What Is a Passport?

What is a passport?

A passport is an official travel document issued by a national government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport is what allows you to travel internationally, serving as proof that you are a citizen of the issuing country. You need it to leave and re-enter your own country and to enter foreign countries, where border officials check it to confirm who you are and admit you. Because it is recognized worldwide, a passport is the universal key to crossing international borders, and no international air traveler can typically fly abroad without one. It is issued only by your own country's government to its citizens and nationals.

What is a passport used for?

A passport's primary use is international travel: you present it at airports and border crossings to exit your country, board international flights, and pass through immigration to enter foreign countries, where officials may stamp it to record your entry and exit. Beyond crossing borders, a passport is also widely accepted as a strong form of photo identification and proof of citizenship generally, useful for many official purposes at home. It is also the document in which visas are placed or to which they are linked, so you need a valid passport before you can obtain a visa for countries that require one. Many destinations further require that your passport remain valid for a period, often six months, beyond your stay.

What does a passport contain?

A standard passport is a small booklet containing an identification page and blank pages for travel. The identification page shows your photo, full name, date and place of birth, nationality, sex, passport number, the issuing country, and the dates of issue and expiration, along with a machine-readable zone that scanners can read. The remaining blank pages are used by border officials to add entry and exit stamps and by countries to affix visas. Modern passports are electronic passports, or e-passports, which include an embedded microchip storing your identifying and biometric information, indicated by a small camera-like symbol on the cover. This chip enables faster, more secure processing and is required for certain programs, such as visa-free travel to some countries.

How do you get a passport?

You obtain a passport by applying through your country's passport authority, which in the United States is the Department of State. First-time applicants generally must apply in person, providing proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, a photo ID, a passport photo, a completed application form, and the required fees. Processing takes time, often several weeks, so you should apply well before any planned travel. Once you have a passport, renewing it is often simpler and can sometimes be done by mail or online if you are eligible. Adult passports are typically valid for ten years, while passports for children are valid for a shorter period. Because rules and fees vary by country, check your own government's official passport guidance before applying.