passport

A passport is an official government-issued travel document that certifies the holder's identity and nationality and enables international travel. It serves as proof of citizenship and allows re-entry into the issuing country, subject to border controls and visa requirements.

Most modern passports include: full name, date of birth, nationality, sex, place of birth, photograph, signature, passport number, issuing authority, and issue/expiration dates. Many also contain a machine-readable zone at the end of the identity page and an embedded biometric chip that stores data such as the holder's digital identity and a facial image or fingerprints, used for identity verification at border controls.

Types and validity: Common forms include ordinary (regular), official or service, and diplomatic passports. Validity varies by country, commonly five to ten years for adults and shorter for minors; renewals require a new application, sometimes early if conditions change (name changes).

Issuance and standards: Passports are issued by national governments through designated agencies (e.g., a passport office or ministry of foreign affairs). International standards set by bodies such as the ICAO govern passport format, machine readability, and biometric data to facilitate cross-border travel and automate border checks.

Security and limitations: Features like watermarks, holograms, microprinting, and digital security measures deter forgery. Possession of a passport does not guarantee entry; travelers may require visas or be subject to entry checks, asylum procedures, or travel restrictions. A lost or stolen passport typically must be reported and replaced.

History: The modern passport evolved from older travel documents and consular certificates. The introduction of machine-readable passports in the 1980s and the adoption of biometric passports in the 2000s accelerated border processing and enhanced security.