What is a passport?

A passport is a travel document issued by a national government that usually identifies the bearer as a national of the issuing state and requests that the bearer be permitted to enter and pass through other countries.

Passports are connected with the right of legal protection abroad and the right to enter one's country of nationality. Passports usually contain the holder's photograph, signature, date of birth, nationality, and sometimes other means of individual identification. Many countries are in the process of developing biometric properties for their passports in order to further confirm that the person presenting the passport is the legitimate holder.

Passport Questions:

I'm going to NZ in a month Do I need an American Passport?
Should I get my airline tickets under the old name in my passport?
Forms specifically for changing names on passports or do you have to go through the whole process of obtaining a new one ?
Having a valid passport would make finding work in another Australia easier?
Questions about renewing my british passport in the US
Have any other Canadians had any problems with this while traveling to the UK?
How can I have a guarantor if I am an immagrant? I do not know anyone
Applying for a Canadian passport, I have not had one previously, I don't know what I should do?
Do I Need A Passport?
Get A Passport
How long does it take to get a passport?
Is an reentry permit required for green-card holder who go oversea for lest than a year (2-3weeks) ?
Should I have my passport renewed before I go to my immegration interview?
I am getting my US citizenship. Is there a way for me to renew my Indian passport while I'm still an Indian citizen?
Can I, a USA citizen, get either an Italy or Ireland passport?
I have a friend who lost his passport which had his student F1 visa in it...
Do I need to obtain a new Russian passport to travel abroad?
Can I go directly to a passport agency in person to have an official accept my passport application?
Passport Application Date of Recent Marriage Question
Questions on filling out a passport application form
I want to apply for passports for myself and my kids
Renewing Canadian passport question
where can I get passport applications forms at?
Visa Question - UK Passport Holder, best place to get a Russian Visa?
Passport Renewal Information and Landing Question
Accurate passport office estimated return times?
Color passport photo question - instant or pro?
What exactly are the requirements for passport photos?
Can I get an expedited passport if I already have one going through the passport renewal process?
Passport requirements on cruises?
Has anyone used passport services that claim to get a passport in 24 hours?
Question regarding services to obtain US citizenship
Passport photo question
Help -- my passport status question...
What passport's renewal expiration date counts?
UK passport name change question
Why is my old Passport in English and French?
US Passport Question - Renewal Date Wrong?
US Passport renewal for kids
US passport and probation question