Visa Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Visa ?

2. What is the difference between a passport and a visa ?

3. When do I need a Visa ?

4. What is required to obtain a visa?

5. How long does it take to obtain a visa ?

6. How long is a visa valid ?

7. How does Passports and Visas.com help me ?

A visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of a foreign country on a passport that allows the bearer to visit that country (Except Russia, whose visa is a separate document).  Visas are obtained from the proper embassy or local the consulates of the country to be visited.  "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory.  There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.

A passport is an official government document that certifies one's identity and citizenship.  The passport serves two purposes: to regain entry to the country of citizenship (i.e. the United States) and is a requirement by many countries to gain entry to the country you are visiting.  

A visa is an official government document that temporarily authorizes you to be in the country you are visiting.  Many countries require a visa to gain entry.  The visa usually is in the form of a stamp IN the passport (Russia is the exception and issues a separate document) and is obtained from the country you are visiting.

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is subject to change almost on a daily basis. 

• If you are a U.S. Citizen, visit our visa database to view entry requirements.

• If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we can help you - send us an email detailing :

  • Country to visit.

  • Reason for visit.

  • Length of visit.

  • Country which issued your Passport.

  • Status of residency in U.S. (Are you a U.S. Citizen? If not - which visa do you have?).

We will get back to you as soon as possible with up to date requirements and be glad to assist you in obtaining the visa.

What is required to obtain a visa?

At minimum, the applicant will need a valid passport to obtain a visa.  When the visa is issued, the passport will be stamped indicating the visa was issued and expiration date of the visa.  Many countries require there be in excess of 6 months of validity on the passport before granting the visa.  

Additional requirements for visas vary greatly depending on the visa required and the region you reside in.  Typically, countries have consulates in several cities around the United States.  To balance the workload, the country is divided into zones.  Unfortunately these zones can mean the requirements for obtaining a visa may vary depending upon where you live in the United States!

We can provide the specific requirements for you to obtain a visa.

• If you are a U.S. Citizen, visit our visa database to view entry requirements.

• If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we can help you - send us an email detailing :

  • Country to visit.

  • Reason for visit.

  • Length of visit.

  • Country which issued your Passport.

  • Status of residency in U.S. (Are you a U.S. Citizen? If not - which visa do you have?).

We will get back to you as soon as possible with up to date requirements and be glad to assist you in obtaining the visa.

The answer varies greatly.  If you were to process the visa on your own, the process of mailing the materials and application to your local consulate, the visa processing, and the mailing of your passport back to you typically takes several weeks.

We have knowledge of how to expedite the process and can assist you if you are in a hurry. 

• If you are a U.S. Citizen, visit our visa database to view entry requirements.

• If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we can help you - send us an email detailing :

  • Country to visit.

  • Reason for visit.

  • Length of visit.

  • Country which issued your Passport.

  • Status of residency in U.S. (Are you a U.S. Citizen? If not - which visa do you have?).

We will get back to you as soon as possible with up to date requirements and be glad to assist you in obtaining the visa.

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The answer varies greatly.  Visas are temporary in nature and depending upon your requirements and the country you are visiting, visas can be obtained with validity anywhere from 2 weeks to 10 years.

When a visa expires, a new visa is required to gain entry to the foreign country again.

Also, in many countries the visa expires when the passport expires.