Difference between a passport and a visa |
Are you applying for a passport or visa? If you are not a frequent traveller, the more formal parts of the process may seem a bit daunting. We have looked into where some of the confusion may stem from, and answered some of the more frequently asked questions regarding the difference between passport and visa.
What is the difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport and visa, although often required together for international travel, are not the same document. In short, the difference between a passport and a visa is that one is a form of identification, and the other is an official entry permission slip.
The passport
A Passport is a legal and official document issued in the name of a registered citizen of a country. It is used for travel between various countries.
It also certifies the nationality and identity of the person in whose name the passport is issued.
Some countries allow for dual citizenship, and subsequently, an individual may possess two passports.
The visa
A Visa, on the other hand, is an official pre-approved permission document required by a destination country, allowing entry to a foreign individual.
A visa will allow you access to the country, and a limit is set to the amount of time you are permitted to visit.
It must be applied for, granted/approved, and paid for before boarding the flight to your destination.
Some countries require a visa on arrival. This is a slightly different process. A Visa on Arrival is exactly that. Once you arrive at the destination country, you may apply for your Visa.
This eliminates the need for long queues and paperwork to be completed before leaving on your journey.
Do you need a visa if you have a passport?
This varies according to the passport you own and where you are travelling to.
Some countries allow access to holders of specific passports without any Visa requirements.
For example, holders of a Singaporean passport are allowed visa-free travel to 113 different countries in the world.
Although this is not the most powerful passport in the world in terms of the number of countries it allows access to, it does give access to the highest number of countries without any visa requirements.
Some countries prefer not to allow any foreigners free entry across their borders.
If you are looking at renewing your British passport visit our website and click apply online now for the simplest way to renew.
What is the purpose of a visa?
The main purpose of a visa is to regulate the flow of visitors in and out of a country.
A visa also allows the host country to monitor the time spent in a country and avoid illegal immigration or criminal intentions.
It is, in essence, a means of control on the number of visitors, their total length of stay, and how frequently they visit.
From an economic point, it also allows for data accumulation, which indicates the total contribution that tourism has made to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This gives the country imperative data to adjust its strategy and promote tourism to the area, which in turn affects its economy, currency strength, and overall wealth.
There are many types of visas. Some of these are:
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Travel Visa
- Refugee/Asylum Visa
- Spousal Visa
- Medical Visa
Each requires certain documentation upon application, and the limitations vary according to which Visa is issued.
For example, if a travel visa is issued, you will by no means be permitted to work in the country. This can result in a visa being revoked, and you being deported.
There could be a further consequence, such as being banned from re-entering the country either for a set period or permanently. This is up to each host countries discretion.
Why do some countries allow Visa-Free entry?
Entry into each nation of the world is dependent on agreements in place between them.
The agreements to allow travel between two countries or regions, include:
- Visa-Free Entry
- Visa on Arrival, and
- Visa Required.
Visa-Free Entry means that there is an agreement in place with the destination country and your home country allowing free entry with only your passport.
Visa-On-Arrival means that you require a Visa for entry into the destination country, however, you will not need to apply for this before you arrive, but rather upon arrival.
Visa-required means that you will need to have your visa approved before arriving at the destination country.
What does a Visa look like?
Visas are usually either a stamp or a small piece of paper glued to one of the pages in your passport. You can expect to find the following information on your Visa:
- your name,
- your place of Birth,
- your passport number,
- the date on which your visa will expire, and
- the reason you are traveling to the country that has issued your visa.
In other instances, an eVisa may be issued. This is a digital Visa registration linked to your passport number on the issuing countries immigration system.
Although there will be no Visa stamp present in your physical passport, you will have a printable document that will be used at border security to locate the electronic version of your Visa.
It is a good idea to always check on the requirements of the country you wish to visit.
Traveling without a visa when it is required, will cost you a futile trip and much disappointment.
Be sure to do some proper research before hopping on a jetplane to your next adventure.
To be prepared make sure you renew your British Passport before traveling. Visit MyBritishPassport for quick and simple British Passport renewals.
Need more information about the difference between a passport and a visa? The Infographic below should help answer your questions.
Recent UK Visa Trends: What You Should Know
In 2024, the UK issued 956,000 non-visit visas-a 33% drop from 2023 – driven by stricter immigration rules, such as higher salary thresholds and limits on dependants (UK Home Office). The most dramatic decline was in the health and care sector, where visa grants fell by 81%. Meanwhile, family-related visas rose by 7%, reflecting shifting immigration priorities.
Understanding these changes is essential when planning travel or relocation, especially when distinguishing between needing just a passport versus also requiring a visa.
