Visa Glossary

An official document or stamp in a passport that permits the holder to enter, stay, or travel through a country for a specific purpose and duration.

A zone of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, allowing free movement of people with a single visa.

A short-stay visa that allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

A visa issued for leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family for a temporary period.

A visa allowing entry for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, but not for employment.

A visa that allows passage through a country to reach another destination, typically for a short duration.

A visa program allowing young people to work and travel in participating countries for an extended period.

A visa that permits foreign nationals to study in a country for a specified period.

A diplomatic mission representing a country in another nation, responsible for consular services including visa applications.

A diplomatic office that provides consular services to citizens and processes visa applications.

An official government document that certifies identity and nationality, required for international travel.

The formal process of requesting permission to enter a country, including completing forms and providing documentation.

A meeting with consular officers to assess visa eligibility and verify application information.

The rejection of a visa application by consular authorities, often requiring reapplication with additional documentation.

A program allowing citizens of participating countries to travel to certain destinations without a visa for short stays.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization - an online system for visa waiver program travelers to the United States.

Physical or biological data collection (fingerprints, photographs) required for visa processing and security purposes.

An individual or organization that provides financial support or invitation for a visa applicant.

A document from a host inviting someone to visit, often required for visa applications.

A letter explaining the purpose of travel and circumstances of the trip, submitted with visa applications.

Insurance coverage for medical emergencies and trip-related issues, often required for visa applications.

Financial document showing account balance and transaction history, used to prove financial stability.

Documentation showing where you will stay during your visit, such as hotel bookings or host letters.

Evidence of planned departure from the destination country, demonstrating intent to return home.

The period between visa application submission and decision, varying by country and visa type.

The cost charged for processing a visa application, typically non-refundable regardless of outcome.

A visa allowing multiple entries into a country within its validity period.

A visa permitting only one entry into a country, becoming invalid after use.

The period during which a visa can be used for entry, not necessarily the duration of stay allowed.

The maximum time allowed to remain in a country, which may differ from visa validity period.

Remaining in a country beyond the permitted duration, which can result in penalties and future visa restrictions.

The process of lengthening a visa's validity or permitted stay duration while in the destination country.

The forced removal of a person from a country due to visa violations or other legal issues.

Conditions that must be met to gain admission to a country, including documentation and health requirements.

A government official responsible for reviewing visa applications and conducting interviews.

A border control official who examines travelers and their documents at ports of entry.

An official crossing point where people enter a country, such as airports, seaports, or land borders.

Preliminary visa approval subject to meeting additional requirements or providing further documentation.

Additional review of a visa application requiring more time beyond standard processing periods.

The principle where countries provide similar visa treatment to each other's citizens.

Legal protection for diplomatic personnel that may affect visa requirements and procedures.

Authorization allowing foreign nationals to work in a country, often separate from but related to visas.

US permanent resident card allowing indefinite stay and work authorization in the United States.

Protection granted to individuals who demonstrate they cannot return to their home country due to persecution.

Legal recognition of someone who has fled their country due to persecution, war, or violence.

Official papers required for international travel, including passports, visas, and other permits.

The part of an embassy or consulate that handles visa applications and citizen services.

The process of booking a time slot for visa interviews or document submission.

The process of confirming the authenticity and accuracy of submitted documents.

Security screening conducted on visa applicants to assess potential risks.

A document from an employer or government stating no objection to an individual's travel plans.

A visa for those intending to live permanently in the destination country.

A visa for temporary visits to a country with no intention of permanent residence.