Passport

Origin

Middle English (Scots) pasport, from Middle French passeport, from passer to pass + port port, from Latin portus

• 15th Century

Definitions

• 1a : a formal document issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens that is usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows the citizen to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for the citizen while abroad

b : a license issued by a country permitting a foreign citizen to pass or take goods through its territory : safe-conduct

c : a document of identification required by law to be carried by persons residing or traveling within a country

• 2a : a permission or authorization to go somewhere

b : something that secures admission, acceptance, or attainment <education as a passport to success>

Description

A passport is a document, issued by a national government, which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder. The elements of identity are name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth. Most often, nationality and citizenship are congruent.

A passport does not of itself entitle the passport holder entry into another country, nor to consular protection while abroad or any other privileges. It does, however, normally entitle the passport holder to return to the country that issued the passport. Rights to consular protection arise from international agreements, and the right to return arises from the laws of the issuing country. A passport does not represent the right or the place of residence of the passport holder in the country that issued the passport.[1]