A visa is an official authorization granted by a country that allows a foreigner to enter, stay within, or leave that country's territory legally
. It is usually a stamp, sticker, or electronic record placed in the traveler's passport or travel document, indicating permission for entry for a specified purpose and time period
. Visas often specify conditions such as:
- Duration of stay
- Areas within the country the holder may visit
- Number of permitted entries
- Whether the holder can work or study in the country
Having a visa means a consular officer has determined the traveler is eligible to seek entry, but final admission is decided by border control authorities at the point of entry
. Visas are distinct from passports; a passport identifies the traveler and their citizenship, while a visa grants permission to enter and stay in a foreign country
. In summary, a visa is a conditional permit issued by a country to a non- citizen, allowing them to enter and remain in that country under specified terms and for a limited time
