Key takeaways
- Sherpa is a third‑party processor — it passes through government fees plus a $10–$30 service fee; it does not issue visas or guarantee approval.
- Consumer eVisa turnaround can be as fast as 12–24 hours for select destinations (Egypt, Kenya, Turkey), but estimates are indicative, not guaranteed.
- Sherpa covers 190+ nationalities and 200+ destinations with daily updates; the interactive map is useful for quick multi‑country planning.
- Sherpa does not process Schengen visas, EU national D‑type work visas, or Canada LMIA‑based work permits. For long‑term EU employment, apply through the member state's official channels.
- Always verify requirements on the destination's official immigration portal before booking — rules change fast (see February 2026 global updates).
Quick answer: Sherpa visa requirements can be checked instantly on the Sherpa platform, a third‑party visa‑processing tool that lets travellers check entry rules, fees, and document checklists for 190+ nationalities across 200+ destinations via apply.joinsherpa.com. It passes through government fees (e.g., Egypt eVisa $50) plus a $10–$30 service fee, and delivers select eVisas in 12–24 hours. Sherpa does not issue visas, set fees, or handle long‑term work permits such as EU national D‑type visas or Canada work permits.
Sherpa visa requirements: What is Sherpa and how does its visa check work?
Sherpa (styled sherpa°) is a travel‑documentation platform used by airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), and travellers directly. The consumer‑facing tool at apply.joinsherpa.com covers 190+ nationalities and 200+ destinations with daily rule refreshes. It returns real‑time document checklists, government fees, service fees, and processing‑time estimates. The engine distinguishes between tourist, business, transit, and student visas — but it does not process long‑term work permits or national D‑type visas for EU employment.
The platform is embedded in major airline and OTA booking flows via the Sherpa Travel Documentation API (also marketed as Sherpa for Airlines and Sherpa for Travel Operators). This means you may already be using Sherpa when you book a flight and see a "visa check" or "apply for eVisa" prompt without leaving the booking path. As of October 2026, Sherpa processes thousands of visa applications weekly and claims a 99%+ approval rate across its partner network.
Last verified: October 2026. All figures below are drawn from Sherpa's public product pages, the February 2026 Global Visa Updates blog post, and IATA Timatic — the industry‑standard visa rules database used by airlines worldwide. Government fees are official; service fees and processing‑time estimates are indicative and can change without notice.
How do I check visa requirements on Sherpa?
- Go to apply.joinsherpa.com.
- Enter your nationality (passport country), destination, and travel purpose (tourist, business, transit, student).
- The tool instantly shows the visa type needed, the official government fee, Sherpa's service fee, and an estimated processing time.
- You get a downloadable document checklist tailored to your nationality and visa type.
- For supported eVisas and eTAs, you can start the application directly on Sherpa.
Results are sourced from IATA Timatic and official government immigration portals (e.g., Canada IRCC, EU Visa Information System) and are updated daily. In my experience helping South Asian skilled workers plan short‑term business trips to Europe, the checklist download is the most useful feature — it saves you from the "I forgot a bank statement" scramble at the embassy.
What is the Sherpa visa requirements map and how do I use it?
The Sherpa visa requirements map is an interactive, colour‑coded world map that visualises entry rules by nationality and destination. Categories include visa‑free, eVisa, visa‑on‑arrival, and embassy visa required. It updates daily as policies change — for example, the February 2026 Global Visa Updates added new eVisa schemes, revised visa‑free thresholds, and flagged processing delays in several European and Middle Eastern corridors.
Click any country to see specific requirements, fees, and processing times for your passport. It's handy for quick multi‑destination trip planning or comparing corridors (e.g., Poland vs. Croatia for a business visit). Critical: the map does not replace official government sources. Always verify on the destination's immigration portal before booking flights or paying fees.
Sherpa fees breakdown: government fees vs service fees
Sherpa does not set visa fees — it passes through official government fees exactly as published. On top, Sherpa adds a service fee of $10–$30 per application, varying by partner (airline, OTA, or direct consumer) and visa type. B2B partners pay up to $6.80 per passenger for integrated processing via the Sherpa API. Total cost = government fee + Sherpa service fee; there is no hidden markup on state fees.
| Destination / Visa Type | Government Fee (official) | Sherpa Service Fee (estimated range) | Typical Total via Sherpa | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt eVisa (tourist, 2‑year validity) | $50 | $10–$20 | $60–$70 | Sherpa consumer tool, Oct 2026 |
| India eTourist Visa | $25–$80 (varies by nationality) | $10–$25 | $35–$105 | Sherpa consumer tool, Oct 2026 |
| Turkey eVisa | ~$20–$60 (varies by nationality) | $10–$20 | $30–$80 | Sherpa consumer tool, Oct 2026 |
| Kenya eVisa | $51 | $10–$20 | $61–$71 | Sherpa consumer tool, Oct 2026 |
| Schengen short‑stay visa (C‑type) | €90 (adults) | Not processed via Sherpa | N/A | EU Visa Portal |
Note: Government fees above are official figures from respective immigration portals. Sherpa service fees are estimated ranges observed on the consumer tool as of October 2026; actual fees may differ by partner channel. Schengen C‑type visas are not processed through Sherpa — you must apply at the embassy/consulate or authorised visa centre (VFS Global, TLScontact, etc.).
How long does Sherpa take to process an eVisa application?
Consumer eVisa turnaround is 12–24 hours for select destinations (e.g., Egypt, Kenya, Turkey) when the application is complete and no additional verification is triggered. Processing‑time estimates are sourced from government‑published service standards and Sherpa's own submission data. They are indicative, not guaranteed. Delays occur during peak seasons, policy changes, or when destination authorities request extra documents.
The February 2026 updates specifically flagged processing disruptions in several European and Middle Eastern corridors. For example, some Gulf eVisa systems saw 48–72 hour backlogs during Ramadan. Expedited options may be available for some destinations at a higher service fee — check the tool at application time.
Does Sherpa handle Canada work permits or only visitor visas?
Sherpa handles visitor visas (TRV), eTAs, study permits, and some work‑permit streams that are processed electronically (e.g., certain International Experience Canada categories). However, it does not process employer‑specific Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)‑based work permits, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications, or permanent residence pathways. For long‑term Canadian work permits, you must apply directly through IRCC or an authorised representative (RCIC or lawyer).
Can I use Sherpa to apply for a Schengen visa for work purposes?
No. Sherpa does not process Schengen visas (Type C short‑stay or Type D long‑stay/national work visas). Schengen applications require biometric submission at an embassy/consulate or authorised visa application centre (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International). Sherpa's tool can tell you whether you need a Schengen visa and show the document checklist, but the actual application, appointment booking, and fee payment happen outside Sherpa. For EU long‑term work permits (national D‑type visas), you must follow the specific member state's procedure — e.g., Poland's Voivodeship Office, Croatia's MUP, Germany's Ausländerbehörde.
What documents does Sherpa require for a typical eVisa application?
The exact checklist varies by destination and nationality, but a typical eVisa application via Sherpa asks for:
- Passport scan (bio page, valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- Passport‑style photo (digital, white background, specific dimensions)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation confirmation)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3 months)
- Travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen‑area destinations, recommended elsewhere)
- Business invitation letter (for business eVisas)
- Return/onward ticket
Sherpa's downloadable checklist is tailored to your nationality–destination pair. In my work with Bangladeshi and Indian electricians and welders travelling to Poland or Croatia for short‑term trade shows, the most common rejection reason is insufficient bank statements — embassies want to see stable income, not a last‑minute deposit. Always submit 3–6 months of clean statements.
Is Sherpa an official government visa service or a third‑party processor?
Sherpa is a third‑party visa processor, not a government agency. It does not issue visas, set fees, or make approval decisions — those rest solely with the destination country's immigration authority. Sherpa's role is to aggregate rules from IATA Timatic and official portals, provide a streamlined application interface, and transmit your application to the government system. The 99%+ approval rate Sherpa cites reflects applications submitted through its platform that were ultimately approved by governments; it is not a guarantee.
⚠️ Recruitment scam warning for South Asian skilled workers
I've seen too many electricians, welders, and HVAC technicians from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka lose money to fake "European work visa" agents. Red flags:
- Anyone promising a "guaranteed" EU work visa in 2 weeks — national D‑type visas take 8–16 weeks.
- Agents asking for payment via WhatsApp, crypto, or personal bank accounts.
- "No experience needed" offers for licensed trades (electrician, welder, plumber) — EU employers require recognised qualifications and often language proficiency.
- Companies with no verifiable website, physical address, or registration in the destination country.
Legitimate path: Apply directly through the employer or a licensed recruitment agency registered with the destination country's labour ministry (e.g., Poland's Krajowy Rejestr Agencji Zatrudnienia, Croatia's HZZ). Verify the agency on the official registry before paying anything. For short‑term business visits, use Sherpa's tool to check requirements yourself — it's free to check.
Downloadable checklists & real‑world tips
Sherpa's consumer tool lets you download a PDF checklist for your specific visa type. I recommend saving it, printing it, and ticking off each item physically — it's easier to spot missing documents than on a phone screen. For South Asian applicants, add these to your personal checklist:
- Police clearance certificate (PCC) — often required for business visas, valid 3–6 months
- Income tax return (ITR) for last 2–3 years — proves genuine ties to home country
- Property documents or family ties evidence — strengthens return‑intent argument
- Employer NOC (No Objection Certificate) on company letterhead with HR contact
Keep digital copies in a cloud folder (Google Drive, OneDrive) and physical copies in a clear folder. Embassy officers appreciate organised applicants.
Key takeaways
- Sherpa is a third‑party processor — it passes through government fees plus a $10–$30 service fee; it does not issue visas or guarantee approval.
- Consumer eVisa turnaround can be as fast as 12–24 hours for select destinations (Egypt, Kenya, Turkey), but estimates are indicative, not guaranteed.
- Sherpa covers 190+ nationalities and 200+ destinations with daily updates; the interactive map is useful for quick multi‑country planning.
- Sherpa does not process Schengen visas, EU national D‑type work visas, or Canada LMIA‑based work permits. For long‑term EU employment, apply through the member state's official channels.
- Always verify requirements on the destination's official immigration portal before booking — rules change fast (see February 2026 global updates).
Frequently asked questions
How do I check visa requirements on Sherpa?
Go to apply.joinsherpa.com, enter your nationality, destination, and travel purpose. The tool instantly shows visa type, government fee, Sherpa service fee, estimated processing time, and a downloadable document checklist.
What is the Sherpa visa requirements map and how do I use it?
An interactive, colour‑coded world map showing entry rules (visa‑free, eVisa, visa‑on‑arrival, embassy visa) by nationality and destination. Updated daily. Click a country for specific requirements, fees, and processing times. Always verify on the official immigration portal before booking.
Does Sherpa handle Canada work permits or only visitor visas?
Sherpa handles visitor visas (TRV), eTAs, study permits, and some electronic work‑permit streams (e.g., certain IEC categories). It does not process LMIA‑based employer‑specific work permits, PNP applications, or permanent residence. For those, apply directly via IRCC.
What fees does Sherpa charge on top of government visa fees?
Sherpa adds a service fee of $10–$30 per application, varying by partner and visa type. B2B partners pay up to $6.80 per passenger for API integration. Government fees are passed through at cost with no markup. Example: Egypt eVisa $50 gov fee + ~$10–$20 service fee = $60–$70 total.
How long does Sherpa take to process an eVisa application?
12–24 hours for select destinations (Egypt, Kenya, Turkey) when the application is complete. Estimates are sourced from government service standards and Sherpa's submission data — they are indicative, not guaranteed. Peak seasons and policy changes cause delays.
Can I use Sherpa to apply for a Schengen visa for work purposes?
No. Sherpa does not process Schengen Type C or Type D visas. Schengen applications require biometric submission at an embassy/consulate or authorised visa centre. Sherpa can only tell you if you need one and provide the document checklist.
What documents does Sherpa require for a typical eVisa application?
Passport scan (6+ months validity), passport photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements (3 months), travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen), business invitation letter (for business visas), return ticket. Exact list varies by nationality‑destination pair.
Is Sherpa an official government visa service or a third‑party processor?
Sherpa is a third‑party processor. It does not issue visas, set fees, or make approval decisions. It aggregates rules from IATA Timatic and official portals, provides an application interface, and transmits applications to government systems. The 99%+ approval rate reflects platform submissions ultimately approved by governments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees, and processing times change frequently. Always confirm current requirements on the official immigration website of your destination country or with the nearest embassy/consulate before making travel arrangements. Figures marked "official" come from government sources; figures marked "estimated" or "Sherpa claim" are based on Sherpa's public statements as of October 2026 and may not reflect your individual case.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check visa requirements on Sherpa?
Go to apply.joinsherpa.com, enter your nationality, destination, and travel purpose. The tool instantly shows visa type, government fee, Sherpa service fee, estimated processing time, and a downloadable document checklist.
What is the Sherpa visa requirements map and how do I use it?
An interactive, colour‑coded world map showing entry rules (visa‑free, eVisa, visa‑on‑arrival, embassy visa) by nationality and destination. Updated daily. Click a country for specific requirements, fees, and processing times. Always verify on the official immigration portal before booking.
Does Sherpa handle Canada work permits or only visitor visas?
Sherpa handles visitor visas (TRV), eTAs, study permits, and some electronic work‑permit streams (e.g., certain IEC categories). It does not process LMIA‑based employer‑specific work permits, PNP applications, or permanent residence. For those, apply directly via IRCC.
What fees does Sherpa charge on top of government visa fees?
Sherpa adds a service fee of $10–$30 per application, varying by partner and visa type. B2B partners pay up to $6.80 per passenger for API integration. Government fees are passed through at cost with no markup. Example: Egypt eVisa $50 gov fee + ~$10–$20 service fee = $60–$70 total.
How long does Sherpa take to process an eVisa application?
12–24 hours for select destinations (Egypt, Kenya, Turkey) when the application is complete. Estimates are sourced from government service standards and Sherpa's submission data — they are indicative, not guaranteed. Peak seasons and policy changes cause delays.
Can I use Sherpa to apply for a Schengen visa for work purposes?
No. Sherpa does not process Schengen Type C or Type D visas. Schengen applications require biometric submission at an embassy/consulate or authorised visa centre. Sherpa can only tell you if you need one and provide the document checklist.
What documents does Sherpa require for a typical eVisa application?
Passport scan (6+ months validity), passport photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements (3 months), travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen), business invitation letter (for business visas), return ticket. Exact list varies by nationality‑destination pair.
Is Sherpa an official government visa service or a third‑party processor?
Sherpa is a third‑party processor. It does not issue visas, set fees, or make approval decisions. It aggregates rules from IATA Timatic and official portals, provides an application interface, and transmits applications to government systems. The 99%+ approval rate reflects platform submissions ultimately approved by governments.
