What's the use of scanning your passport if you want to go abroad?

When going abroad, you need to apply for a visa in addition to your passport. When applying for a visa, it is generally necessary to provide a scanned or photocopy of the passport, including the information page and signature page of the passport.

Take applying for a US business/tourist visa as an example, you need to submit the following materials:

1. electronic application form for non-immigrant visa (DS- 160).

2. A valid travel passport to the United States must be valid for at least 6 months outside the scheduled stay in the United States (except for countries that have special agreements to enjoy visa exemption). If the passport contains more than one person, each visa applicant needs to submit a separate application.

3. A 2-inch by 2-inch (5. 1 cmx5.1cm) photo taken in the last six months.

4. If a visa is issued, a visa reciprocity fee may be required according to the nationality of the applicant.

Passports are generally valid for at least 6-8 months. After the visa is issued, it will usually be affixed to the passport in the form of a sticker or an electronic visa.