ETA vs eVisa vs visa

Q: Is an eVisa a real visa?

Yes. It is a visa delivered through an electronic process.

Q: Does approval guarantee entry?

No. Border authorities make the admission decision.

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Guides

An ETA is advance permission to travel under a visa-exempt or similar short-stay scheme. It is not a visa ^1,2. An eVisa is a visa applied for and issued electronically, such as the Laos tourist eVisa ³. A consular visa is decided through an embassy, consulate or visa office, even where the form begins online ⁴. None of the three guarantees admission at the border ^1,3⁴.

ETA: Travel authorisation, not a visa ^1,2
eVisa: Visa issued through an electronic process ³
Consular visa: Visa handled by a mission or visa office ⁴
Border result: Admission still decided at entry ^1,3⁴
Checked: 19 October 2026

The three routes compared

Route	What it does	Official example	Main limit
ETA	Checks a traveller before visa-exempt or similar short travel ^1,2	UK ETA, US ESTA, Canada eTA, Israel ETA-IL	Does not replace a visa where one is required
eVisa	Issues a visa through an online application ³	Laos tourist eVisa	Only named passports, purposes and entry ports may qualify
Consular visa	Issues a visa through a diplomatic mission or visa office ⁴	Argentina tourist visa	Documents and interview rules can depend on the mission

Electronic travel authorisation

The UK describes ETA as permission to travel, not permission to enter. US Customs and Border Protection says ESTA is not a visa and authorises boarding for Visa Waiver Program travel ^1,2.

An ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. A new passport normally requires a new authorisation. Validity and permitted visit length are separate figures ^1,2.

eVisa

An eVisa is a visa, but the form, documents, payment and approval are handled online. Laos issues an approval letter for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for entry for 60 days and a stay of 30 days ³.

Electronic issue does not mean use at every border. The Laos portal names the eligible nationalities and designated eVisa ports ³.

Consular visa

A consular visa application is assessed by an embassy, consulate or designated visa office. Argentina’s tourist visa route requires a valid passport, photographs, a form and evidence supporting the trip ⁴.

An online form does not by itself make a visa an eVisa. Bangladesh, for example, requires the online form to be printed and submitted with documents to a visa office ⁵.

How to choose

Check the rule for the exact passport and travel purpose.
If visa-exempt travel requires an ETA, obtain it before boarding ^1,2.
If an eVisa is available, verify its entry ports and use-by period ³.
If the online form still requires mission submission, follow the consular route ⁵.
Carry the same passport used for the authorisation or visa.

Common questions

Is an ETA a visa?

No. UK and US authorities describe their authorisations as distinct from a visa ^1,2.

Is an eVisa a real visa?

Yes. It is a visa delivered through an electronic process ³.

Does an online form mean I have an eVisa?

No. Some systems require the printed form and documents to be submitted to a mission ⁵.

Does approval guarantee entry?

No. Border authorities make the admission decision ^1,3⁴.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
A UK ETA costs £20 and lasts 2 years or until your passport expires. Who needs one, who is exempt, how to apply and how to avoid paying extra.
US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
ESTA costs US$40.62 from 16 October 2026 and lasts two years. Who needs it under the Visa Waiver Program, when to apply and the official site.
Israel ETA-IL
Israel ETA-IL eligibility, NIS 25 fee, two-year validity, 90-day visit limit and official application timing.
Laos eVisa
Official Laos eVisa eligibility, 60-day approval validity, 30-day stay, processing time and designated entry ports.