visa

Everyday

1. A visa is an official stamp or document that lets you enter, stay in, study or work in a foreign country for a certain time. tree →
2. Visa (with a capital V) is the name of a company whose logo appears on bank cards; people say «I'll pay by Visa». tree →

In the lessons

In geography and everyday life visas are needed to travel to some countries; you show your passport and visa at the border. In lessons on migration and adult life, families may need a work visa, student visa or tourist visa. Phrases: apply for a visa, tourist visa, work visa, student visa, visa-free.

Examples

• Dad had to apply for a visa before his trip to China. tree →
• My cousin got a student visa to study in Canada. tree →
• Some countries let you visit visa-free for a short time. tree →
• The officer checked her passport and stamped her visa. tree →
• His visa runs out next month, so he must go home or renew it. tree →
• Mum paid for the shopping with her Visa card. tree →
• A work visa allows you to have a job in another country. tree →

Note

Plural visas. A visa is not the same as a passport: the passport shows who you are and where you come from; the visa is permission from the other country. Pronounced VEE-zuh.