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Types of Visas: E-Visa, Paper Visa, and Sticker Visa

  • Samiksha Bagal
  • Dec 11, 2025
  • 4 min read

Table of Contents

  1. Types of Visas

  2. What Is an E-Visa?

  3. What Is a Paper Visa?

  4. What Is a Sticker (Stamp) Visa?

  5. Key Differences Between E-Visa, Paper Visa, and Sticker Visa

  6. Which Visa Type Should You Choose?

  7. Common Mistakes Applicants Make

  8. FAQs

Passport with visas and stamps, including "Arrival" and "Visa Approved," on a light blue background. Text: Types of Visas: E-Visa, Paper Visa, and Sticker Visa.

Types of Visas


Different Types of Visas may confuse Travellers and the confusion is most common in choosing between e visa, paper visa or sticker visa. Various visa formats have their own applications and documentation rules. Here, the Types of Visas are explained which will be helpful in preventing the issues of delay, rejection, or immigration. The guide goes through e visa and sticker visa differences and also explains paper visa so that the travellers can make their choice with confidence.


What Is an E-Visa?


An E-Visa is a digital format under the modern Types of Visas. It is applied online and ideal for short-term travel. 

How it works: 


• Submit application online 

• Upload documents 

• Receive visa via email


Used for tourism, conferences, medical travel, and short-term work. The e visa is fast, contactless, and one of the easiest types of visas explained for beginners.


What Is a Paper Visa?


A paper visa is an embassy-issued document delivered as a PDF or printed sheet. It is often used by countries shifting between Types of Visas, especially during digital transition. It suits business travellers and medium-term visits. Many applicants ask what is a paper visa because it looks different from both e visa and sticker visa formats.


What Is a Sticker (Stamp) Visa?


A sticker visa is a physical visa placed inside the passport. This traditional format remains the most recognised among the Types of Visas, especially for Schengen, US, UK, Canada, student, and work visas. It features holograms and security codes, making the sticker visa the safest visa format.


Key Differences Between E-Visa, Paper Visa & Sticker Visa


The Types of Visas differ by application mode, processing time, and purpose: 


• E visa → online, fastest 

• Paper visa → hybrid online–offline 

• Sticker visa → physical submission, strongest security 


Understanding the difference between e visa and sticker visa is crucial for trip planning and embassy compliance.


Which Visa Type Should You Choose?


Choose based on: 


• Purpose of travel 

• Embassy rules 

• Processing urgency 

• Document strength


This ensures the correct selection among all Types of Visas explained in this guide.


Common Mistakes Applicants Make


Travellers often: 


• Apply for the wrong Types of Visas 

• Upload unclear documents 

• Ignore passport validity 

• Forget printouts for e visa 


Avoiding these mistakes ensures smooth approval.

The selection of the correct Types of Visas—e visa, paper visa, or sticker visa—relies on the purpose, security needs, and embassy regulations. Knowledge of e visa versus sticker visa differences leads to easier applications, less waiting, and more secure international travel.


FAQs


1. What is the main difference between e visa, paper visa, and sticker visa?

The core difference lies in format and processing. The Types of Visas include e visa (fully digital), paper visa (PDF or printed document), and sticker visa (printed inside passport). The difference between e visa and sticker visa is mostly physical submission and security levels. Understanding these types of visas explained helps travellers choose correctly based on embassy rules.

2. Is a sticker visa more reliable than an e visa or paper visa?

Yeah. It is the sticker visa which is considered the safest of all the Visas, as it provides holograms, signatures, and machine-readable zones. On the other hand, an e visa is fast and smooth, but the most secure areas still opt for the sticker format. sticker visa is quite often required by many embassies for long-term travel, which makes it even more important to know the types of visas explained..

3. When should travellers choose an e visa?

Choose an e visa when the country offers quick entry for tourism, short-term business, or conferences. For many travellers comparing Types of Visas, the e visa is the fastest option. However, it’s essential to check embassy eligibility because not all nations support this format. Always confirm requirements in the types of visas explained section before applying.

4. What is a paper visa used for?

A paper visa is used mainly for business or medium-term travel when full digital or sticker processing is not required. It is easier to carry and often quicker than sticker formats. In the broader category of Types of Visas, a paper visa bridges the gap between e visa efficiency and sticker visa security.

5. How do I know which visa type is right for me?

Assess your purpose, urgency, and embassy rules. Short trips favour e visa, moderate trips may use paper visa, and long-term travel requires sticker visa. Since different embassies follow different Types of Visas, applicants must match travel purpose with the correct category. Refer to the types of visas explained above for clarity.


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