Passport and Visa: What is the difference?

By Mohamad Ammar Mohamad Jamel

Want to study or travel to a foreign country but are not sure about what travel documents are necessary? Unsure about the difference between passports and visas? You may need a passport, a visa, or both depending on where you are from and where you are headed.

This article intends to dissect the differences between passports and visas to make sure you are fully prepared for international travel.

What is a Passport?

A passport is an official identification document issued by your government. It includes your name, photo, address, date, and place of birth, as well as a few blank pages for travel stamps. Immigration officials will stamp those pages for approval every time you entered and exit a different country.

How to get a passport

The very first step in getting your own passport is to complete an application. To get a passport from Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, you will need to provide proof of citizenship. This can be your birth certificate or identification card. Passport is valid for 5 years. At the end of the period, you can renew your passport. So how much does it cost to get a passport in Malaysia? 

For adults over the age of 13 until 59, the cost would be RM200. For the elderly above 60 it’s RM100 while students pursuing degree in a foreign country below the age of 21 it is RM100. 

Malaysians can also apply for passports through MyIMMs eServices portal by Jabatan Imegresen Malaysia without the hassle of queuing.

What is a Visa? 

A visa is an official document issued by a foreign government that permits entry into their country. Visas have various expiration dates. They may be 10 days, 30 days, or 60 days – or longer. Once visas expire, you will no longer be able to stay legally in that country. Visa requirements may be different depending on which country you’re staying. In some countries, a transit visa, business visa, student visa, or employment visa might be necessary

And sometimes, there are places you can travel to without a visa. For example, US citizens can spend up to 90 days (for tourism or business) in dozens of countries without a visa. Some of those countries include most parts of Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America. United States citizens can visit United Kingdom for tourism or business up to six months without a visa.

How Do I Get a Visa? 

Before planning your trip or studying abroad, check the government website of your destination country. The official website or the embassy of each country will provide the information necessary to apply for a visa if one is required. Countries like Turkey and India allow you to apply for an e-visa online.

In some other cases, you may need to complete a visa application form in person. The cost of a Visa also varies depending on the country.

Passport vs. Visa: What’s the difference between a Visa and a Passport? 

Passports are essentially an identification document issued by a government that gives their citizens official permission to travel in and out of their home country. 

While a Visa is a document issued by a government to foreign visitors, providing them with legal entry into a foreign country. 

Basically, a passport comes from the country you live in while a visa comes from the country you’re visiting.

The confusion of when you need a passport or visa is common among many tourists and travelers. Passport is a compulsory document that you need to obtain before entering other countries. Just like identification card in Malaysia, passport serves as your identification document in other countries.  Research your destination country extensively to see if a visa is necessary and apply for one if need be. 

However, at INTEC Education College, our Placement Unit is always ready to help students by providing information for international studies in aspects such as documentations and university placement. 

International travel and studies are fascinating, but without both travel documents in hand, you might get denied entry or exit into a foreign country.