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.
An official legal document or stamp granted by a foreign government, distinct from a passport (which is issued by your own government).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'charta visa', meaning 'paper that has been seen'. It comes from 'videre' (to see), indicating that the document has been officially inspected and approved by authorities.
Word relationships
- permit: A permit is a general document allowing an action, while a visa is specifically an international travel and entry document.
Commonly confused with
- passport: A passport proves your identity and citizenship, while a visa is permission from a foreign country to enter their borders.
Collocations
- apply for a visa
- tourist visa
- work visa
- visa requirements
Example sentences
- "She had to apply for a tourist visa at the embassy several weeks before her flight." A traveler preparing for a trip to India
- "Please ensure your visa is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country." An immigration officer's instructions
Memory hook
Think of 'visage' (face) or 'visual'. A visa is a visual stamp that officers need to see on your passport. A visa must be seen by border control.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a credit card (unless specifically talking about the Visa brand, which is capitalized and unrelated in meaning).
Fun facts
- The world's most powerful passports allow entry to over 190 countries without requiring a pre-arranged visa.
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