In this article we will discuss some of the differences between passport and visa. When you are planning to go abroad for any purpose with your family, friends or even alone, you should make sure that you have Passport and Visa. Passport is the most important official document, which one must have for international travel. It is issued by the government to citizens, on their application.
It also serves as proof of identification, as it certifies the identity and nationality of the holder. A visa, on the other hand, is not a separate document but an endorsement on a passport, allowing a person to enter and stay in a country for a certain period of time. Before we move on to some of the differences between a passport and a visa, it’s a good idea to first look at the definitions of a passport and a visa.
Passport Definition
A passport is a legal document that must be taken abroad. It is issued by the government of a country, which authenticates the identity and nationality of the bearer. The passport holder has the right to travel abroad under his protection, to and from other countries.
Passports may vary from country to country. However, in general, it contains the basic details of the holder, namely name, photo, signature, place, date of birth, and physical characteristics. In addition, the passport number, country code, issue date and expiration date of the passport are also mentioned in it. It acts as proof of citizenship, and the passport holder can enter the country that issued it. The validity period of the passport is ten years, after which it can be extended.
Currently, biometric passports are issued by many countries, in which a microchip is embedded in the passport, which contains biometric information. It is machine readable and cannot be faked. Different types of passports include ordinary passports, official passports and diplomatic passports.
Visa Definition
A visa can be described as a temporary legal authorization granted by the immigration official of a country to a person who is from another country, signifying that the details of the person have been confirmed, and he is permitted to enter and stay in that country, for the specified.
The permit is conditional and is based on the approval of the immigration officer at the time of entry of the actual foreigner. Officers have the right to grant or deny entry to foreign nationals.
The visa contains details such as the period of stay of the foreign national, where he is allowed to enter, the date when he can enter, the number of visits allowed, etc. There are different types of visas issued for various purposes, such as tourist visas, transit visas, student visas, business visas, visas for medical reasons, temporary worker visas, etc.
Key Differences Between Passport and Visa
Here’s a summary The differences between passport and visa are explained below:
- A passport can be described as an official travel document issued by the government of a country to its citizens on an application, which allows them to travel internationally, by authenticating the identity and nationality of the bearer. On the other hand, a visa implies a conditional authorization granted to a foreign national by a representative of the country, which allows the bearer to visit and stay in that country for a certain period of time.
- A passport serves as the bearer’s personal identification, whereas a visa amounts to an official permit, to travel or remain within the country.
- Passports can be in the form of legal documents, while visas are affixed to the passport, like a stamp.
- Passport is an important document needed to identify a person when he/she travels abroad, and is also required to re-enter his/her home country. Instead, a visa must enter and stay in a foreign country.
- The government of a country from which a person has a passport issue. On the other hand, the official representative of the country where someone wants to visit visa issues.
- There are certain government departments, in each country that issue passports. Unlike, the country’s embassy or consulate has the authority to issue visas.
Conclusion: In short, a passport is a document used to identify a person, when he or she travels to another country, whereas a visa is an official permit granted by a representative of a country to enter and stay in that country. Without these two documents, no one can travel abroad.
