Travel Visa & Passport Glossary

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives. A global industry group for corporate travel professionals. Search users often look up ACTE when researching business travel policies or industry events.

Argentina’s Electronic Travel Authorization. A pre-travel permit required for certain foreign nationals visiting Argentina. Travelers apply online before departure.

Better Business Bureau. A nonprofit that rates businesses on trustworthiness and complaint history. Travelers researching visa services often check BBB ratings before choosing a provider.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The federal agency that inspects travelers entering the United States. CBP officers verify passports, visas, and entry eligibility at ports of entry.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. federal health agency that issues travel health advisories. Travelers should check CDC guidance for vaccination requirements and health risks by destination.

China Online Visa Application. China’s government portal for submitting visa applications digitally. Applicants use COVA to complete forms and upload documents before visiting a consulate.

Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. federal agency overseeing border security, immigration enforcement, and traveler screening programs like ESTA and Trusted Traveler.

Enhanced Driver’s License. A state-issued ID accepted for land and sea border crossings into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel.

Entry-Exit System. An EU border management database that records when non-EU nationals enter and leave Schengen countries. It replaces passport stamping with digital fingerprint and facial scans.

Free and Secure Trade Program. A trusted trader program for pre-approved commercial truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders. It reduces inspection wait times at designated lanes.

The standard application form for a first-time U.S. passport or a renewal when the existing passport is more than 15 years old, damaged, or was issued before age 16. Applicants must appear in person to submit it.

The official form used to report a lost or stolen U.S. passport to the State Department. Submitting it cancels the missing document and helps prevent fraudulent use.

The mail-in renewal form for eligible U.S. passport holders. It can be used if the current passport is undamaged, was issued at age 16 or older, and is less than 15 years old.

Global Business Travel Association. The world’s largest business travel industry organization. GBTA publishes travel policy research and sets standards often referenced by corporate travel managers.

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Singapore’s border control agency. ICA manages entry permits, passes, and the SG Arrival Card requirement for visitors to Singapore.

Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Japan’s proposed pre-travel screening program for visa-exempt visitors. When launched, travelers will need approval before entering Japan.

Korean Electronic Travel Authorization. South Korea’s pre-entry approval system for visa-exempt nationals. Travelers apply online before departure and link the authorization to their passport.

Korea Immigration Service. The South Korean government agency that manages visas, residence permits, and border entry for foreign nationals.

No-Boarding Directive. A Singapore authority instruction that prevents a specific traveler from boarding a flight to Singapore. Airlines must comply before allowing the traveler to check in.

A trusted traveler program for pre-screened travelers crossing between the U.S. and Canada. Members use dedicated lanes and kiosks at land borders and airports for faster processing.

People’s Republic of China. Used in visa and travel documentation to refer to mainland China, distinguishing it from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection. A U.S. trusted traveler program for pre-approved, low-risk travelers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Members use dedicated lanes for faster entry.

A mandatory digital arrival declaration submitted by visitors to Singapore within three days before arrival. It replaced the paper disembarkation card and is completed online or through the ICA app.

Secure Passport and Visa Services Alliance. An industry association for accredited passport and visa service providers. Membership signals a company meets professional and ethical service standards.

Travel Risk Assessment Certification. A credential for travel management professionals who meet recognized safety and compliance standards for managing traveler risk.

Transportation Security Administration. The U.S. agency that screens passengers and luggage at domestic airports. TSA also oversees the PreCheck program for expedited airport screening.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The federal agency that processes immigration applications, including green cards, work permits, and naturalization. It is separate from CBP, which handles border entry.

United States Tour Operators Association. A trade group representing major tour operators. USTOA members often work with CIBTvisas to manage visa requirements for group travel programs.

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa covering tourism (B-2) and short business visits (B-1). It does not permit employment. Most applicants must attend a consular interview and show ties to their home country.

A visa that permits entry to a foreign country for work-related purposes such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. It does not authorize paid employment, and requirements vary by country.

A cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port. U.S. citizens on these cruises may use a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID in place of a passport for some Caribbean and Canadian itineraries.

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for full-time academic students enrolled at accredited U.S. schools or universities. Students must maintain enrollment status and may apply for limited on-campus work authorization.

A visa that allows a foreign national to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. It leads to a green card and differs from non-immigrant visas, which are for temporary stays only.

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for approved exchange visitor programs, including research scholars, professors, au pairs, and summer work travelers. Some holders face a two-year home residency requirement after the program ends.

A visa permitting stays of more than 90 days in a foreign country. Requirements, fees, and permitted activities vary by country and visa subcategory.

A U.S. non-immigrant visa for students in vocational or non-academic programs, such as flight schools or culinary training. It is distinct from the F visa, which covers academic degree programs.

A temporary visa that allows a foreign national to enter a country for a specific purpose and for a limited time. Common examples include tourist, student, and business visas. The holder must leave before the visa expires.

A government-issued permit that authorizes a foreign national to enter, pass through, or stay in a country for a defined purpose and time. Having a visa does not guarantee entry, as border officers make the final decision.

An official approval allowing a traveler to remain in a foreign country beyond their original authorized stay. Applications must typically be submitted before the current visa expires.

A program that lets certain visa renewal applicants skip the in-person consular interview. Eligibility depends on nationality, visa category, and time since the previous visa was issued.

A physical endorsement placed inside a passport by a consulate confirming visa approval. It shows the visa type, validity dates, number of permitted entries, and authorized length of stay.

A visa or permit that legally allows a foreign national to work in a specific country. Requirements, application steps, and permitted job types vary by destination.

Empty pages in a passport available for visa stamps and entry or exit marks. Many countries require at least one or two blank pages before allowing entry. Travelers running low on pages may need a new passport before their trip.

A special passport issued to government officials and diplomats traveling on official business. It often provides certain legal protections and expedited processing at foreign borders.

A temporary document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate to a citizen who has lost their passport or whose passport has expired while abroad. It is valid only for the journey home.

The informal name for a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. It proves the holder has been granted lawful permanent residence and is authorized to live and work in the U.S. without an expiration on that right.

A translation of a domestic driver’s license recognized in over 150 countries. It is used alongside the original license and is often required for renting a car or driving legally abroad.

A document issued to Hong Kong and Macao residents that permits entry into mainland China without a separate visa. It serves as both an identity document and a travel permit for cross-border trips.

An official document proving a person has become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. It can be used to apply for a U.S. passport.

A U.S. passport issued to government employees traveling abroad on official non-diplomatic business. It has a distinct cover and may provide certain courtesies at foreign borders.

An ID card issued to approved members of DHS programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST. It grants access to dedicated lanes and expedited processing at certain borders and airports.

An official travel document issued to United Nations staff and certain officials. It is recognized by UN member states as a valid travel document for official UN business.

A travel document issued to U.S. lawful permanent residents who plan to travel outside the U.S. for more than one year. It allows re-entry without abandoning permanent resident status.

A travel document for U.S.-based refugees or asylees who cannot use their home country’s passport. It allows international travel and return to the United States.

A European Union requirement for employers sending workers to another EU country. The A1 certificate proves the worker pays social security contributions at home, preventing double contributions in two countries.

A formal treaty between two countries that may affect visa requirements, work rights, or social security obligations. These agreements can ease or complicate travel and employment between the two nations.

A formal letter from an employer or sponsor included with a visa application. It explains the travel purpose, confirms employment status, and states the applicant’s intention to return home after the trip.

The authority of a consular officer to approve or deny a visa application based on individual circumstances. Even applicants who meet all stated requirements can be denied under this authority.

The process of applying for a U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. It involves submitting forms, attending an interview, and waiting for a decision from a consular officer.

An office of a foreign government in a host country that provides visa services and citizen assistance. It reports to the country’s main embassy in the host nation’s capital.

An exception to a visa rule or entry restriction granted on a case-by-case basis by a consular or immigration officer. It is not guaranteed and depends on the individual’s specific situation.

The certified conversion of a document from one language to another by a qualified translator. Many countries require certified translations of birth certificates, marriage records, and similar documents for visa applications.

A foreign government’s main diplomatic office in another country, usually located in the capital city. It handles diplomatic relations and, in many cases, visa applications for foreign nationals.

Paperwork required by customs when shipping goods across international borders. Business travelers carrying commercial samples or equipment need proper export documents to avoid delays or confiscation at customs.

A foreign national granted the right to live and work permanently in the United States. They hold a green card but are not U.S. citizens and must maintain their status.

A document from a host person, company, or organization supporting a visa application. It typically confirms the purpose of the visit, accommodation details, and financial responsibility during the stay.

Written permission from a parent or guardian required when a minor travels without both parents. Many countries require notarized consent letters to help prevent international child abduction.

Any official location where travelers are inspected and permitted to enter a country. This includes international airports, seaports, and land border crossings staffed by customs and immigration officers.

An executive order from the U.S. President that can restrict or adjust entry rules for specific nationalities or traveler categories. These orders can change visa requirements quickly and with little advance notice.

Individuals formally barred from entering a country. Reasons can include criminal history, prior deportation, security concerns, or past violations of immigration law.

The official end of a person’s legal immigration status in the U.S., which occurs when a program ends, a visa expires, or the government acts. The person must depart or apply for a new status promptly.

The security screening process governments use to review a traveler’s background before issuing a visa or authorizing entry. It can include criminal checks, database searches, and in-person interviews.

Dates when a consulate or embassy is closed and not processing applications. This includes holidays of both the host country and the foreign government, which can add unexpected days to processing timelines.

CIBTvisas’s service for capturing or reviewing passport and visa photos to ensure they meet the size, background, and resolution requirements of each specific country and document type.

CIBTvisas’s premium rush service for urgent visa applications. It provides priority handling, proactive status updates, and direct agent support to move an application through as quickly as possible.

A corporate role responsible for planning and managing international assignments, work permits, and business travel visas for employees. These managers often partner with CIBTvisas to handle high application volumes efficiently.

A premium, personalized service from CIBTvisas for travelers or companies that need hands-on help with complex visa and passport applications. A dedicated specialist manages the full process from start to finish.

The standard processing track for visa and passport applications, following normal government timelines without priority handling. It is the most cost-effective option when travel dates are not time-sensitive.