Travel visa

Lore & Background

Historically, border security officials could permit or reject entry on arrival, issuing a visa as a passport stamp. Today, travelers often apply in advance at consulates, by post, or online. The modern visa may be a sticker, stamp, electronic record, or a printable document. Some countries do not require advance visas for short visits.

Visa applications allow countries to consider an applicant's financial security, travel reason, and previous visits. Visitors may also undergo security or health checks upon arrival. Uniquely, the Norwegian territory of Svalbard is entirely visa-free under the Svalbard Treaty. Some countries, like those in the Schengen Area, have agreements allowing visa-free travel between them.

The history of passports dates back centuries, with early documents like Persian letters of safe passage from 445 BCE and Han Dynasty checkpoint documents. In medieval Europe, rulers issued 'safe conduct' letters. Passports became more formalized in 1414 under King Henry V of England. After World War I, passports and visas became essential for international travel, with the League of Nations standardizing passports in the 1920s.

Did You Know?

• The word 'visa' comes from Latin 'charta visa' meaning 'paper that has been seen'.
• Some countries require an exit visa for their citizens or foreign travelers to leave the country.