---
title: What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa?
description: Wondering about the difference between a passport and a visa? Be sure you know the different between a visa and a passport because you may need both.
---

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# 2015 Old Blog

# What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa?

Posted by [Aneesah Ali](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/aneesah-ali) on Nov 11, 2014 3:36:22 AM

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Traveling soon and need to know the difference between a passport and a visa? Before traveling, be sure you know the differences between a passport and a visa because you may need both.

## 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](http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html) 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.

Have questions about how to obtain an international travel visa? [Contact us today](http://www.visanow.com/contact-us/) to discuss how VISANOW can help.

 Topics: [Work-Based Visas](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/visas-for-businesses), [Personal and Family Visas](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/individual-visas)

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