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A passport is an identity document used for international travel.

A passport is an identity document used for international travel.

A passport certifies the holder's identity, the holder's nationality (usually) and gives the holder the right to leave and re-enter a country.

A passport certifies the holder's identity, the holder's nationality (usually) and gives the holder the right to leave and re-enter a country. A passport is issued to the holder by the government of the [[Nation state|country]] of which he or she is a [[citizen]].

* It is the ultimate identity document, as it is backed up by a government.

* It is the ultimate identity document, as it is backed up by a government.

* The right to leave and re-enter one's own country is regarded as a Human Right in most countries. But, in order to exercise this right, you must be able to prove you are a citizen of a country. A passport is a document which proves you are a citizen.

* The right to leave and re-enter one's own country is regarded as a Human Right in most countries. But, in order to exercise this right, you must be able to prove you are a citizen of a country. A passport is a document which proves you are a citizen.

Passport standards are agreed internationally. Modern passport are to a common standard, have sophisticated anti-forgery markings and include a chip containing the holders details to aid in preventing forgery.

Passport standards are agreed internationally. Modern passport are to a common standard, have sophisticated anti-forgery markings and include a chip containing the holders details to aid in preventing forgery.

Passports contain pages which can be stamped at border crossings. The stamp is used as a record of when a person enters or leaves a country, and provides a check that they do not stay longer than allowed. Each country has its own rules, and may or may not stamp a passport. Commonly countries do not stamp the passports of their own citizens. Countries may also make agreements where they do not put limits on each others citizens staying, and therefore do not stamp passports. In some cases where countries issue national Identity Cards, these are accepted by mutual agreement in Lieu of passports, for example between [[European Union|EU]] countries.

Passports contain pages which can be stamped at border crossings. The stamp is used as a record of where and when a person enters or leaves a country, and provides a check that they do not stay longer than allowed. Each country has its own rules, and may or may not stamp a passport. Commonly countries do not stamp the passports of their own citizens. Countries may also make agreements where they do not put limits on each others citizens staying, and therefore do not stamp passports. In some cases where countries issue national Identity Cards, these are accepted by mutual agreement in Lieu of passports, for example between [[European Union|EU]] countries.

 

Until the mid 1990's (exact date varies by country) it was possible for a wife to be included on her husband's passport, and for children to be included on their parent's passports. This is no longer the case, and everyone, including new born babies, must have their own passport.

== Visas ==

== Visas ==

A Visa is a document issued by a country authorising you to enter that country. A visa is usually for a specific purpose, for example a tourist visa, a student visa, or a work and residence permit.

A Visa is a document issued by a country authorising you to enter and / or leave that country.

In some cases in order to enter a country, as well as a having a passport from your own government, before starting your journey you need to get first get permission from the countries government in the form of a visa. This can be either a stamp in your passport or a separate document. Visas are typically obtained from the country's embassy before starting your journey.

 

In some cases in order to enter a country, as well as a having a passport from your own government, you need to get first get permission from your destination country's government in the form of a visa. This can be either a stamp in your passport or a separate document. Visas are typically obtained from the country's embassy before starting your journey.

 

A visa is usually for a specific purpose, for example a tourist visa, a student visa, or a work and residence permit.

[[Category:Diplomacy]]

[[Category:Diplomacy]]