What is the difference between a Visa and a Passport?
 

Hey All, :helpsmilie:

I am new to International travel and am starting my research on the required paperwork for a trip my wife and I will take in the summer of 2009. The trip will start in Tallahassee, FL to Cape Town, South Africa (Anchorage, AK fly to Magadan, Russia). Do we need both a Passport and Visa? When should we apply for these documents (need to figure out the countries to visit first I am sure)?

This is probably a no brainer for everyone, sorry.

Erek

Your passport is your wee book with your photo and details in it. A visa is a stamp or sticker that goes on one of the pages of your passport to allow you access to one particular country. Some countries require visas to be arranged in advance (usually by going to the embassy or consulate of that country in your home country), some visas are issued on arrival at your port of entry, some countries do not require you to have a visa to enter.

Welcome to international travel!

Matt :)

[quote=Erek4;163799

Do we need both a Passport and Visa?

[/quote]

Depends.....for the UK about 2 million Immigrants havent :eek3:

Yes, well I guess we British didn't apply for visas either when we first 'visited' quite a few countries... :)
Stephan

i am really suprised about this question.

as stephano explained, passport is your personal ID Book to use abroad and a proof that you are an American Citizen. Visa is issued by the embassies abroad and it is a sort of permit for you to enter this country. You have to apply for the visa in advance most case.

An example for you:
i am Turksih and i am holding a Turkish Passport. if i want to go to USA, i need to go to US embassy in Ankara (the capital of Turkiye) and apply for the US visa and pay 130 bucks and submit a lot of paper work etc... if the embassy officer is sure that i am not a terrorist or there is no any other reason for me to get in to USA, he/she issue me a visa. visa is like a big letter stamp which is sticked on to a page in your passport.

you can also do a google search.

have fun!!

Stay at home in the States - it's got it all
 

No need to be surprised Ozhanu.

I believe that only about 20% of the USA population hold a passport (reportedly). On a population of, say, 400m that = about 80m who can travel internationally (and I suppose that 20% includes their mil, diplomats and all of the international businessmen/women).

Therefore most US citizens never leave continental USA - not too surprising considering the size of the place and that they have every amenity, type of geography and the like that can be imagined.

No need to apologise Erek; the website is a good place to get answers, it is as simple as that.

thanks for the statistics Walkabout ;)

i have met many young US people when i was traveling Europa in my university time, all were lovely, friendly, but, i have seen that many of them have lack of general knowledge.

Passport vs Visa
 

Your passport is issues by the US government. Apply now. Applications are on-line or go to your local Post Office. Once submitted, you should receive your passport in 4-5 weeks. I beleive it is valid for 10 - 15 years.

A visa is a stamp issued by the country you wish to visit. You need to submit your passport to the countries consulant to receive a visa. Generally Visas are good for a very limited time and duration.

Not all countries required visas for a visit - This varies based on you citizenship. US citizans can travel thru out most of Central and South Amercia without a visa (Brazil is an exception), the UK, the EU, etc.

First things first - get a Passport.

Good luck

im not surprised. no offence to any Americans here but a lot of them dont have a clue what is outside the good old US of A. mind you with that much space to explore in your own country its no great surprise.
A mate was over there & got asked where he was from as he had a strange accent, he replies England. American woman then asks what state is that in? :confused1:
others have explained better than i could the differences so i wont try. but welcome & feel free with the daft questions, im new here as well & asking things which must seem as obvious to people yet they have all be friendly.

Passport ... Identification document. Usually required for travel outsides ones' country of residence.

Visa ... Preliminary permit to enter a country for some time, possibly with conditions (no working etc) . 'They' still have the right to refuse entry, but you have eliminated one objection to your entry. Not required everywhere, maybe required for some and not others..

Thanks
 

I just wanted to than all of you for your replys.

Best,

Erek :thumbup1: