What is an Ordinary Passport? Overview of Passport Categories

When applying for a visa, you’ll often need to specify whether you have an ordinary passport or a different type of passport. Understanding the different categories of passports is essential, as not all types are eligible for all visas, so here is a brief overivew: 

1. Ordinary Passports - Also known as regular or tourist passports, are the most common type issued to the general public. They are intended for regular travel such as tourism, business trips, or family visits. These passports typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years and include various security features to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized use.

2. Emergency Passports (or temporary passports) - Are issued to citizens who need to travel urgently and do not have access to their regular passport. This situation may arise due to loss, theft, or damage of the regular passport. Emergency passports are usually limited in validity and travel scope, primarily allowing the holder to return to their home country.

3. Diplomatic Passports - Are issued to diplomats and consuls, as well as their dependents, and other government officials who travel internationally on official state business. Holders of diplomatic passports often enjoy certain privileges, including diplomatic immunity and expedited customs processing. These passports are easily distinguishable by their unique color and markings, which vary by country.

4. Official or Service Passports - Are provided to government employees and military personnel who travel abroad on official duties but do not qualify for diplomatic passports. These passports indicate that the holder is on government business, often affording certain privileges and immunities similar to diplomatic passports but generally less extensive.

5. United Nations Laissez-Passer (UNLP) - Is issued by the United Nations to its staff and officials, as well as employees of international organizations associated with the UN. The blue UNLP is for high-ranking officials, while the red UNLP is for other staff members. These documents facilitate travel for UN-related duties and grant certain diplomatic privileges and immunities.

6. Refugee Travel Documents - Are issued to individuals recognized as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. These documents serve as a substitute for a national passport and allow refugees to travel internationally. The issuing country varies, but these documents are generally recognized globally under international agreements.

7. Collective Passports - Are issued for group travel, such as school trips or pilgrimages. This type of passport contains a list of individuals traveling together and is particularly useful for organizing large groups. While not common today, they still exist in some countries and under specific circumstances.