visa confirmation to present to an immigration officer.
Electronic visas are mostly available for short-term tourism visits to certain nationalities. For longer stays or non-leisure purposes, travelers still need to obtain a regular visa at the embassy or consulate.
Benefits of Online Visa Systems
The electronic visa system provides eligible nationalities with many benefits. Firstly, it is very convenient: you don’t have to travel to the embassy, which may be located in another city or even another country. The application can be completed from any place as long as there is an internet connection. For example, it may be your home, co-working space, library, or coffee shop.
Furthermore, the process is simplified. You don’t need a visa interview; it is enough to fill out some blanks in the online form and upload a couple of documents.
The confirmed visa is delivered directly to your email address, and all you have to do is print it out. Sometimes, you only need a digital copy. The processing time is also shortened compared to traditional visas.
Again, online visas contribute to more environmentally sustainable practices since they eliminate the need for paper visa applications and documentation.
Future of Digital Permits
In the future, we can expect further movement in the direction of technology and global mobility, as well as more safe, efficient, and flexible travel procedures. Electronic visas will likely include advanced biometric data to improve security.
Instead of relying on passport stamps and physical documents, travelers may be able to use biometric scans, such as facial recognition or fingerprinting.
With access to biometric information, airports and border control points can implement seamless entry and exit processes. Digital visas can work with smart border technologies, devices, and automated systems that allow for contactless border crossings.
Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) may speed up the processing of visa applications by automating the review of information, reducing human error, and facilitating decision-making. Also, many countries are already creating mobile apps for visa processes, and this is predicted to grow. Travelers can apply, track, and save visas directly on their smartphones.
