visums

Visums are official travel documents issued by a country that authorize a foreign national to enter, stay for a limited period, or transit through its territory. They are usually affixed to a passport page but can also be issued electronically (eVisas) or granted at the border as a visa on arrival. A visum grants permission to request entry, but entry is still subject to border-control checks.

Visums are categorized by purpose, including tourism, business, study, work, family reunification, transit, and diplomatic or official visits. Most visums specify a validity period, a maximum length of stay, and whether they allow single or multiple entries. Short-stay visums cover a limited number of days or months, while long-stay visums may lead to extended stays or residence rights, subject to separate procedures.

Application and issuance generally involve the national immigration authority or an embassy or consulate, or an online process. Common requirements include a valid passport with sufficient validity, photographs, a completed application, and payment of a fee. Additional documents may be requested to prove purpose of travel, financial means, and return or onward travel. Processing times vary and can include biometrics, background checks, and sometimes interviews. Visums can be refused, sometimes with a reason, and appeals or reapplications may be possible.

Policy context: visums are tools of immigration management and can reflect bilateral or multilateral agreements. Many countries offer visa-free access or visas on arrival for certain nationals, while others require advance visum arrangements. Travelers should verify current entry requirements for their destination and comply with any visa validity, duration, and conditions to avoid penalties for overstay or noncompliance.