It is always exciting for the first time experience, especially traveling abroad. Surely, the first thing needed is a passport and visa for the legal travel documents. However, not many first travelers understand the differences between a passport and visa.
They are indeed different. Which one is more important to take for traveling? It depends on the destination. Perhaps it needs a passport, a visa, or even both. This article will show you a detail explanation about the differences between passport and visa.
A Passport Definition and How to get it
1. Definition
A passport is a legal document consisting of identification issued by the government. The identification includes name, address, birth date, and place, as well as the photo. There are also some blank pages for travel stamps which will be stamped by the immigration officials for approval whenever you come and go from a different country.
Each passport has different requirements for destinations. Although it is not needed to bring a passport, you still need to show your identification to enter the country to prove the nationality.
There is a Schengen Agreement you need to know. It is issued in 1985 and agrees that all people can travel freely between 26 countries without a passport. However, the safest is you bring your passport whether it is needed or not. At least it can be your identification to show at the immigration and customs officials.
2. How to Get a Passport
There are some steps you need to do for getting a passport. Surely, first of all, go to the immigration office and bring the documents related to proofing your citizenship such as birth certificate, identity card or driver’s license, naturalization certificate, and certificate of citizenship. A passport is valid for ten years since it is issued. If the period ends, you can always renew it.
A Visa Definition and How to get it
1. Definition
A visa is another official travel document that is issued by the foreign department to allow the user to enter other countries. The duration of validity varies from 10, 30, 60 days or even longer. The visa can also be expired. If the visa expires, the user cannot stay in a foreign country any longer. The visa requirements are different from one country to the next one. There are several kinds of visas that may be needed in some countries, such as an employment visa, business visa, or student visa.
Once more, the visa needed and the requirement depends on the country. In the U.S, the tourism and business visa lasts for 90 days for some countries such as Canada, Mexico, Europe, and South America. However, if the U.S. citizens go to the United Kingdom for business and vacation, they can stay up to six months without a visa.
2. How to Get a Visa
The visa can be obtained through the government-related. You can go to the official website or the embassy of the country you aim for further information about the visa application. Some countries allow you to apply through an e-visa online such as Turkey and India. However, in some countries, you need to complete a visa application form in person.
Also Read : How to Easily Pass The Interview for Passport and Visa Applications
The costs of visas vary in each country and depend on the type. For instance, a Chinese tourist visa for the U.S. citizen costs $140, Nigeria costs $160 and Russia costs the most expensive at $270.
From the explanation above, the main difference between the passport and visa is a passport issued by the citizen’s government and a visa is issued by the foreign country targeted. It is sometimes confusing, so you need to surf online before to do the research for the destination country. Don’t forget if it is ready, also surf the Airpaz website to book the flights and enjoy the promo tickets to some foreign countries.
