What Is a Passport & Visa?

by Nick Lewandowski

Overview

What Is a Passport & Visa?

Passports and visas are your two most important travel documents. Without a passport, you will not be able to leave the United States, and without a visa you will not be able to enter many foreign countries.
What is a Passport?

A passport is a document issued by your country of citizenship that certifies you are eligible to travel internationally. Without a passport, you will not be allowed to leave the United States on international flights.

What is a Visa?

A visa, on the other hand, is issued by the government of the country you are entering. Your visa certifies how long you are allowed to remain in the country and whether you are allowed to work or study.
Applying for a Passport

You can apply for a passport at most U.S. Post Offices. Check the U.S. State Department's website (http://travel.state.gov/passport) for required forms and documents.
Applying for a Visa

You need to apply for a visa at the consulate or embassy of your destination country before you leave the United States. Most embassies have websites listing their visa types and their application requirements.
Visa Exemption Agreements

Many countries, especially in Europe, have visa exemption agreements with the United States. These agreements allow you to remain in those countries as a tourist for up to 30 days as long as you have a valid U.S. passport. To work or study, however, you will still need a visa.