Last Updated on January 16, 2025
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?
A passport allows a country’s citizens to travel internationally and provides identification, whereas a visa grants permission to enter and stay in a foreign country. The key difference between a passport and a visa is that the individual’s home country issues a passport for identification and travel. In contrast, a visa is issued by the destination country to allow entry and stay. Here are some key benefits of a passport:
- A passport verifies your country of citizenship and allows you to regain entry into your home country when traveling abroad.
- 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. Before traveling, confirm if you need a country-specific visa.
- 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. Visas grant holders official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time. Some key benefits and considerations of a visa include the following:
- 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.
- In some countries, you must apply for visas before entry, while others grant visas upon arrival.
- Certain countries require an interview or medical screening before applying for a visa.
Envoy Global Recaps the Difference Between a Visa vs. a Passport
To recap, there are critical distinctions between a passport vs a visa. Envoy Global offers a comprehensive platform with an experienced immigration team to help you manage your immigration needs. We assist teams in determining whether employees need a passport or a visa for international travel and identify the specific visa types required for different countries. Learn more about U.S. visas or explore additional immigration resources from Envoy Global!
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
