Knowing Passport And Visa

          When traveling between different countries, a passport is required to gain access and cross the country’s borders. The purpose of a passport is to show other nations that you are a legal citizen of your particular nation of origin. For example, if you are American and want to enter the United Kingdom, you must show customs your passport in the United Kingdom to prove that you are a U.S. citizen before they will allow you entry. Essentially, a passport asks other nations permission for you to cross their borders and become a part of their culture, even if it is temporary. Most passports contain your photograph, name and birth date, along with your nation of origin and a signature. American passports typically last for ten years, and the expiration date is clearly shown on the inside cover. Every country has specific guidelines in terms of getting a passport. The laws are different from country to country, so it is best to find out what is required before attempting to get one. If you’re traveling somewhere that a passport is required, travel insurance is recommended in the event the passport gets lost or stolen.
Visas are another document designed to allow people access into other countries. The difference between a visa and a passport is: a visa specifies certain reasons why that person will be staying in the country. It also specifies a certain time frame. Most of the time, visas are granted to people who work or plan to attend school in a nation for a select amount of time. It is really a supplement to the passport, since both are required at the same time. The visa is usually stapled or attached to the passport and shown at the time of entry into another country. Most visas have time limits, and typically that time extends to about six months. People can request that their visa be extended in certain circumstances, but there are usually strict requirements one must meet before getting a time extension. Just like passports, a travel insurance policy is recommended in case the paperwork is misplaced.
Passports are a form of legitimate identity, mainly because of the procedure that people must follow in order to get one. Most countries require an original birth certificate as proof of citizenship and identification. There is also a fee and a waiting period, along with other requirements. This process ensures that people applying are able to supply positive identification. The true reason behind passports and visas are to protect the people living in their native countries from foreigners who may be terrorists or illegal immigrants that cannot provide proof of their national origin. They have been in use for decades, and have proven to be an effective way to help keep unwanted visitors out. It can be considered a global identification system, since they are used in just about every country in the world. Passports and visas keep us safe and allow us to see and travel the world.

The significant differences between them both are:

What is a Passport?

A passport is issued to a country’s citizens for international travel and identification. It 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.

• A passport includes a photo of you, your name, birthdate, 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?

• A visa is an endorsement placed on a passport granting 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.