Visa vs. Passport: What Is the Difference?

Visa vs. passport. What is the difference?

If you’re traveling soon and need to know the difference between a passport and a visa, we have you covered. Before traveling, know the differences between a passport and a visa because you may need both.

What is a Passport?

The main difference between a passport and a visa is that a passport is issued to a country’s citizens for international travel and identification.

• A passport is used to verify one’s country of citizenship and, if traveling outside one’s country, to regain entry into one’s country of citizenship.
• Passports include your photo, name, birth date, gender and physical characteristics.
• Some countries only require a passport for re-entry for U.S. citizens, while others may require a visa before entry. You should confirm if a country-specific visa is required before traveling.
• Diplomats and government officials are granted different passports than what’s given to regular travelers.

What is a Passport?

The main difference between a visa and a passport is that a visa is an endorsement placed within a passport that grants the holder official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time period.

• The most common visa types are tourist, student, work and transit visas.
• Depending on where you are traveling, a visa can be valid for single or multiple visits.
• Some visas require an application to be filed before entering the country, and other visas are granted upon entering the country.
• Certain countries require an interview or medical screening before applying for a visa.

To recap, there are critical distinctions between a passport and a visa. Learn more about U.S. visas or explore additional immigration resources from Envoy Global!