visa
VEE-zuh
/ˈviːzə/
An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.
A temporary permit, distinct from permanent residency or citizenship.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'charta visa', meaning 'paper that has been seen'. It refers to the fact that the document has been inspected and approved by officials.
Word relationships
- permit: A general term for an official document allowing something, while a visa is specific to international travel.
Commonly confused with
- passport: A passport proves who you are; a visa proves you have permission to enter a specific country.
Collocations
- apply for a visa
- visa requirements
- student visa
- work visa
Example sentences
- "I need to apply for a tourist visa before my trip to China next month." A travel situation.
- "The border official checked her visa to ensure she hadn't overstayed her previous visit." A legal requirement.
Memory hook
You need a 'visa' to 'visit'. Visa to visit.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'passport', which is the document itself; the visa is the permission inside it.
Fun facts
- The world's most powerful passports allow entry to many countries without a prior visa.
Also appears in
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