Americas, Europe and Mediterranean e-Visa & ETA Guide 2026-27

Travelling across the Americas, Europe and the Mediterranean can involve very different entry procedures. Some destinations use an eVisa, while others require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or another type of online approval.

This e-visa and ETA guide covers Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Russia, Albania, Kazakhstan and Morocco. It explains which online entry system each destination uses and the key points travellers should check before making travel plans.

eVisa or ETA: What Changes Between Destinations?

An eVisa and an ETA are both arranged electronically, but they do not work in exactly the same way.

An eVisa is an electronically issued visa. Applicants generally complete a form, provide passport and travel information, upload documents and pay the applicable fee online.

An ETA is an electronic travel authorisation generally used for travellers who do not need a conventional visa but still require advance permission to travel.

The correct option can depend on nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, method of arrival and length of stay. Travellers should therefore check the rules for each destination separately.

The Americas: Different Online Entry Systems 

Canada

Who Needs a Canada eTA? 

Canada uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation for many visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through the country by air. The eTA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application.

Travellers can review Canada's eTA system to understand the application process and check whether an electronic authorisation may be required for their journey.

Application Requirements and Processing 

Applicants need a valid passport, email address and accepted payment method. Some nationalities may also need supporting documents to obtain the eTA. The current application fee is USD 39 (subject to change). Most applications are decided within minutes, although some can take longer when additional documents or information are required.

eTA Validity and Multiple Trips 

A Canadian eTA can remain valid for up to 5 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever happens first. During its validity, it can normally be used for multiple short trips to Canada.

Check How You Are Entering Canada 

The method of travel is also important. The eTA is primarily an entry requirement for eligible travellers flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport, so travellers arriving by another route should check which documents apply to them.

Mexico

How Mexico's Electronic Authorisation Works 

Mexico's electronic entry arrangements are different from a general eVisa programme available to all visa-required travellers.

Its Electronic Authorisation System, known as SAE, is available in specific circumstances to Russian, Turkish and Brazil nationals travelling to Mexico by air for tourism, business or other permitted activities without paid employment.Others who are entering country through land border needs to obtain Land card. 

Check Eligibility Before Applying 

Travellers checking the Mexico e-visa portal should first confirm whether their nationality qualifies for electronic authorisation or whether another visa route is required.

SAE Validity and Entry 

The SAE authorisation is valid for 30 days from issuance and can be used for a single entry. Travellers should therefore check their intended travel date before completing the process.

Some travellers may also be able to enter Mexico without obtaining a Mexican visa when they hold qualifying visas or permanent residence documents from certain countries. Eligibility should be checked according to the passport and travel documents held.

Brazil

Who Can Apply for a Brazil eVisa? 

Brazil provides an electronic visitor visa (eVisa) option for passport holders from Australia, Canada and the United States. Since 10 April 2025, travellers using passports from these countries for eligible visitor purposes have been required to obtain a visa.

Eligible travellers can complete Brazil's e-visa application online without attending a consular office for the normal visa issuance process.

Documents to Prepare 

For tourism and business applications, documents can include a valid passport, completed online application and passport-style photograph. Requirement may change depending on the visa type applied for. 

After the eVisa Is Approved 

The approved eVisa is issued electronically. Travellers should check that their passport details and travel information are correct before submission and keep the approved document accessible during the journey.

Europe: From ETAs to Electronic Visas

United Kingdom

Who Needs a UK ETA? 

The United Kingdom uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation for many travellers who can visit without obtaining a conventional visitor visa.

An ETA can be used for eligible trips of up to 6 months, including tourism, visiting family, short-term study and certain other permitted activities. Whether an ETA is required depends mainly on nationality and immigration status.

Travellers can checkthe UK ETA system before making their journey to understand the application process and determine whether the authorisation applies to them.

What Applicants Need? 

Applicants need the passport they intend to travel with, an email address, a photograph and an accepted payment method. The ETA application fee is currently USD 29 (subject to change).

Validity and Multiple Visits 

Once approved, an ETA remains valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple journeys can be made while it remains valid, subject to the applicable visitor conditions.

Russia

Electronic Visa Travel Purposes Covered 

Russia offers a unified electronic visa to passport holders from eligible countries for purposes including tourism, private visits, business and participation in certain events.

eVisa Validity and Stay 

The unified eVisa is issued for a single entry. It currently has a validity period of 120 days from issuance and allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry.

Travellers preparing their application can review the Russian e-visa portal for information about eligibility and the details needed for the online process.

Supporting Documents 

Eligible applicants do not need to provide an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation or another document proving their travel purpose when applying for the unified eVisa.

Check Your Entry Point 

Travellers should also check the permitted border crossing points before making transport arrangements, as entry using an electronic visa is subject to specific conditions.

Albania

Online Visa Application

Albania provides an electronic visa application process for travellers who require a visa before entering the country.

Submitting Documents and Payment 

Before submitting an application, travellers can check Albania e-visa requirements to understand which documents and visa conditions may apply to their nationality and reason for travel.

Processing and Visa Delivery

The application is completed electronically, and supporting documents are submitted online. Once the applicable fee has been paid, the application moves to the processing stage.

Processing generally takes up to 25 working days. In exceptional cases, assessment can take up to 30 working days. If approved, the electronic visa is generated and sent to the applicant by email.

Travellers should keep the approved visa available when entering and leaving Albania and ensure that the passport used for the application remains valid for the journey.

Kazakhstan

Available eVisa Purposes

Kazakhstan provides an electronic visa option for eligible foreign nationals travelling for certain short-term purposes, including tourism, business and medical treatment.

Invitation Required Before Applying 

One important difference is that an eligible applicant generally needs a valid invitation from a host in Kazakhstan before an eVisa can be issued. Travellers checkingthe Kazakhstan e-visa portal should therefore make sure the required invitation information is available before beginning the application.

Information Needed for the Application 

Applicants provide their personal details, passport information, purpose of travel and relevant invitation or visa support information during the application process.

Check Eligibility and Entry Conditions 

Electronic visas are available only to eligible nationalities and for specified travel purposes. Travellers should also check the permitted entry arrangements associated with their particular eVisa before booking transport.

Mediterranean and North Africa

Morocco

Who May Qualify for an eVisa?

Morocco provides an electronic visa for eligible travellers visiting for tourism or business.

Eligibility can depend on more than nationality. Certain travellers may qualify based on a valid residence permit or qualifying visa issued by specified countries, provided the required conditions are met.

Because of these different eligibility routes, travellers should review Morocco visa rules according to their nationality, residence status and travel documents before starting an application.

Validity and Length of Stay 

The Moroccan eVisa can have a maximum validity of 180 days from issuance. It permits a single entry and a stay of no more than 30 days.

Standard and Express Processing 

Two processing options are available. Standard processing has a stated timeframe of 3-6 working days, while Express processing has a stated timeframe of 1-2 working days. These periods may not apply when an application is incomplete or contains incorrect information.

eVisa and ETA Comparison at a Glance 

Five Things to Check Before Applying

1. Start With Nationality

Nationality is usually the first factor determining whether an eVisa, ETA, conventional visa or visa-free entry applies.

Travellers with dual nationality should check the conditions for the passport they intend to use for the application and journey.

2. Check the Travel Purpose

Online travel permission is normally issued for specific purposes.

These may include:

• Tourism
• Family visits
• Business activities
• Transit
• Medical treatment
• Short-term study or other permitted activities

An eVisa or ETA intended for tourism should not be assumed to permit employment or other activities outside its conditions.

3. Compare Validity With Permitted Stay

Visa validity and permitted stay are two different things.

For example, Russia's unified eVisa is valid for 120 days but allows a stay of up to 30 days. Morocco's eVisa can have a validity period of up to 180 days while allowing a maximum stay of 30 days.

Travellers should check both periods before confirming accommodation and return travel.

4. Prepare the Required Documents

Document requirements vary, but applicants may commonly need:

• Passport bio-page
• Recent photograph
• Flight reservation
• Accommodation information
• Return or onward travel details
• Proof of funds
• Invitation or supporting letter
• Valid email address

Documents should be clear, readable and consistent with the information entered in the application.

5. Apply With Enough Time Before Travel

Online does not always mean immediate approval.

Some authorisations can be processed quickly, while other visa applications may require several working days or additional checks. Albania, for example, states that assessment generally takes up to 15 working days and can take up to 30 working days in exceptional cases.

Travellers should therefore complete the required process before departure rather than relying on last-minute approval.

Planning a Multi-Country Trip

Travellers visiting several destinations should check the entry requirements for each country separately. This e-visa and ETA guide can help compare the different online entry systems, but each destination may have its own rules for eligibility, validity, permitted stay and supporting documents. 

Before finalising a multi-country itinerary, check:

• Visa or ETA eligibility for each destination
• Passport validity
• Number of permitted entries
• Maximum stay
• Arrival method or permitted entry point
• Required supporting documents
• Processing time

Checking these details separately can help avoid problems when moving between countries with different electronic entry systems.

Related eVisa and ETA Travel Guides

Niagara Falls Travel Guide

Top 10 Tourist Attraction in Morocco 

Top Activities to do in Russia

Top Beach in Kazakhstan

Last updated: September 2026. Travellers should verify current visa and entry requirements with the relevant agencies, embassies and airlines before travelling.