passpoort

A passport is an official government document that verifies a person's identity and citizenship, enabling international travel. It serves as the primary identification required when crossing national borders and is recognized by countries worldwide as proof of legal status.

Modern passports typically contain personal information including the holder's full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and photograph. Most countries issue biometric passports that include electronic chips storing additional data for enhanced security. The document also features visa pages where entry and exit stamps are placed by immigration authorities.

The history of passports dates back centuries, with early forms existing as safe conduct passes in ancient times. The term "passport" emerged in the 15th century, originally referring to documents that allowed passage through gates and ports. Standardized international passport formats were established in the early 20th century, with the League of Nations creating the first global standards in 1920.

Passports are issued by national governments through designated agencies, such as the Department of State in the United States or the Home Office in the United Kingdom. The application process typically requires proof of citizenship, identification documents, photographs, and processing fees. Renewal procedures vary by country but generally occur every 5-10 years.

Different types of passports exist, including standard tourist passports, diplomatic passports for government officials, and official passports for government business. Some countries issue emergency travel documents for urgent situations.

International travel requires valid passports with sufficient remaining validity, typically six months beyond the intended departure date. Many countries also require blank visa pages for entry stamps. Passport security features have evolved significantly to prevent forgery and identity theft, incorporating advanced technologies like holograms, watermarks, and biometric data storage.