What’s the difference between a travel visa and a passport?
If you plan to travel internationally, it’s worth knowing the difference between a travel visa and a passport. Which one do you need for your destination? Should you have both?
Here’s a quick guide about travel visas and passports, including how to get them.
What you’ll learn:
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Travel visas and passports are both international travel documents.
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A passport is always required for international travel.
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A travel visa is sometimes required, depending on the destination country, the purpose of the visit and the duration.
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There are multiple types of visas related to tourism, work and business, and education.
Visa vs. passport: Key differences
Travel visas and passports are both documents related to international travel. But they’re not the same. Before going into the details, here are some key differences between visas and passports.
| Travel visa | Passport | |
| Issuer | Destination country’s embassy or consulate | Home country |
| Purpose | Permit to enter and stay in a foreign country | International travel document used for identification |
| When you need it | If the destination country requires a visa for tourism, education, work or other factors |
To enter a foreign country |
| How long it’s valid | Depends on type and destination | Up to 10 years |
What is a passport?
A passport is a document you use to travel to countries outside of the U.S. and to reenter your home country when your trip is over. It’s used as proof of ID and citizenship. The U.S. Department of State issues millions of passports every year to U.S. citizens planning trips abroad.
Types of passport
U.S. passports come in two forms: A passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea or land. A passport card is valid for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
How to get a passport
You can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to learn more about the steps you’ll need to take to get a passport for the first time. But they might include:
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Completing and printing passport forms
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Gathering documents including ID, photos and proof of citizenship
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Paying a passport fee
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Applying in person at a passport acceptance facility, like the post office
You can’t travel abroad with an expired passport. And many countries require travelers to have at least six months before their passport expires. Depending on your travel plans, you might want to renew your passport.
What is a travel visa?
A travel visa is a stamp or document that goes in your passport. It allows the visa holder to enter and stay in another country for a specific reason and time period. Travel visas aren’t always required.
Types of travel visas
Common types of visas include tourist visas, student visas, work visas and transit visas. They’re for visitors to temporarily stay abroad for various reasons, including tourism, education and work.
The requirements can differ based on the country and the traveler’s home country.
How to get a travel visa
You can find out if the country you’re visiting has any specific entry, exit and visa requirements by checking the State Department website.
In most cases, you’ll apply for a visa through the embassy or the consulate of the country you’re visiting. Depending on what’s required, this can be done online or when you arrive. Documents you might need to get a travel visa include a valid passport, a completed visa application and proof of travel arrangements.
Travel visa vs. passport FAQ
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about travel visas vs. passports:
Do I need a travel visa if I have a passport?
In some circumstances, you may need a visa and a passport to travel internationally. The State Department has more information based on destination countries.
How long is a visa or passport valid?
U.S. passports for people who are 16 or older are valid for 10 years. For those under 16, passports are valid for five years.
Every country has its own visa policies, so the length of time a visa is valid will depend on where you’re planning to visit and why you’ll be visiting.
What’s the difference between a passport photo and a visa photo?
In many cases, passport and visa photos follow the same size (2 inches by 2 inches) and format requirements. But not always. The State Department says you can review visa requirements in the Travel Information section for the destination you’re visiting.
Key takeaways: Travel visa vs. passport
All international travel requires a passport. Depending on your destination and the reason for your trip, you might need a visa too.
If you’re headed abroad, you know there’s more to planning a trip than just travel documents. How will you pay for things? Do you have a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees? How can you get through airport security faster?
A travel credit card from Capital One could help you answer those questions—and make your travel more rewarding.
