Can You Get a 10 Year Tourist Visa?
Can You Get a 10 Year Tourist Visa?
Here’s the Real Answer You Need
If you love travelling or have
family abroad, chances are you’ve asked this question at least once:
“Can you get a 10 year tourist visa?”
The honest answer is yes—but not
for every country, and not for everyone.
A 10-year tourist visa sounds
simple, but there’s a lot of confusion around what it actually allows, who can
apply, and how long you can stay. Many travellers assume it means living abroad
for 10 years, which is not true.
Let’s break it down clearly,
especially from an Indian traveller’s perspective, so you know exactly
what to expect.
What Does a 10 Year Tourist Visa Really Mean?
A 10 year tourist visa is
usually a long-term, multiple-entry visa. It allows you to travel to the
same country multiple times over a long period—often up to 10 years.
However, there are some important
conditions:
- You cannot stay continuously for 10 years
- Each visit has a fixed limit (usually 90 or 180 days)
- Immigration officers still decide how long you can stay
each time
So, think of it as long-term
travel flexibility, not long-term residence.
Can Indian Passport Holders Get a 10 Year Tourist Visa?
Yes, Indian citizens can get a 10
year tourist visa, but only for certain countries.
The most common and well-known
example is the United States B1/B2
visitor visa. Some other countries offer long-term visitor visas, but
they work differently and are not always guaranteed for 10 years.
Your eligibility depends on:
- The country you’re visiting
- Your travel history
- Your financial and employment background
- Your passport validity
Countries That Offer 10 Year Tourist Visas (or Close to It)
United
States – B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Most Popular for Indians)
For Indian travellers, the US
B1/B2 visa is the most realistic and widely issued 10 year tourist visa.
Here’s how it works:
- Validity: Up to 10 years
- Entries: Multiple
- Stay per visit: Usually up to 180 days
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, short business
meetings
Many Indians receive this visa if
they can show:
- Strong ties to India
- A genuine travel purpose
- Stable income or business
One important thing to remember:
Even with a 10-year visa, entry is never automatic. US immigration
officers decide your stay duration every time you land.
India’s 10 Year Tourist Visa (For Foreign Nationals)
India also issues 10-year multiple-entry
tourist visas, but only to citizens of certain countries, such as:
- United States
- Canada
- Japan
These visas allow:
- Multiple entries
- Maximum stay of 180 days per visit
This is mainly relevant for
foreigners visiting India, not for Indian passport holders.
United Kingdom – Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa
The UK offers a Standard Visitor
Visa with longer validity options:
For Indian applicants:
- You can stay up to 6 months per visit
- Approval depends heavily on travel history
- The fee is higher than short-term visas
This visa is usually granted to
people who visit the UK regularly and have a strong, well-documented profile.
Countries That Don’t Usually Offer a 10 Year Tourist Visa
Canada – No Fixed 10 Year Tourist Visa
Many people ask if Canada gives a 10
year tourist visa.
The reality is a bit different.
Canada:
- Does not officially promise a 10-year tourist
visa
- Often issues visitor visas until passport expiry
- Decides validity case by case
Earlier, longer visas were more
common, but Canada now prefers shorter durations and frequent reassessment.
Schengen Countries (Europe)
Europe’s Schengen Area does not
offer a standard 10 year tourist visa.
What you may get instead:
- Multiple-entry visas for 1, 3, or 5 years
- Maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period
Longer validity is usually given
only to travellers with a strong and clean travel history.
Important Things People Often Miss
Your Nationality Matters a Lot
Visa rules depend heavily on:
- Your passport
- Diplomatic agreements between countries
That’s why some nationalities get
longer visas more easily than others.
A 10 Year Visa Does Not Mean Long Stay
This is the biggest
misunderstanding.
Even with a 10-year visa:
- You must leave before the allowed stay ends
- Overstaying can affect future visas
- Immigration rules are strictly enforced
Passport Expiry Can Limit Your Visa
Many countries issue visas only
until your passport expires.
So if your passport is valid for 7
years, you may not receive a full 10-year visa—even if the category allows it.
How Much Does a 10 Year Tourist Visa Cost?
The cost depends on the country:
- US B1/B2 visa:
Standard visa fee + service charges
- UK 10-year visitor visa: Much higher than short-term visas
- India’s long-term tourist visa: Depends on nationality
Fees change often, so always check official
embassy websites before applying.
Is It Hard to Get a 10 Year Tourist Visa?
It can be—but it’s not impossible.
Your chances improve if you have:
- Previous international travel
- Stable job or business in India
- Clear travel purpose
- Strong financial documents
There is never a guarantee. Even if
a country allows 10-year visas, the final decision always rests with the visa
officer.
Common Questions People Ask
Can I stay for 10 years on a tourist visa?
No. Every visit has a maximum stay
limit.
Which countries offer a 10 year tourist visa?
The US and the UK are the most
common examples.
Can Indians get a 10 year tourist visa?
Yes, mainly for the US and in some
cases the UK.
Final Takeaway
So, can you get a 10 year tourist
visa?
Yes—but only for specific countries,
and only if you meet their requirements.
For Indian travellers, the US
B1/B2 visa is the most practical 10-year option. Other countries may offer
long-term visitor visas, but policies change, and approvals are never
guaranteed.
Before applying, always:
- Check official embassy guidelines
- Understand stay limits clearly
- Apply with realistic expectations
A long-term visa is a great
convenience—but only when you fully understand how it works.