B2nounformal2K

Visa

UK /["/ˈviːzə/"]/US /["/ˈviːzə/"]/

Definition

a stamp or mark put in your passport by officials of a foreign country that gives you permission to enter, pass through or leave their country

In simple words: A permit allowing you to enter, stay, or leave a country.

Examples

to **apply for a visa**
an **entry/tourist/transit/exit visa**
Do Brazilians need a visa to go to France?
Do you need a visa for Egypt?
He was arrested for overstaying his visa.
Her visa expired six months ago.
I obtained a visa after hours of waiting at the embassy.
She entered the country on a student visa.
She was refused a visa because of her criminal record.
a visa waiver program

Usage notes

Use 'visa' when talking about travel or immigration. It's formal, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless necessary.

Grammar pattern

visa + object

Memory hint

Think of 'visa' as 'visiting' a new country — you need permission to visit.

Collocations

entry
exit
transit
get
obtain
extend
expire
regulations
requirements
restrictions
on a visa
visa for

Synonyms

permit
authorization
entry pass
travel document

Antonyms

deportation
bannishment

Common mistakes

Confused with 'viso' — 'visa' is the correct term for a travel document.
Using 'visa' as a verb, which is incorrect — it's only a noun.
Forget to specify the type of visa (e.g., tourist, student) when necessary.