Travel terms explained
What labels like Visa Free, ETA, e-Visa, and Visa on Arrival actually mean before you fly.
Country code formats (ISO)
- ISO2 (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2): two-letter codes, for example
US,DE, andIN. - ISO3 (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3): three-letter versions of the same places, for example
USA,DEU, andIND.
- You may see a destination written with its two-letter code, such as JP; it means Japan.
-
You may see passports shown as two-letter codes together, such as
IN, US; it means an Indian passport and a U.S. passport. - United Kingdom nationals use
GB, notUK, to match the standard alpha-2 list we build from.
Entry status
This glossary uses entry-status labels such as Visa Free and Visa Required . Here is what each one means in plain travel terms. This is not legal advice; always confirm with the destination before you book.
Each status is about entry conditions, not full life rights. The same status can still have limits on stay length, trip purpose, number of entries, or required documents.
Parachutable is just our silly in-house label for Freedom of Movement and Visa Free : entry paths where you are not lining up for a full visa sticker story first. You still carry a valid passport and follow the rules; we are only saying the paperwork slope feels gentler. Please do not pack a real parachute for immigration.
| Shorthand | Term we use | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| FoM | Freedom of Movement | The strongest category: you may live, work, or stay under rules similar to citizens of a bloc or union (for example EU free movement for eligible nationals). It is not the same as a tourist visa waiver.
Parachutable
|
| VF | Visa Free | You can enter for tourism or a short stay without applying for a visa first. You still need a valid passport, and the country may limit how long you can stay or ask for proof of onward travel, money, or accommodation.
Parachutable
|
| ETA | Electronic Travel Authorization | You must register or get permission online (or through your airline) before you board. It is not a sticker in your passport; names like ESTA (US), eTA (Canada), or K‑ETA (Korea) are examples. Approval is usually quick but can be denied. |
| VOA | Visa on Arrival | You can obtain a visa when you land or reach the border, often for a fee and sometimes only at certain airports. You do not have to secure it weeks ahead at an embassy, though queues and last-minute refusals are possible. |
| e‑Visa | e-Visa | You apply on a government website before you leave. You get an electronic approval or PDF to show when you arrive. In most cases you skip an embassy visit, but you still go through immigration like everyone else. |
| VFTF | Visa Free Transit Facility | You may pass through the country (often only the airport, or only for a short window) without a transit visa if you meet strict conditions: correct ticket, nationality, and sometimes staying “airside” only. |
| VR | Visa Required | You need a visa issued before you travel, usually by applying at an embassy, consulate, or official visa centre, unless another rule (for example a visa you already hold) changes that for you. |
Before you fly checklist
- Check passport validity for your destination and transit points.
- Confirm maximum stay and allowed trip purpose (tourism, business, transit).
- Check if you need onward/return proof, accommodation proof, or proof of funds.
- Check destination and airline rules for Electronic Travel Authorization , e-Visa , or Visa on Arrival details.
- Verify health and insurance requirements before booking.
Transit vs entry
Transit means passing through on the way somewhere else. Entry means entering the country as your destination.
A transit-friendly status like Visa Free Transit Facility does not automatically mean you can leave the airport or stay as a visitor. Always check the exact transit conditions.
Terms people confuse
- Electronic Travel Authorization vs e-Visa: both are online, but Electronic Travel Authorization is usually a lighter pre-clearance.
- Visa Free vs Freedom of Movement: visa-free is short-stay access; freedom of movement can include broader rights.
- Visa on Arrival vs Visa Required: Visa on Arrival is handled at arrival; Visa Required usually means approval before travel.
- Transit permission vs entry permission: airport passage is not full destination entry.
Common mistakes
- Assuming visa-free means unlimited stay. It always has conditions.
- Assuming Visa on Arrival means guaranteed admission. Border officers still decide final entry.
- Assuming one approval covers all routes. Some permissions are airport- or airline-specific.
- Assuming transit-friendly means you can exit the airport.
For how scores and Discover interact with your profile, see Discover methodology, Ease of Travel Index methodology, Passport Index methodology, and Visa & Residency Boost.