The idea of a document that extends protections over subjects as they travel is old — as in, Old Testament old. But the standardized booklet that we now use for establishing identity and citizenship when crossing international borders has only been with us for about a century. More to the point, in the post-9/11 world, it’s become a lot more important.
In this article, I cover the ins and outs of how to get one, when you’ll need one, and what to do if you lose one. Along the way, I’ll pass along some travel tips, discuss passport alternatives and help you protect your children from abduction across national borders.