passport

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːspɔːt/

noun

  • an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries: a British citizen with a valid passport does not need a visa to visit the US [as modifier]: a passport photograph
  • [in singular] a thing that ensures admission to or the achievement of something: good qualifications are a passport to success

Origin:

late 15th century (denoting authorization to depart from a port): from French passeport, from passer 'to pass' + port 'seaport'