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Difference between Visa and Passport: Check Out Key Differences

By Mayashree Acharya

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Updated on: May 12th, 2025

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2 min read

When embarking on an international trip, there are several documents that you need to keep handy. Among them, the two most important documents include your visa and passport. However, there is a significant difference between the two documents that you might not know. If this is the case with you, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss all the details related to the difference between a visa and a passport. So keep reading to learn more before starting your international trip.

What is Passport?

A Passport is an official travel document that serves as identification and nationality documentation and is granted by governments to their citizens. It is a crucial document for international travel, enabling the holder to enter and depart foreign countries and return home. It comprises personal information such as the holder's name, photograph, date of birth, nationality, and signature.

A passport makes travel more manageable and is a crucial identity document when applying for a visa or opening a bank account. Tourists must confirm that their passport is valid for the trip and satisfies the country's entrance requirements.

What is Visa?

The meaning of a visa is often confused or considered synonymous with a passport. These two are separate documents serving entirely different roles while travelling internationally. Opting for a passport helps you identify as a citizen of your country, while a visa allows a traveller to enter a country for any specific purpose. In essence, it serves the role of officially inviting travellers. 

Usually, visas are fixed inside your passport and help you conduct study, work, and tourism activities. The application process varies depending on where you are travelling. Sometimes, the visa application process involves filling out detailed forms and completing the documentation process. However, in recent days, the introduction of e-visas has made this process smoother, enabling travel to be more accessible than ever. 

What are the Differences between Visa and Passport?

A passport and a visa are essential documents you must carry while travelling abroad. Without this document, you cannot cross the country border you are travelling to. Let us explore all the details related to visa vs passport:

Passport

Visa

A passport is issued by the country you are residing in.A visa is a legal and crucial document issued by the country you are travelling to.
The Ministry of External Affairs issues this legal document comprising all personal details.A visa is a stamp affixed inside your passport only.
The passport acts as proof of valid identity. This legal document reveals the country you belong to.A visa is a crucial document that lets you travel to foreign countries for a specific period.
A passport remains valid for usually five to ten years.The validity of a visa depends on the purpose of your visit to a foreign country. Thus, it ranges from one day to a year or even a decade.
A passport is a document to carry while travelling abroad to prove citizenship.A visa is a legal permission document that you must carry while travelling abroad to prevent facing any serious legal consequences.
This is an essential document to carry in any foreign country.  Visas, however, are not mandatory to carry. It depends on the country you are travelling to.

Passports and visas are important documents for international travel. Your passport is your valid identification proof globally, while visas grant you access to countries for specific purposes. So, if you have plans to travel abroad, carry your passport, visa, and travel insurance and make other preparations for a stress-free journey. 

Other Articles:
1. Passport Renewal – Login - Application for Indian Passport
2. Passport Seva Online Portal - Passport Application made simple
3. How to Check Passport Tracking Status?
4. How to Renew Passport Online and Offline?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a visa without a passport?

No, you cannot get a visa without a valid passport. A visa is a legal, crucial document affixed to a passport or linked to the respective passport number you need while travelling abroad. 

About the Author

I am an advocate by profession and have a keen interest in writing. I write articles in various categories, from legal, business, personal finance, and investments to government schemes. I put words in a simplified manner and write easy-to-understand articles. Read more

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