Ordinary passports
Ordinary or regular passports are issued for personal travel such as tourism, family visits, study and business trips. They are the most common documents used in visa applications.
Diplomatic, official and service passports
Diplomatic passports are usually issued to diplomats and certain senior officials. Official or service passports may be issued to public employees travelling on government duty.
Possession of one of these passports does not automatically create diplomatic immunity or visa-free access. The traveler’s assignment and the destination’s rules determine the practical treatment.
Emergency and temporary passports
Emergency or temporary passports may be issued after a passport is lost, stolen, damaged or unavailable during urgent travel. They may have short validity and limited destinations.
Confirm acceptance with the airline, destination and every transit country before departure.
Refugee travel documents and certificates of identity
These documents may be issued to refugees, stateless people or residents who cannot obtain a national passport. Visa and transit rules can differ substantially from those for national passports.
Child and biometric passports
Many authorities issue separate passports to children, often with shorter validity. A biometric passport may be ordinary, diplomatic or official; “biometric” describes the technology, not the travel privilege.
Frequently asked questions
Is a service passport the same as a diplomatic passport?
No. They are separate document categories and the privileges attached to them depend on national law and the destination.
Can an emergency passport be used for a return journey?
Sometimes, but acceptance depends on the issuing authority, route, airline, destination and transit countries.
Is a biometric passport always required?
Not universally, although some visa-waiver or automated-border programs require an eligible biometric passport.
Can a refugee travel document be used like an ordinary passport?
It is a recognized travel document, but visa and transit requirements may differ and should be checked for every country in the itinerary.
Related passport guides
African Passports: Types, Validity and Travel Guide
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Validity, Blank Pages and Document Condition
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →How to Read a Passport Biographical Page
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Issuance, Renewal and Replacement
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →From Travel Letters to Biometric Passports
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Stamps, Entry Records and Corrections
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Official-source checklist
- National passport or immigration authority
- Ministry of Interior or Foreign Affairs
- Embassy or consulate serving the applicant
- ICAO travel-document standards and official airline document guidance
Passport rules, application procedures, validity requirements and fees can change. Confirm current instructions with the responsible authority before applying or travelling.