A passport is for identity verification, while a visa permits you to enter a country. If you're traveling internationally, you'll need a passport. In addition to your passport, some countries require you to apply and be approved for a visa in advance of your travel.

A passport is a travel document issued by your own government that certifies your identity and citizenship; it is your "identity card" for the world and is required for almost all international travel. A visa, on the other hand, is an official endorsement or "permission slip" issued by the foreign country you wish to visit. It specifies the conditions of your stay, such as the duration and purpose (tourism, work, study). While your passport allows you to leave your country, the visa (or a visa-waiver like ESTA or NZeTA) is what allows you to enter another. In 2026, most visas are digital (e-Visas) rather than physical stickers. You might have a valid passport but still be denied entry if you don't have the correct visa. Think of the passport as your "Global ID" and the visa as your "Entry Permit" for a specific destination.