How to get a travel visa

Before visiting a foreign country, you may need a travel visa. Unlike a passport, a visa grants you permission to enter and stay in a single country for a set amount of time. Visas and passports are related. But a major difference is where they come from: Home countries issue passports, and destination countries issue visas.

What you’ll learn:

• A passport is a government-issued document used for international travel that confirms the holder’s identity. 

• A travel visa is documentation proving the holder has permission to visit, work in, or study in another country for a specified period.

• Visas might be placed within passports via stamps or stickers, but there are also digital versions. 

• Travel visa requirements differ by country.

A travel visa, which is often stamped into a passport, proves that a foreign citizen has permission to visit another country. Countries may have different types of visas. Some countries offer digital options, like electronic visas (e-visas) and electronic travel authorizations (ETAs). An ETA isn’t technically a visa, but it serves a similar purpose.

The State Department provides travel advisories for foreign countries. If you’re going abroad, you use its website to find your destination. Country-specific pages have more information about visa requirements.

Countries might issue different types of travel visas based on the nature of your visit: 

• Tourist visa: Sometimes called a visit visa, these visas might allow you to visit another country for a few days to 3 months or longer.

• Work visa: Gives you the ability to work and earn a paycheck in another country.

• Business visa: Unlike a work visa, these tend to be issued for short-term visits for meetings and conferences.

• Student visa: If you’re enrolled in school, a student visa may give you the right to stay in another country for academic or vocational studies, or both.

Every country has its own visa requirements and application process. Regardless of where you’re headed, here are some steps that could help you prepare for international travel: 

1. Check passport expiration: Many countries require passports to be valid for 3 or even 6 months beyond your planned departure date. 

2. Check your passport visa pages: The State Department says some countries could deny entry if you don’t have at least two blank pages.

3. Research entry requirements: Beyond visa requirements, checking vaccination rules and currency restrictions could help prepare you too.

4. Apply for a visa: Some countries have online visa applications. But others might require you to apply in person at places such as embassies.

When leaving the U.S., you’ll need a passport to enter another country and return home. You may or may not need a visa, depending on the country you visit. 

Your passport contains personal identifying information, including your name, birth date, passport number and photo. A visa permits you to enter a country for a specified period and for a specific purpose, such as a job. To obtain a visa, you have to provide certain information, such as how long you intend to stay if your visa is approved.

Planning your trip raises a lot of logistics questions, especially when it comes to entry requirements. Here are answers to some common questions travelers ask about visa applications, processing and costs.

A travel visa may be required if you intend to work, study or travel in a foreign country. As you plan your trip, the State Department’s website could give you a better idea of visa and travel requirements.

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