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What is a passport? -

A passport is a document designated for travel that a country's government issues to its citizens. The passport verifies the holder's identity and nationality.

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What is an official passport versus a diplomatic passport? -

An official passport is issued to government employees, letting other countries' officials know they are on official business and, usually, there are no special privileges granted. A diplomatic passport, on the other hand, is granted to a diplomat who is traveling for official business, but in their case their passport can grant them certain privileges and immunities.

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Why do you need a passport? -

If you plan to travel abroad, it's important and required for you to have a passport. When you're at the airport, it's common for you to be asked to present it several times.

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Can it be used for domestic flights? -

While a passport can be used for domestic flights as a form of identification, it isn't required. You can just as easily use a driver's license or state identification card instead.

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Can it be used as an ID? -

Yes, you can use a passport as a form of identification outside of the airport as well. However, if lost, it is typically challenging, time-consuming, and costly to replace your passport, so it's advised not to carry it around all the time.

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Where can you travel with a passport? -

International travel is made possible with a passport. However, it's important to note that simply having a passport doesn't guarantee you entry into another country; you might also need a visa.

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When you travel, how long must the passport be valid for? -

To avoid the risk of your passport expiring while you're traveling, normally passports must be valid for six months or more from the start of your travel date.

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How many blank pages do I need to travel? -

Though each country has its own entry requirements, typically passports must have two to four blank visa pages available for international travel.

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What documents do you need? -

To apply for a passport, you will need documents that support your identity and citizenship. Some examples might include an original birth certificate and a second proof of identity such as a driver's license.

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How long does it take to get a new passport? -

The time it takes to receive your passport after a successful application can vary greatly. Passport processing times can typically be viewed online.

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Renewing your passport -

When you renew a passport, it may be returned to you or be securely destroyed by the government. If the passport is returned to you, it is typically done so damaged to invalidate it.

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Renewing your passport -

Now, in the United States of America, there is an online portal available where Americans can renew their passports. According to the U.S. Department of State website, processing times today are one-third the time they used to be in the summer of 2023.

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History of the passport -

According to the Passport Index, passports date back to biblical times when mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah (from approximately 450 BCE).

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History of the passport -

Centuries ago, according to Martin Llyod, author of 'The Passport: The History of Man's Most Traveled Document,' "The sauf conduit or safe conduct pass was designed to grant an enemy passage in and out of a kingdom for the purpose of his negotiations.”

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The 1920s -

After the First World War, the idea of a worldwide passport was introduced and championed by the League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization tasked with maintaining peace.

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US immigration laws -

After the more formal introduction of a worldwide passport, the US passed the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and then the Immigration Act of 1924 to limit the flow of immigrants into the country.

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Women and passports -

In the early 20th century, women who were married were only a footnote in their husbands' passports. This meant they weren't able to cross a border alone.

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The popularity of the passport -

According to National Geographic, in the early days it seemed that no one liked "the idea of being labeled, packaged, and dehumanized within a passport’s pages, but no one could get around without one." This catch-22 of sorts was written about in 20th-century travel literature.

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Denied passports -

There are people in the world who don't belong to any nationality or country. In fact, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at least 10 million people in the world are stateless and therefore denied passports and the freedom of movement.

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Why are some passports stronger than others? -

According to Time magazine, passports are ranked on an index according to the number of destinations they can access without a visa.

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Why are some passports stronger than others? -

Depending on which country you're from, your passport may grant you a lot of freedom and privilege, or cause significant distress.

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FAQ: Can my passport application be refused? -

Yes, there are many reasons why a passport application might be refused. For example, if you provide false information or have been convicted of a crime, then a passport might be denied.

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FAQ: How long is a passport valid? -

The validity of passports can vary amongst countries, but typically passports are valid for five or 10 years.

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FAQ: Will my passport number change when I renew it? -

Yes, upon receiving a new passport, you'll have a different number than before. If you applied for any other official documents with your first passport, be sure to update them.

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FAQ: Can I expedite getting a passport? -

According to the U.S. Department of State website: "As of December 18, 2023, passport applications will be processed within 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an additional $60." 

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FAQ: How many passports can I have? -

There isn't necessarily a limit to how many passports one person can have. However, some countries don't let their citizens hold multiple or dual passports.

Sources: (Passport Index) (National Geographic) (U.S. Department of State) (Time)

See also: The world's most powerful passports for 2024

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