Passports as standardized travel documents were introduced after World War I. The world's first official standardized passport system emerged in 1920 following an agreement by the League of Nations to regulate international travel and maintain peace. Before that, various forms of travel documents or safe-conduct passes existed, dating back to medieval times and even earlier, but the modern passport system began in the early 20th century with standard formats introduced by the League of Nations in 1920.
Historically:
- The term "passport" comes from the Middle French "passeport" and appeared around the 15th century.
- Medieval rulers issued safe-conduct letters or passes to allow free travel across cities or realms.
- The earliest surviving passport dates back to 1641 in Britain.
- Passports were not generally required in much of Europe during the 19th century but were reintroduced widely after World War I.
- The first British passports resembling modern ones with photographs appeared around 1914.
In summary, while passport-like travel documents have a long history, the introduction of passports as a globally recognized standardized form happened in 1920 under the League of Nations framework.
