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Difference Between Visa and Passport

Q: What documents are needed for a passport?

List of documents required to apply for a new passport1. Proof of Address.2. Proof of Date of Birth.3. Photo ID proof.4. Passport-size photographs.

TeamAckoSept 29, 2025

Planning an international journey at times becomes confusing, and one of those confusing things is often the documents. There are two terms that you will hear all the time: passport and visa. The two could seem like they are the same at first because both play a crucial role in foreign travel, but they play very distinct roles.

A passport verifies who you are, and a Visa gives you permission to visit another country. If you have ever thought about how exactly they are different, read on to explore.

Difference between Visa and Passport

Contents

Key Differences Between Passport and Visa
Understanding Passport and Visa in Different Travel Scenarios
What is a Passport?
- Types of Indian passports
What is a Visa?
How Do Passport and Visa Work Together?
Some Common Misconceptions Regarding Passport and Visa
Things to Keep in Mind About Visa and Passport
Final words
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Differences Between Passport and Visa

Point	Passport	Visa
What is it?	Proof that you are a citizen of a particular country.	Permission from another country to enter and stay for a set time.
Who gives it?	Issued by your own government (in India, the Ministry of External Affairs).	Issued by the embassy/consulate of the country you want to visit.
Main role	Acts as your international ID to travel abroad.	Tells you what you’re allowed to do abroad – tourism, study, work, etc.
How long does it last?	Usually valid for 5 or 10 years, then needs renewal.	Depends on the country and type – can be a few days, months, or longer.
When you need it?	Required for all trips outside India.	Required only if the destination country asks for it.
How does it look?	A booklet with your photo, personal details, and unique number.	A stamp, sticker, or digital entry linked to your passport.

Tip: Always get travel insurance before planning any international trip to ensure a stress-free journey.

Understanding Passport and Visa in Different Travel Scenarios

To better grasp the practical application of passports and visas, let's explore various scenarios and examples that illustrate their significance in international travel.

Scenario 1: Travelling within the same country

Example: A UK citizen decides to take a domestic trip from London to Edinburgh. In this case, a passport is not required since both cities are part of the United Kingdom. A government-issued ID or driver's license would suffice for identification during the journey.

Scenario 2: International travel with visa-exempt countries

Example: An individual from the UK plans a short vacation in France. As both countries are part of the European Union's Schengen Area, UK citizens can travel visa-free to France for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Therefore, the UK passport alone is sufficient for entry and exit.

Scenario 3: International travel requiring a visa

Example: A UK citizen intends to visit China for tourism purposes. In this case, the traveler must apply for a Chinese tourist visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in the UK before the trip. Once approved, the visa will be stamped inside the passport, allowing entry into China for the specified duration and purpose of travel.

Scenario 4: Long-term work assignment abroad

Example: An individual from the UK secures a job offer in the United States. To work legally in the US, the individual needs to obtain a work visa, such as an H-1B visa, from the US embassy or consulate in the UK. The work visa will be affixed to the passport and will determine the individual's authorized period of stay for employment.

Scenario 5: Student exchange programme

Example: A student from India is accepted into a university in the UK for a semester-long exchange program if the student obtains a UK student visa from the UK embassy or consulate in India before traveling. The student visa will be placed inside the passport, allowing the student to study in the UK for the specified period.

Explore More: Travel Insurance for UK

What is a Passport?

A passport is a government travel document issued by the Government of India identifying you as a national of the country. It contains your personal information, such as:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Photograph

• Passport number

• Place and date of issue

Think of it as your overseas identity card. You can't legally leave India or go to any other country without a passport.

Types of Indian passports

Passports are also in varying categories:

• Ordinary Passport (Blue): For normal citizens going abroad for tourism, studies, or employment.

• Official Passport (White): Given to government officers going abroad on work.

• Diplomatic Passport (Maroon): For diplomats and senior government officials.

A passport is generally valid for 10 years (for an adult) and needs to be renewed upon expiry.

Read More: How to Apply for Passport Online in India – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Visa?

A visa is an authorisation issued by the embassy or consulate of another country to enter their territory for a particular purpose and period of time. It is generally stamped or glued on an inside page of your passport.

Visas are not the same worldwide. Various nations issue varying types of visas, including:

• Tourist Visa: For holidays or visiting relatives for a short while.

• Student Visa: For pursuing studies at a foreign university.

• Work Visa: For employment abroad.

• Transit Visa: For transit through a country to reach another country.

Every visa clearly states the duration of stay permissible and whether it is single-entry or multiple-entry.

How Do Passport and Visa Work Together?

Here's how they work together:

• The passport is your identification card, demonstrating where you're from.

• The visa is the visitor's pass, indicating the host nation has granted you entry.

Both are required in most situations. For instance, if you're an Indian visiting the USA, you need to carry an Indian passport and get a US visa. But for a few places like Nepal or Bhutan, Indians do not require a visa. They just require a valid passport (or, in the case of Bhutan, even a voter ID will do).

Planning an overseas getaway? Secure your journey with International Travel Insurance for complete peace of mind.

Some Common Misconceptions Regarding Passport and Visa

When it comes to international travel, passports and visas are pretty common. But sometimes, there are a few misunderstandings that can cause problems. Let's go over some of the most common ones to help clear things up.

A passport replaces the need for a visa

No, your passport alone doesn't work like a universal key to all countries. It's a bit like your ID card for the world, but it doesn't automatically grant you entry everywhere. So always check the visa requirements of your destination country and apply for the right visa.

Visas are universal for all countries

Visas are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each country has its own visa policies based on bilateral agreements, security concerns, and diplomatic relations. Visa requirements differ from one country to another, so it's essential to research and understand the specific visa regulations for your destination.

Passports and visas are permanent

Passports and visas have expiration dates. If you assume that you can use them indefinitely, you are wrong! Passports are Valid for a set number of years and must be renewed after their expiration. However, visas have limited validity, and you must ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your stay in the destination country.

Overlooking transit visa requirements

Travellers transiting through a country to reach their final destination may assume they don't need a visa. However, some countries require transit visas, even if you don't leave the airport. So, don’t forget to obtain the necessary transit visa, as it could lead to complications during your journey.

Assuming visa-free entry for all purposes

Visa-free entry does not permit any type of activity in the destination country. For instance, a visa-free tourist stay may not allow you to work, study, or engage in business activities. Always verify the allowed activities under visa-free status to avoid violating the country's immigration rules.

Ignoring visa processing times

Always apply for a visa well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you might end up feeling stressed out. Depending on where you're going and what kind of visa you need, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to process a visa. So, to avoid any complications, it's best to apply well in advance.

Expecting immediate approval

Obtaining a visa is a formal process that must be carefully reviewed by immigration officials. It is subjected to rigorous scrutiny, and approval timelines can vary. So, if you think you will be able to get your visa right away, think again.

Also Read: List of E-visa countries for Indians in 2025

Things to Keep in Mind About Visa and Passport

Here is a brief overview of a couple of things you should know.

• Always verify the visa requirements of your destination well in advance.

• Maintain your passport valid for at least six months after your travel dates, since many countries require this.

• Forging or losing your passport while travelling abroad is a huge problem. That's why having good travel insurance (from providers like ACKO) helps cover such unfortunate events.

• Never overstay your visa since it may result in fines, deportation, or even a ban on future travel.

Final words

The passport is your individual identity on the international platform, whereas the visa is authorisation from another country to visit. Both documents complement each other and are essential for safe and trouble-free travel abroad.

So, before you book your next foreign trip, ensure that your passport is valid and check the visa requirements of the country you are travelling to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions on passport and visa differences.

Can I renew or extend my visa?

Visa renewal and extension policies differ from country to country. Some visas can be renewed or extended under certain circumstances, while others may require the traveller to leave the country and apply for a new visa.

Do all countries require visas for entry?

No, not all countries require visas for entry. Some countries have visa exemption agreements with certain nations, allowing passport holders from those countries to visit visa-free for a limited duration.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival?

Some countries offer visas on arrival for specific nationalities. However, to avoid any issues, it's essential to check the visa requirements of your destination before travelling.

Is it possible to have multiple valid visas on one passport?

Yes, in some cases, a passport can have multiple valid visas for different countries. However, it's crucial to understand the terms of each visa and the entry requirements of the respective countries.

How many countries can we travel to visa-free as Indians?

Indian citizens can travel to 36 countries visa-free.

Is Dubai visa-free for Indians?

No, you need to apply for a visa to Dubai.

What documents are needed for a visa?

1. An original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
2. A passport-size photo.
3. ID proof.

What documents are needed for a passport?

List of documents required to apply for a new passport
1. Proof of Address.
2. Proof of Date of Birth.
3. Photo ID proof.
4. Passport-size photographs.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.