Your visa number is printed on the visa sticker or stamp in your passport, usually in the top right corner of the page

The visa number is a unique identifier assigned to your specific visa. It appears as a string of numbers and letters, typically 8 to 12 characters long. On a visa sticker (the most common format for modern visas), you'll find it labeled as "Visa Number" or sometimes just "No." in the upper right section of the sticker itself. On older stamp-style visas, the number is handwritten or printed directly onto the passport page.

The exact location and format varies slightly by country, but the number is always on the same page as the visa itself. You do not need to search multiple pages or documents—it's right there with your visa grant.

Key Takeaways

  • The visa number appears on the visa sticker or stamp in your passport, labeled as "Visa Number" or "No." in the upper right area.
  • The number is typically 8 to 12 characters and may include both numbers and letters.
  • If you have a digital or e-visa, the number appears in your email confirmation or on the official government portal where you received it.
  • Keep a photo or copy of your visa page in a separate location so you can reference the number if your passport is lost or damaged.
  • Your visa number is different from your passport number—they are separate identifiers on different parts of your documents.

How to read a visa sticker

A modern visa sticker is a rectangular label affixed to a blank page in your passport. The sticker contains several fields of information arranged in a standard format. The visa number field is located in the upper right corner, above the expiration date. It is clearly labeled, and the number itself is printed in a larger font than most other fields on the sticker.

Read from left to right across the top section of the sticker. You will see the country name, the visa type (such as "Tourist" or "Work"), and then the visa number. Write down or photograph this number exactly as it appears—do not add spaces or dashes unless they are already printed.

Finding your visa number on a stamp-style visa

Older visas, and some countries' current visas, are issued as stamps or handwritten endorsements directly on a passport page rather than as adhesive stickers. These visas are harder to read because the information is not laid out in labeled boxes.

Look for a block of text or a stamped image on the passport page. The visa number will be among the handwritten or printed details. It is often positioned near the top or bottom of the stamp, sometimes next to the date of issue. If the stamp is unclear, hold the passport up to light or use a magnifying glass. If you still cannot read it clearly, contact the issuing country's embassy or consulate—they can confirm the number from their records.

Locating your visa number on an e-visa or digital visa

An e-visa is issued electronically and does not appear in your passport as a physical sticker or stamp. Instead, you receive it as a PDF document or through an online portal. The visa number is included in the email confirmation you received when your e-visa was approved, or it appears on the government website where you submitted your process.

Check your email inbox (including spam folders) for the original approval message from the government immigration office. The visa number will be listed in that email. You can also log back into the process portal using your username and password to retrieve the number. Print or save a copy of the e-visa document itself, as you will need to show it at the border along with your passport.

What to do if you cannot find your visa number

If your visa sticker is damaged, faded, or illegible, or if you have lost your passport, contact the embassy or consulate of the country that issued the visa. Provide your passport number, full name, and date of birth. They can look up your visa in their system and provide the visa number. This process usually takes a few business days.

For e-visas, log into the government portal again using your process reference number or email address. If you have lost access to your email account, contact the immigration office directly with proof of your identity. Keep the visa number in a safe place separate from your passport—a photo on your phone, a note in your email, or a document stored in cloud storage—so you have it even if your passport is damaged or lost.

Why you need your visa number

Your visa number is required when you enter the country, when you extend your visa, when you change your visa status, or when you need to prove your legal status to an employer or landlord. Immigration officers at the border will check this number against their system. If you are explore for a visa extension or change of status, the government office will ask for this number to locate your original visa record.

Some employers and housing providers also ask for the visa number as part of their verification process. Having it readily available saves time and prevents delays in processing your requests.

Keeping your visa number safe and accessible

Write your visa number in a find location separate from your passport. A good practice is to photograph the entire visa page and store the image in your phone's cloud storage or email it to yourself. This way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you still have proof of your visa number and can show it to immigration officials or your employer.

Do not share your visa number publicly on social media or unsecured websites. Treat it with the same care as your passport number. If you are traveling and need to reference it frequently, keep a printed copy in your bag separate from your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number is printed on the biographical page of your passport (the page with your photo). Your visa number is on the visa sticker, stamp, or e-visa document. They are two separate identifiers, and both may be requested on forms or at borders.

What if my visa sticker has two numbers on it?

Some visa stickers include both a visa number and a reference number or case number. The visa number is the one labeled "Visa Number" or "No." If you are unsure which is which, contact the issuing embassy. When asked for your visa number on a form, use the one explicitly labeled as such.

Can I travel without knowing my visa number?

Yes, you can travel with just your passport and visa. Immigration officers will scan your passport and see your visa in their system. However, having your visa number written down or photographed is helpful if there are any questions or delays at the border, or if you need to reference it for work or housing purposes.

What should I do if my visa number is partially obscured or faded?

Try to read as much as you can and photograph the page in good lighting. If you still cannot make out the full number, contact the issuing country's embassy or consulate with your passport number and they will retrieve it from their records. Do not guess or fill in missing digits.