What is the Difference Between Passport and Visa?

Posted on: Apr 5, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is the Difference Between Passport and Visa?

Meet Rahul, who is planning his first international trip to Japan. He wants to prepare his travel documents, but being a first-time traveller, all the technicalities are confusing him. If you find yourself in Rahul's shoes, this article is for you. Your travel planning starts with arranging the two most popular travel documents—your passport and your visa.

Let’s understand the difference between passport and visa.

What is a passport?

This is your mandatory companion on your foreign trip.

A passport is your official identification issued by the government of your home country. This compact booklet has a unique identification number and includes all your details, like your name, date of birth, and nationality.

In India, passports come in various colours –

• The blue passport (also known as Type P) for citizens travelling for personal or business purposes

• White passports for government officials

• Maroon or diplomatic passports for diplomats

• The orange passport (now discontinued) for individuals with limited educational qualifications

What is a visa?

This is not your national identity but a lawful authorisation to enter the country legally for the stated purpose and duration. A visa, issued by the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit, is a stamped or stickered endorsement placed within your passport.

Visas also come in various types –

• Tourist visas to facilitate your travel trips

• Business visas for your work-related journeys

• Student visas for your academic pursuits

• Transit visas to ease layovers in a country

What is the difference between passport and visa?

Let's take a closer look at the difference between passport and visa

1. Origin:

You get your passport from your own country, while a visa comes from the country you plan to visit.

2. Purpose:

Your passport proves your identity, while a visa permits you to enter a specific country.

3. Validity:

Passports last several years, while visas can be valid for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the type and country.

4. Need:

While a passport is mandatory for every foreign trip, some countries offer visa-free entry with just a passport.

Conclusion

Both passports and visas are necessary for international travel. Ensure you have all the documents in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. But don’t forget that unforeseen circumstances can happen even with the best planning—trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. That’s where travel insurance from HDFC Ergo comes to your rescue.

Where your passport and visa open doors to new adventures abroad, international travel insurance provides protection and peace of mind when you are abroad.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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