Difference between a Passport and a Visa

Passport and visa are essential to travel outside the country. The passport of each country is ranked each year as per its power.

Currently, India is ranked at 66th position. The most powerful passport in the world is Singapore’s passport.

Indian passport holders can travel without a visa to 25 countries this year. Indian passport holders can travel on visa on arrival to 41 counties whereas they need pre-approval visa to travel to 132 countries.

So, what is the difference between a passport and a visa?

Passport is a document issued to a citizen of the country by the government. It is a proof of identity which contains the details of the holder like person’s name, date of birth, gender, place of birth and address.

The ordinary Indian passport is issued in navy colour and it needs to be renewed every 10 years.

Visa is an official permission provided by a certain country to a passport holder to grant permission to visit that country. Generally, it is stamped on a passport; however, it can be a separate document too.

In India three types of passport are issued: Ordinary passport which is issued in navy blue colour for ordinary travel or business trips. Diplomatic passport issued in maroon colour for diplomats, top-ranking government officials and diplomatic couriers. Official passport is issued in white for individuals that represent Indian government on official business.

Visa is also granted in different types. They are: Tourist visa which is granted for touristic travel purposes. Student visa, for students to study abroad, business visa, granted for commercial activities and temporary visa, for workers that are temporarily employed in other countries.

And transit visa is granted to a person when he/she is travelling through a certain country but not staying there. Its normal validity is 5 days or less.

Image Reference: Indiatoday