10 Surprising Passport Facts You’ve Never Heard About Before

So, here’s the thing, everyone thinks of a passport as just that little blue (or maroon, or green) book that makes airports slightly less chaotic. But dig a little deeper, and this pocket-sized document is basically a travel time machine, cultural artifact, and global VIP pass rolled into one. If you’ve ever waited for your cheap flight tickets and flipped through those pages while sipping terrible airport coffee, you’ve probably underestimated just how fascinating this thing actually is.

Let’s wander through some passport facts that will probably have you staring at your own passport a little differently next time.

1. The word “passport” has medieval roots
2. The word “passport” actually appears in the Bible
3. Before World War I, no one cared about photos
4. England’s Queen Never Had One
5. Every passport has a different “value”
6. Passports have Hidden Meanings in their Colours
7. You need to renew it six months before it expires
8. Major face changes = new passport
9. The World Passport exists, and people actually use it
10. Even the Indian passport hides stories
Summing Up
FAQs: Passport Facts
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1. The word “passport” has medieval roots

Passport kept near a book
Image credit: Unsplash/Lydia Norstad

Here’s where it gets unexpectedly historical. The term passport dates back to the 15th century, when travellers needed written permission to pass through ports, literally “pass-port.” Before that, moving between towns or countries was more like sneaking through a maze of royal borders. Imagine flashing a handwritten note to a guard instead of scanning a QR code. Wild.

2. The word “passport” actually appears in the Bible

Holy Bible
Image credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Yes, seriously. One of those surprising facts about passport that feels straight out of a trivia night question. The term shows up in the Book of Nehemiah, where an official letter grants safe passage, which is basically the ancient version of a world passport. So technically, the Bible was already dropping passport references long before airlines even existed.

3. Before World War I, no one cared about photos

It’s strange but true that before World War I, you could get away without a passport photo. Imagine walking into customs with just a name and a wink. Then came border paranoia, and suddenly the world agreed we needed faces in those little rectangles. So next time you’re grumbling about bad lighting or flyaway hair in your passport pic, remember it wasn’t always mandatory.

4. England’s Queen Never Had One

Queen Elizabeth in a carriage
Image credit: Unsplash/Mark de Jong

Now this is peak royal privilege. Queen Elizabeth II (and now King Charles III) didn’t, and still don’t, require a passport. The logic? Every British passport is issued in the name of the monarch. So technically, the ruler can’t issue one to themselves. It’s one of those passport facts that makes you both laugh and sigh because, well, imagine never waiting at immigration again.

5. Every passport has a different “value”

It’s not just about design or colour; passports literally come with different global powers. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Japan, Singapore, and France top the list, giving citizens access to over 190 destinations visa-free. The Indian passport, meanwhile, opens doors to around 59 countries, which is not bad, but definitely a reminder that travel freedom depends on where you’re from. Still, you can always sort out your trips with online visa services for 180+ countries to keep those travel dreams rolling.

Explore: World’s Powerful Passport 2025: US Hits Historic Low! Did India Make History?

6. Passports have Hidden Meanings in their Colours

Passport colours
Image credit: Unsplash/Ethan Wilkinson

That maroon, navy blue, green, or black cover? Not random. Passport colour is often a coded nod to history or religion. Muslim-majority countries usually go for green (symbolic of Islam), while the EU sticks to burgundy. Blue often represents the “New World,” think of the Americas and Oceania. So yeah, that navy-blue cover you toss into your bag actually tells a story.

7. You need to renew it six months before it expires

One of those dull but vital passport facts. Airlines and immigration officers are strict about the “six-month rule.” If your passport expires in less than that, some countries won’t even let you board. Luckily, you can handle passport renewal online without dealing with endless queues or paper piles. A little foresight saves a lot of airport drama.

Going on a vacation? Secure the best hotel bookings online at the lowest rates to seal the deal on a budget!

Discover: Why Do You Need 6 Months’ Passport Validity?

8. Major face changes = new passport

Yup, you read that right. If you’ve had significant facial surgery or you’ve decided to get face tattoos (no judgment, just saying), it’s time for a new passport. Even something like dramatic weight loss or reconstructive surgery can make your current passport invalid because your passport photo no longer matches you. So, before you fly off post-transformation, better check that your passport status is all good.

9. The World Passport exists, and people actually use it

This one sounds like a sci-fi prop, but it’s real. The World Passport, issued by the World Service Authority since 1954, claims to represent “world citizenship.” It’s accepted by a few countries, like Ecuador or Burkina Faso, and rejected by many more. Still, it’s a quirky symbol of global unity, and definitely one of the weirdest passport facts in circulation.

10. Even the Indian passport hides stories

India passport
Image credit: Unsplash/Sourav Debnath

There’s more to the Indian passport than meets the eye. The dark navy cover represents official government tradition, while diplomatic and service passports come in maroon and white. These variations trace back decades of colonial influence and bureaucratic design quirks. It’s one of those subtle Indian passport facts that’s easy to overlook but somehow says a lot about the country’s layered history.

If you’re planning an international escape anytime soon, keep an eye on your passport application. You can also find all-inclusive holiday tour packages and let someone else handle the red tape while you pack. Which is your favourite passport fact? Let us know in the comments below!

Summing Up

Passports aren’t just travel documents; they’re tiny history books in disguise. From the 15th-century origins of the word “passport” to royal exceptions, quirky passport colours, and the bizarre World Passport, passport facts tells a global story. Even the Indian passport carries a hidden meaning and strict rules. So before booking your next cheap flight ticket, maybe take a second to appreciate that powerful little booklet that quietly unlocks the world.

FAQs: Passport Facts

What are the five facts related to passport?
Some exciting and lesser-known facts related to passports are:

If you get a face tattoo or have facial surgery, you will have to apply for a new passport.
All passports must be renewed 6 months before they expire.
The English royalty does not need a passport to travel.
A World Passport does exist.
The existence of passports dates back to the 15^th century.

Which is the most powerful passport?
As per the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Singapore passport is the most powerful in the world currently, allowing holders to access over 190 countries without a visa.

How long is a passport good for?
In India, adult passports are valid for 10 years, while minor passports remain valid for 5 years.

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10 Quirky & Surprising Passport Facts You’ve Never Heard About Before

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The word “passport” has medieval roots

2. The word “passport” actually appears in the Bible

3. Before World War I, no one cared about photos

4. England’s Queen Never Had One

5. Every passport has a different “value”

Explore: World’s Powerful Passport 2025: US Hits Historic Low! Did India Make History?

6. Passports have Hidden Meanings in their Colours

7. You need to renew it six months before it expires

Discover: Why Do You Need 6 Months’ Passport Validity?

8. Major face changes = new passport

9. The World Passport exists, and people actually use it

10. Even the Indian passport hides stories

Summing Up

FAQs: Passport Facts

Also Read:

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

6 Comments

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