What is a Passport? What are the 2025 Passport Types?

A passport is a document required for international travel that confirms a person’s identity and citizenship. There are different types of passports, and each is issued under specific conditions.

What you need to know about the different passport types:

• Maroon Passport (Ordinary Passport): This passport type is issued to ordinary citizens who have a residence permit and are traveling. These passports are generally used more frequently than other passport types and are sufficient for entry into many countries for travel purposes.
  Gray Passport (Service Passport): This passport type is issued to individuals traveling for official purposes, such as public officials or government employees. These passports allow visa-free travel to certain countries.
  Black Passport (Diplomatic Passport): This passport type is issued to individuals on diplomatic missions and government officials. These passports provide diplomatic immunity and exemption from legal proceedings in their country.
  Green Passport (Special Passport): This passport type is issued to certain individuals and is subject to special conditions. For example, high-ranking individuals such as presidents, ministers, members of parliament, governors, and retired government officials can obtain these passports.
  Temporary Passport: This passport type is issued to individuals who have lost or stolen their regular passports. Temporary passports are valid for a limited period of time and are recommended for use only in emergencies.

Because each passport type is issued under different conditions, it’s important for those seeking a passport to choose the passport type appropriate for their specific circumstances. Depending on the passport type, you may need a visa in certain countries, or your passport may have a limited validity period. Therefore, it’s recommended that you check the visa requirements and validity period of your passport before using it.

What is a Green Passport?

You’ve probably heard it many times, but do you really know what it is? Let’s find out together. A green passport is a type of passport issued specifically to Turkish citizens. Officially known as a Special Passport, it is issued to members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, ministers, members of the judiciary, retired civil servants, high-ranking public officials, political party leaders, members of the press, athletes, and businesspeople, as well as to Turkish citizens working abroad and their families.

What are the Advantages of a Green Passport?

The advantages of a green passport are numerous. Firstly, it does not require a visa in many countries, eliminating the hassle of the visa application process. Furthermore, it grants transit through special entry and exit points in some countries. For example, in some Schengen countries within the European Union, it allows you to avoid long lines at special passport control. You can go through priority passport control at airports, providing a significant advantage in arriving on time for your flights.

For example, did you know that you can obtain free bus and train tickets in Israel with a Green Passport?

Another advantage of a Green Passport is that Turkish citizens receive priority treatment at consular services abroad. It also allows you to transit to Turkey from abroad without completing the “Customs Enforcement Passenger Declaration,” which is specific to Turkish citizens.

Who is Eligible for a Green Passport?

Turkish citizens from various professional groups can obtain a green passport. These include journalists, athletes, artists, and members of parliament. Green passports are also issued to Turkish citizens abroad.

Businesspeople who have exceeded certain export rates can also obtain a Green Passport.

Of course, the Green Passport also has some disadvantages. For example, in some countries, green passport holders still have to apply for a visa. Furthermore, green passports must be renewed every five years, and the renewal fee is quite high.

The green passport offers Turkish citizens many advantages, making it a great convenience for those wishing to travel. It’s important for every Turkish citizen to be aware of this privilege, which makes them feel proud of their Turkish identity. Taking advantage of the benefits of the green passport makes traveling around the world much easier.

Visa-Free European Countries with a Green Passport

Which Countries Cannot Be Traveled to Visa-Free with a Green Passport?

• Afghanistan
  USA
  Russia
  UK
  Rwanda
  Angola
  Senegal
  Australia
  Solomon Islands
  Somalia
  Burkina Faso
  Sri Lanka
  Burundi
  Sudan
  Bhutan
  Suriname
  Cape Verde
  Saudi Arabia
  Chad
  Taiwan
  East Timor
  Togo
  Dominican Republic
  Tonga
  Equatorial Guinea
  Uganda
  Eritrea
  New Zealand
  Armenia
  Zambia
  Ethiopia
  Zimbabwe
  Gabon
  Gambia
  Ghana
  Guinea-Bissau
  Cyprus
  Haiti
  India
  UK
  Ireland
  Cameroon (excluding official delegations)
  Canada
  Kiribati
  Islamic Republic of the Comoros
  Congo
  Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
  North Korea
  Liberia
  Madagascar (Malagasy)
  Malawi
  Mexico
  Micronesia
  Mozambique
  Myanmar (Burma and Burma)
  Nauru
  Nepal
  Niger
  Nigeria
  Central African Republic
  Uzbekistan
  Papua New Guinea