passport

A document identifying a citizen, in effect requesting foreign powers to allow the bearer to enter and to pass freely and safely, recognizing the right of the bearer to the protection and good offices of American diplomatic and consular offices. U. S. v. Laub, U.S.N.Y., 385 U.S>475, 87 S.Ct. 574, 578, 17 L.Ed.2d 526. A passport is evidence of permission from sovereign to its citizen to travel to foreign countries and to return to land of his allegiance, as well as request to foreign powers that such citizen be allowed to pass freely and safely. Worthy v. U. S., C.A.Fla., 328 F.2d 386, 391.

See also visa

Any travel document issued by competent authority showing the bearer's origin, identity, and nationality if any, which is valid for the entry of the bearer into a foreign country. 8 U.S.C.A. No. 1101.

In international law.

A license or safe-conduct, issued during the progress of a war, authorizing a person to remove himself or his effects from the territory of one of the belligerent nations to another country, or to travel from country to country without arrest or detention on account of the war.

Maritime.

A document issued to a neutral merchant vessel, by her own government, during the progress of a war, to be carried on the voyage, to evidence her nationality and protect her against the cruisers of the belligerent powers. This paper is otherwise called a "pass," "sea-pass," "sea-letter," "sea-brief."

It usually contains the captain's or master's name and residence, the name, property, description, tonnage, and destination of the ship, the nature and quantity of the cargo, the place from whence it comes, and its destination, with such other matters as the practice of the place requires.