When e-gov deals with tourists: the case of visa information

Abstract

While tourism is considered as being mainly a private industry sector, its operation does overlap frequently with public administration. In this paper, the case of visa requirements information is presented, studying how official websites of 165 countries, published by National Tourism Offices or Ministries of Tourism, do cover the requirements for foreigners in order to enter their country as tourists. The considered stakeholders are the foreigners who intend to get necessary info before their travelling abroad, and public bodies devoted to Tourism. It is argued that such information -- its availability, completeness, and currency -- can help to better serve travelers (and prospects), and, by doing so, to better serve own economy and citizens. This paper focuses on the web pages regarding visa information, examining it through a variety of indicators such as visa application process, timing, and document requirements.