Visa Formats Explained: Sticker, Stamp, E-Visa & More – Know What You’re Getting

 Different types of visa formats displayed with passports and documents

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Sticker Visa

3. Stamp Visa

4. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

5. Paper Visa

6. FAQs

When your visa is approved, it’s essential to know what format you’ll receive. Each visa format has implications for check-in, immigration checks, and how you carry your documents. Let’s break down the four most commonly used visa formats worldwide.

1. Sticker Visa

• A physical adhesive sticker placed in your passport.

• Contains visa number, validity, entries, and remarks.

• Common for: Schengen, UK, Japan

2. Stamp Visa

• An inked stamp directly on your passport by immigration officers.

• Used mostly in on-arrival systems or regional border travel.

• Common for: Middle Eastern countries, border entries

 3. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

• Applied for online and sent to your email.

• You print and carry it during travel.

4. Paper Visa

• A physical sheet (not pasted) issued separately by the embassy.

• Printed with official details on embassy letterhead.

FAQ's

1. Do I need to print my e-visa?

Yes, always carry a printed copy. Some airports still require a physical copy even if digital records exist.

2. Which visa format does the Schengen zone use?

Schengen countries use sticker visas pasted into your passport.

3. Is a paper visa valid without being attached to the passport?

Yes, if issued officially and carried with your passport, it is fully valid.

4. Can a visa format affect my airline check-in?

 Yes, some airlines ask to verify visa format and validity before boarding.