Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
VISA
I. noun
Etymology: French, from Latin, neuter plural of visus, past participle
Date: 1831
an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed, a signature of formal approval by a superior upon a document,
II. transitive verb (visaed; visaing)
Date: circa 1847
to give a visa to (a passport)