Understand visa systems
around the world.
VisaWatch is a research and data initiative tracking visa systems and international mobility across countries and over time.
We bring together data and analysis on visa requirements, application outcomes, costs, processing systems and policy changes to make information about international mobility easier to find, compare and understand.
An initiative of the Systems Policy Institute
What we track
VisaWatch brings together information on the rules, outcomes, costs and administrative systems that shape international mobility.
Requirements & Exemptions
Visa requirements, exemptions, visa-free arrangements and other conditions governing entry across countries and nationalities.
Applications & Outcomes
Applications, visas issued, approvals, refusals and other available indicators of visa application outcomes.
Fees & Costs
Government application fees and other documented costs associated with visa processes.
Processing & Infrastructure
Consular networks, processing locations, visa application centres, administrative arrangements and available processing indicators.
Policy Changes
Changes to visa requirements, fees, procedures, processing arrangements and related mobility policies.
Mobility Pathways
Visitor, student, work, research, business and other visa and international mobility routes.
Data, monitoring and analysis.
VisaWatch combines structured data, policy monitoring and accessible analysis to provide a clearer view of how visa and international mobility systems operate and change over time.
Data
Comparative and longitudinal data on visa requirements, applications and outcomes, costs, processing systems and other dimensions of international mobility.
Policy Tracker
Monitoring significant changes to visa requirements, fees, processing arrangements and related mobility policies.
Insights
Research, data stories and analysis that place visa and mobility developments in context.
New datasets, indicators and analysis are released progressively as the VisaWatch platform expands.
Supporting scientific mobility
International research depends on the ability of scientists, scholars and research professionals to participate in conferences, collaborations, fieldwork, training and other forms of scientific exchange.
VisaWatch works with scientific organizations and research institutions to strengthen the evidence available on the visa and mobility conditions affecting international research and scientific collaboration.
The geography of U.S. visa refusal.
Refusal rates vary dramatically by country of application. Explore the full interactive map on the Data page.
Explore the data →Work with VisaWatch
VisaWatch works with universities, research institutions, scientific organizations, international organizations, governments, foundations and other organizations interested in strengthening the evidence base on visas and international mobility.
Research & Data Partnerships
Research collaboration, comparative datasets, methodological work, joint initiatives and data partnerships.
Media & Policy Enquiries
Data, background information and research relevant to reporting, policy analysis and public discussion.
Mobility Intelligence & Advisory
Tailored analysis, strategy and advisory support for organizations with specific international mobility needs, through Econalis Global.