Types of Passports

Types of Passports - which one is the best

Passport types vary by more than country. Types of Passports: Which One Is Best?

Everyone knows that in order to travel internationally, you need a passport. But did you know that there are different types of passports?

Passport types are designed for specific kinds of travelers and purposes. What type of passport is best for you?

Passport Types and Standardization

Even though certain types of passports have been around for hundreds of years, passports from different countries began to resemble each other around the time of World War I.

In 1920, the League of Nations held a conference on passports, which included guidelines for what should be included on passports and how they should be issued.

Further standardization of passports came from follow-up League of Nations conferences in 1926 and 1927, a United Nations travel conference in 1963, and rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization in 1980.

Today, different countries have varying laws regarding what information is issued on passports and what languages they may be printed in. Depending on where you travel, you may need a passport translation.

Many types of passports are available in almost every country around the world. The conditions, length of validity and number of pages often vary by country. Types of Passports: Which One Is Best?

However, the following US passports can illustrate the most common forms of passports in most countries.

1. Ordinary Passport: Types of Passports: Which One Is Best?

Also called a “regular passport” or “tourist passport,” this is the most frequently issued type of passport. It is issued to citizens of a country and allows for international travel.

In the US, ordinary passports are usually valid for 10 years if the passport holder is 16 or older, and five years if the passport holder is 15 or younger.

2. Passport Card

This type of passport is an alternative to an ordinary passport. While it is not valid for international air travel, the card will allow US citizens to cross land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico and several countries in the Caribbean.

3. Official Passport: Types of Passports: Which One Is Best?

Official passports, also called “service passports,” are issued to government employees and their spouses and dependents.

This type of passport is for the purpose of work-related travel. They are generally valid for only five years from the date of issue.

4. Diplomatic Passport

This type of passport is issued to diplomats residing overseas or nationals who travel abroad for diplomatic work. Diplomatic passports can also be issued to eligible dependents of diplomats.

5. Emergency Passport

Emergency passports are issued when your passport is stolen or lost and you do not have time to replace it.

This passport type is usually valid for about a year, and emergency passport holders are encouraged to replace them with regular passports at their earliest convenience.