Passport and Travel Document Types

Compare ordinary, diplomatic, official, emergency, refugee and stateless travel documents.

How to use this guidance

This guide explains the practical checks travelers should make before relying on a passport or travel document. Final acceptance remains itinerary- and authority-specific.

Ordinary passports

Ordinary passports should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Diplomatic passports

Diplomatic passports should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Official and service passports

Official and service passports should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Emergency documents

Emergency documents should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Refugee and stateless documents

Refugee and stateless documents should be reviewed against the traveler’s document, nationality, route, visa category and current official instructions. Keep evidence and copies where appropriate.

Verification workflow

Inspect the passport or travel document and record the exact identifying details.
Check the destination authority and every transit country.
Confirm the visa or authorization is linked to the same document.
Ask the airline to verify unusual document types before departure.
Carry printed and offline evidence of approvals and official correspondence.

Do not rely on a generic six-month or two-page rule when the itinerary involves an emergency, refugee, diplomatic or recently renewed document.

Related resources

Editorial notice

Reviewed 2026-08-05. Verify final requirements with the issuing passport authority, destination immigration authority and airline.