Passports vs. Visas: Understanding the Difference

by Debrah
(Runnemede, NJ)

Most people know when they are traveling to a foreign country they need to have a passport although they may not understand what it actually is. Most people also understand that some countries also require a visa though they may not understand the difference between the two or why it is necessary. The passport acts as your identification when you are traveling abroad.

Passport vs. Visa: Primary Difference

While there are other differences between passports and visas and different types within each category, the main difference between the two is rather simple. The home country of the travel issues a passport giving him or her permission to travel to another country. While the traveler may need to inform the receiving country about the length of the stay, the passport itself is good for ten years.

A visa means another country is giving a traveler permission to stay in that country for any number of reasons but is usually for a specific period of time. For instance, a traveler may need a visa to stay in another country while he waits for an airline flight to his final destination. While some countries only require travelers to possess a passport, other countries require a visa as well. You need to make of the policies of the country you are visiting before you leave home.

Types of Passports

There are several different types of passports, but most people are more familiar with what is called the tourist passport. This passport is issued to citizens who are traveling abroad.

An official passport is also called a service passport and its purpose is for government employees to travel abroad for government business.

A diplomat passport is issued to consuls or diplomats of foreign countries for work-related travel abroad. Owners of these passports also need to obtain visas in those countries that require them.

People who lose their passports while in a foreign country can obtain a temporary or emergency passport. They are only good for a short period and are intended to allow tourists to return to their country.

Family passports are issued to entire families instead of having individual passports for each member.

Types of Visas

Like the passport, there are several different types of visas as well.

Tourist visa is issued for the purpose of tourism.
A transit visa is good for a maximum of 5 days and is issued to allow people to pass through a country while on their way to a third destination.

A business visa is for businessmen who travel to some countries for the purpose of conducting commercial activities.

Temporary worker visa is issued to temporary employees working in a foreign country.

Student visas are issued to students who are attending school in a foreign country.

Make sure you do your homework in advance before you leave on any trip. You don't want to be stuck in a foreign country without the right paperwork or – worse – find out you wasted money on a trip you can't actually embark on!

About the Author: Deborah is a full-time writer and blogger with a passion for travel. She also enjoys writing about careers in healthcare and is currently completing work on a career guide for an ultrasound technician site.