What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa

Traveling soon and need to know the difference between a passport and a visa? Before traveling, be sure you 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. If traveling outside your country, it is used to regain entry into your country of citizenship.
• Passports includes a photo of you, your name, birth date, gender and physical characteristics.
• For U.S. citizens, some countries only require a passport for re-entry. Other countries 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 Visa?

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 prior to entering the country and other visas are granted upon entering the country.
• Certain countries require an interview or medical screening prior to applying for a visa.

Seeking immigration services for individuals? Follow this link to learn more about acquiring non-employment-based visas. Have questions about how to obtain an international travel visa?