Immigration Terminology · Global
What is the difference between a visa and a permit (or pass)?
Simple answer
A visa is often permission to travel to a country and ask to enter. A permit or pass is often the status that lets you stay (and sometimes work or study) after entry. Many countries use both ideas — and the labels are not identical everywhere.
What it means
Singapore’s ICA, for example, states that a Singapore entry visa is not an immigration pass: the pass (such as a Visit Pass / e-Pass) is decided at entry and controls how long you may stay. Other destinations use “visa” more loosely for the stay permission itself.
What you may need to do
Read the product name carefully. Know whether you are applying for entry clearance, a visit pass, a work pass, or a residence permission.
Country / visa warning
Vocabulary differs across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Always check that country’s definitions.
Next action
See also “visa validity vs length of stay”, and open your destination product page for the exact label used.
Government source: www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements/ · Reviewed
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