Evelyn Kumeh
Mar 2, 2026
Understand the difference between passports and visas for travel to the United States.
Do you know the difference between a passport and a visa, and how each plays a role in traveling to the United States? Keep reading for a brief overview. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace legal advice.
What Is a Passport?
A passport is an official document, usually a booklet or card, that proves a person’s citizenship in a specific country. Passports are issued by a person’s country of nationality and are required for international travel. Visa stamps or documents are usually placed in a passport.
What Is a Visa?
A visa is an official stamp or document that allows a person to enter, stay in, or leave a country for a specific purpose and period of time.
If you wish to travel to the United States, you will need a U.S. visa. The agency responsible for issuing visas abroad is the U.S. Department of State (DOS), which operates through its embassies and consulates.
A consular officer will issue a visa after determining your eligibility under U.S. immigration law. Having a visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry. It does not guarantee admission, which is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Visa Waiver Program (U.S.)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, based on mutual agreements. Travelers must still receive authorization and be admitted by CBP. A full list of eligible countries is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
The Two Main U.S. Visa Categories
If you want to travel to the United States, there are two main visa categories you can apply for: nonimmigrant visas and immigrant visas.
Nonimmigrant visas are for individuals looking to temporarily stay in the U.S. for purposes such as work, study, tourism, or cultural exchange. These visas typically do not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency and require you to depart the U.S. after your visa expires. However, some of these visas can be renewed.
Immigrant visas are for individuals intending to live permanently in the United States. They lead to lawful permanent residence and may eventually allow eligibility for U.S. citizenship. Your purpose of travel and other factors determine which visa category you should apply for.
In the next article, we will explore temporary (nonimmigrant) and permanent (immigrant) worker visas in detail. To learn more about these topics, please visit the official websites of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).