Passports and Visas

11/9/2018 5:58:31 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Two critical travel documents that you will likely need if you travel internationally are a passport and a visa. Let’s look at the differences between these two documents.

What are passports and visas?

Your passport is a document issued by your home country to show proof of your citizenship. It is used to re-enter your country after traveling internationally. It is also required by many countries for you to enter as a visitor.

A visa, on the other hand, is issued by the country you wish to visit. It authorizes you to be in the country as a visitor, usually for a specific time period that corresponds to your planned travel dates. It is generally a stamp in your passport. Not every country requires a visa for entry.

How do I get them?

In order to apply for a US passport, you need to submit a form and a photo, and provide proof of US citizenship.

In order to apply for a visa, you generally need to submit your passport, a photo, and a visa application to the appropriate government agency for the country you wish to visit. Usually that is an embassy or a consulate in your own country. Your passport will be sent back to you with your visa.

Both of these can be lengthy processes, so you need to start well before you want to travel. There are also fees associated with getting both a passport and a visa. 

Those are the basics about passports and visas. The most important thing for you to know is that if you are planning an international trip, Globe Travel can help you determine the travel documents you need, as well as help you secure (or even expedite) passports and visas. Give us a call!