Definition of passport

The word "passport" has its origins in the 14th century. It comes from the French words "passe-partout" or "passeport," which literally means "travel everywhere" or "free passage." During the Middle Ages, royal and noble travelers required a special permit, called a "passe-partout," to travel through foreign territories. This permit granted them safe passage and immunity from prosecution. The term "passport" gradually replaced "passe-partout" and by the 16th century, it referred specifically to a certificate issued by a government to its citizens for traveling abroad. The first modern passport was introduced in 1540 by the British government, followed by other European nations. Over time, the concept of a passport spread globally, with international agreements standardizing the document's format and purpose. Today, a passport is a vital travel document required for international travel.