Connect with us

TRAVEL

Five Little Known Passport Facts

Published

6 years ago

on

Source: Google Images

We take our passports for granted to help us travel effortlessly from country to country. But passports have a strange history – and some passports contain secrets on their pages that can only be viewed under ultraviolet light. Here are five fun passport facts!

The First Passport – The first ever passport was issued in England in the 15th century. King Henry V issued them to his subjects to help them prove their identity when traveling overseas. A photograph of the bearer was not made compulsory until the start of World War I in response to a German spy entering the United Kingdom using a fake U.S. passport. The very first passports used in the United States dated back to the War of Independence in 1775. Back then they were only valid for 3 to 6 months.

Country with the Most Powerful Passport – Germans can be grateful to have what is deemed the most powerful passport in the world in 2018 – meaning they can visit more countries than anyone else without having to apply for a visa. Afghanistan has the least powerful passport. As of 2018 Afghan passport holders can only visit 24 countries.

Norwegian Passports Conceal a Secret – Passport holders from Norway have a secret hidden inside their passports. When the passport pages are placed underneath ultraviolet light the Northern Lights appear as iridescent glimmers on the page.

No Passport for the Queen – Queen Elizabeth II does not need a passport to travel, but the rest of the royal family do. As a statement on the official website of the British Monarchy explains, “As a British passport is issued in the name of Her Majesty, it is unnecessary for the Queen to possess one.”

Presidents Get a Special Passport – U.S. presidents and certain other political figures get a special passport called a ‘Diplomatic Passport.’ This allows them visa-free travel to many countries and naturally VIP treatment at the airport. Another bonus – they don’t have to return the Diplomatic Passport once their term in office ends. In the U.S. Presidents keep their Diplomatic Passport for life.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE BELOW

Related Topics:
bonvoyaged.com

Welcome to Bon Voyaged, your gateway to a world of adventure, exploration, and cultural discovery. Whether you're an intrepid globetrotter planning your next big adventure, a travel enthusiast seeking inspiration for your bucket list, or simply someone looking to escape through the wonders of travel from the comfort of your own home, our platform is here to provide you with a wealth of information, tips, and inspiration. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of our world as we share stories, recommendations, and a passion for wanderlust that knows no boundaries.