passport vs visa ?????

Question

i am a marine trying to have me a vacation to ireland but i cant figure out this passport and visa thing if someone could clarify this for me i would really appreciate it

Answer 1

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid U.S. passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport or an original birth certificate. A certified copy of the birth certificate is also acceptable, but it must have the registrar’s signature and a raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal. If you were born abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States will suffice. To prove identity, a valid driver’s license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship. Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a visa, sign it in ink, and write in pencil your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided. This will help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become separated from the envelope during processing.

Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.

Some Middle Eastern or African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel. Consult the National Passport Information Center, telephone1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778 or TDD/ TTY: 1-888-874-7793) or http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html for guidance if this applies to you.

On effective dates below, all travelers to or from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have a passport or other document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

* Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Bermuda and the Caribbean are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States.
* As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Bermuda/Caribbean by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport, or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

VISAS: If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELER TO OBTAIN VISAS, WHERE REQUIRED, FROM THE APPROPRIATE EMBASSY OR NEAREST CONSULATE OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT.

As soon as you receive your visa, check it to make sure no mistakes were made. Processing and visa fees vary, and most fees may not be refundable. For specific details, consult the Embassy or Consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Answer 2

You have to have a U.S. passport,which is obtained through an application process including 2 passport size photos. There might be a special way to expedite this if you're in the military. You get a visa when you get to Ireland. You'll fill out info for a tourist visa and they'll give you one for a certain amount of days and for a fee.

Answer 3

You will definitely need a passport to travel to or from anywhere into Australia, a visa is also required, but the length of the visa issued will depend on what type of visa you are applying for ( student visa, visitor visa or work visa) hope this helps

Answer 4

Passports are a form of identification used for international travel.

Visas are "Permission" from the host country for your visit. There are many kinds of visa's, the one you would need is for vacation or visit. You will be issued this in Ireland at Customs when you arrive if needed.

You can also contact a travel agency to get country specific information.

FYI: There are no lava monsters in Ireland... ;)

Answer 5

I have traveled extensivelty to/in/around Ireland and the UK and never had to get a Visa. My most recent visit was 2 months ago. A passport should do you fine...

Answer 6

A passport is the permission of your government to leave the country, travel abroad as a citizen, and return. A visa is the permission of another country to enter it, and may limit the duration and purposes of the entry.

Answer 7

you need both a passport and a visa to goto certain countries(china)....and just a passport to goto to others(canada, mexico, carribean)