Visa Definition: Travel Authorization Explained

Meaning 1：Travel authorization document (visa)

visa 🔊

/ˈviːzə/

An official document that lets you enter, stay in, or leave a country.

Visa stamp in passport showing travel authorization

Travel authorization document 🔊

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/ˈtrævəl ˌɔːθəraɪˈzeɪʃən ˈdɑːkjumənt/

A visa is an official endorsement or stamp placed in a passport that grants the holder permission to enter, stay, or leave a specific country for a determined period.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'visa' (things seen), past participle of 'videre' (to see).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'VI-sa' like 'VI-sit' – you need it to visit another country.

📖 Example

My friend visa was approved just in time for her study abroad program in Australia. 🔊 My friend's visa was approved just in time for her study abroad program in Australia.

🔗 Collocations

apply for a visa – To submit a formal request for a visa

visa application – The process or form used to request a visa

visa extension – A request to lengthen the validity of an existing visa

🔄 Synonyms

permit (n.) – An official document allowing someone to do something

authorization (n.) – The act of giving official permission

clearance (n.) – Official approval allowing someone to proceed or enter

🚫 Antonyms

ban (n.) – An official prohibition against entering a country

prohibition (n.) – A law or rule that forbids something

expulsion (n.) – The act of forcing someone to leave a country

🌱 Derivatives

visa-free (adj.) – Not requiring a visa for entry

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'charta visa' (paper that has been seen). Traditionally used for official permission documents dating back to the 19th century when passports required inspection stamps.