ETA vs e-Visa vs visa-on-arrival: what's the difference?
Three things that all let you travel - but they are not interchangeable. Here's how to tell them apart.
Entry requirements are drifting toward digital pre-approval, and the terminology can blur together. The differences matter, because each one changes when and where you have to act.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
An ETA is a lightweight pre-authorisation linked to your passport, usually for travellers who are otherwise visa-exempt. You apply online before you go, approval is typically fast, and it is valid for multiple trips over a set period. It is not a visa - it is permission to board and be considered for entry.
e-Visa
An e-Visa is a full visa applied for and issued online, replacing a sticker or stamp in your passport. It usually requires more information and a longer processing time than an ETA, and it is issued for a specific purpose and duration.
Visa on arrival
A visa on arrival is issued at the border when you land, rather than in advance. It can mean queues, a fee payable on the spot, and eligibility rules that vary by nationality and port of entry - so it pays to confirm you qualify before relying on it.
The bottom line
ETA and e-Visa are both applied for in advance online but differ in weight; visa-on-arrival is decided at the border. Always check which one your destination requires for your specific passport - VisAlert pairs each update with your citizenship-based requirement.