visa

1 of 2

noun

vi·​sa ˈvē-zə How to pronounce visa (audio)
also
-sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
1
: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed
2
: a signature of formal approval by a superior upon a document

visa

2 of 2

verb

visaed ˈvē-zəd How to pronounce visa (audio)
-səd
; visaing ˈvē-zə-iŋ How to pronounce visa (audio)
-sə-

transitive verb

: to give a visa to (a passport)

Examples of visa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The country first launched its e-Tourist visa program in 2014 to help streamline hurdles traditionally associated with visa applications. Armand Arton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The new rules will apply from Aug. 20, the US State Department said in a notice on its website, as part of a move to discourage visa overstays: The bond amount will be returned once the applicant leaves the country as per the terms of their visa. Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
But his latest travel ban also points to visa overstay rates as a rationale for blocking citizens from U.S. travel. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 June 2025 Currently visa applicants must pay a $185 fee to enter the U.S. for tourist, business, student and exchange visas, among others. Eden Harris, NBC news, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for visa

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin, neuter plural of visus, past participle

First Known Use

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of visa was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visa. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

visa

1 of 2 noun
vi·​sa ˈvē-zə How to pronounce visa (audio)
also
-sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
: a mark on a passport that is a sign of approval and permission for a traveler to go ahead

visa

2 of 2 verb
visaed -zəd How to pronounce visa (audio)
-səd
; visaing -zə-iŋ How to pronounce visa (audio)
-sə-
: to give a visa to

Legal Definition

visa

noun
vi·​sa ˈvē-zə, -sə How to pronounce visa (audio)
: an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed

More from Merriam-Webster on visa

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