What is a Visa? Difference between a Visa and a Passport

Travelling is something that is loved by all. While travelling within a particular country doesn’t require much documentation, visiting an international destination does require some legal document that offers entry into that particular destination.

For an international destination, there are specifically two legal documents required to receive entry into that place. One is your visa, and the other is a passport. Often, we find ourselves confused between the two legal documents. But they both hold separate importance. Thus, in this article, let’s list down what is a visa, and what is the difference between a visa and a passport.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a country to a foreigner, thus allowing them to enter, remain within, or leave that country.

A visa usually comprises of the individual duration of stay, territory within the country they might enter, the dates, number of permitted visits, and the individuals right to work in the country in question.

Each visa issue is subject yo entry permission by an immigration official at the time of entry and can be withdrawn at any time. A visa mostly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant’s passport or another travel document.

Once you apply for a visa and it has been issued by the immigration official, a visitor may also be required to undergo security or health checks upon the arrival of the visa.

Nowadays, there are many travel agencies that provide online visa services to multiple country’s. Although visa company may charge a different fee, travel agencies do tend to offer some affordable rates but may require all the legal documents at once. Thus, when you apply for a visa online, it is necessary that you have all of your papers in place and then apply for visa.

Additionally, a visa is available in different types such as:

  • Single Entry Visas
  • Multiple Entry Visas
  • Business Visa
  • Work Visa
  • Tourist Visa
  • Residence Visa
  • Electronic Visa

Each country might have a different set of legal documents that are required to be submitted. Thus, it is imperative that one reads about all the necessary documents before you go ahead and apply for visa.

What is a Passport?

When travelling between different countries, a passport is required to gain access and cross the country’s borders. The primary purpose of a passport is to show other nations that you are a legal citizen of your particular nation of origin.

Essentially, a passport asks other nations permit for you to cross their borders, even if it is for a short period. Most passports contain your photograph, name, and birth date along with your nation of origin and a signature.

The expiration date of each passport is shown on the inside cover. Every country-specific guidelines regarding getting a passport. If you’re travelling somewhere that a passport is required, travel insurance is recommended in the event the passport gets lost or stolen.

In conclusion, the true reason behind passports and visas are to protect the people living in their native countries from foreigners who may be illegal immigrants. They have been in use for a long time, and have proven to be an efficient way to help keep unwanted visitors out. It is considered a global identification system as they are used in just about every country in the world.

A Digital Marketing Expert with 7+ years of experience. He's written for a variety of articles on Automobiles, Real Estate & Technology and Travel. When he's not online, he enjoys watching movies, reading books and go for long bike ride with his team Mean Machines Battalion