passeport

A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that certifies the holder's identity and nationality and permits international travel. It is commonly required for entry to foreign states and for re-entering one’s country of citizenship.

A passport typically lists the holder's name, date of birth, nationality, sex, place of birth, passport number, issuing authority, and issue and expiry dates, along with a photograph and signature. Modern passports may include a machine-readable zone and, in many countries, a biometric chip.

Types include ordinary (or regular) passports for citizens, official or service passports for government employees, and diplomatic passports for diplomats. Some jurisdictions also issue travel documents for stateless persons or refugees.

Issuance is handled by a government agency, often a ministry of interior or foreign affairs. Renewal and replacement requirements vary by country and may involve proofs of nationality and identity, photographs, and fees. Validity commonly ranges from five to ten years and may differ for minors.

Security and travel rely on border controls and visa regimes. Passport data are protected by various anti-fraud measures; loss or theft should be reported promptly to have the document canceled and replaced.

The modern passport evolved from simple travel endorsements to machine-readable documents and then biometric, or e-passports, in many countries, reflecting advances in security and international mobility.

In French, the document is called a passeport.