Laissez-passer

A “laissez-passer” is a type of travel document that is issued by a government or an international organization, allowing the holder to pass through certain jurisdictions. Here are some key points about a laissez-passer:

1. Issued by International Organizations: Laissez-passer passports are commonly issued by international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to their staff members. These documents facilitate travel for official duties.
2. Diplomatic and Official Use: They are often used by diplomats, officials, and employees of these organizations when traveling on official business.
3. Limited Functionality: Unlike regular passports issued by individual countries, laissez-passer documents are not meant for general travel. They are intended specifically for facilitating travel related to the duties of the issuing organization.
4. Recognition: While many countries recognize laissez-passer documents, the level of acceptance can vary, and they may not always be treated with the same authority as national passports.
5. Contents: A laissez-passer will typically contain information similar to that found in a regular passport, such as the holder’s personal details, a photograph, and visa pages for entry stamps.

In essence, a laissez-passer is a specialized travel document that aids the movement of international organization personnel for their official functions.