What is the World Passport and How to Get One

Globalisation has undoubtedly blurred borders and redefined how nations and their citizens live and work together.

However, it remains an unfortunate fact that borders still define our movements. 

Perhaps that’s why so many people seem to be interested in the concept of a World Passport – one of the few concepts in our modern world that offers an alluring glimpse into what unrestricted travel and global identity could look like.

At Nomad Capitalist, we definitely understand the appeal. 

After all, if you’re a frequent traveller, you, too, would likely jump at the chance to become the owner of a travel document that transcends national constraints. 

What do global citizenship and World Passport actually look like, though?

It’s probably not what you think, and there are better options for improved global mobility, which this guide explores in depth below.

Ultimately, the World Passport’s reception is as varied as the nations it seeks to unite.

Some countries embrace its ethos, while others (most, in fact) raise sceptical eyebrows, viewing it as more of a novelty than a legitimate travel document.

One thing is for sure, though: whether it’s a true symbol of a borderless world or just a conversation starter at international airports, the World Passport invites us all to ponder the future of global citizenship.

What is a World Passport?

Issued by the World Service Authority (WSA), the World Passport is a document that aspires to transcend traditional travel constraints. 

This 30-page Machine-Readable Travel Document (MRTD) is a marvel of multilingual accessibility, featuring seven languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and even Esperanto. 

Like a regular passport, each World Passport bears a unique alphanumeric code line specific to the individual who owns it.

With a scanned-in passport photo and a ‘ghost’ security paper embedded with a logo, its design is as functional as any other document. Inside, the World Citizen logo graces each page, adding an air of global solidarity. 

The document includes nineteen visa pages for your globetrotting adventures and two pages earmarked for affiliate identifications – ideal for diplomatic corps or organisational ties. 

The inside back cover is, again, designed to mimic a regular passport, with space for personal details like:

• Home address
• Next of kin
• Driver’s license information.

What Does a World Passport Represent?

The World Passport champions the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It’s particularly connected to Article 6, which asserts the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law, and Article 13(2), which declares the right to leave any country and return to one’s own.

It embodies the profound belief that each individual deserves the liberty to explore, reside and thrive wherever they find themselves most aligned with their values and aspirations.

That’s a value we hold dear at Nomad Capitalist, where it’s an important part of our aim to help you go where you’re treated best.

By its very existence, the World Passport challenges the entrenched notion of nation-state sovereignty. 

Unlike traditional passports, it omits the declaration of nationality, opting instead to highlight the bearer’s birthplace, thus maintaining a stance of neutrality and apoliticism.

Ultimately, that’s why the World Passport was conceived: to offer individuals a tool for asserting these universal rights, which would be particularly useful for those who find themselves in the grey zones of nationality.

Stateless persons, refugees and those in dire need of recognition might consider the World Passport a beacon of hope. 

For those individuals, it actually does serve as a unique, albeit controversial, document for navigating the often-tumultuous seas of international identity. 

Validity, Cost and Requirements for a World Passport

As is the case when applying for any official identification, when preparing your application for a World Passport, you must submit a set of essential documents. This includes:

• A completed questionnaire
• A copy of an identification card such as an international or national passport, driver’s license or birth certificate
• Two photos in either 4 x 4 cm size or, if you’re submitting virtually, in electronic JPG format.

For those submitting a handwritten application, you will be required to notarise the document.

In terms of cost, the World Service Authority offers a few options that vary depending on the length of validity: 

• 3-year passport: US$75
• 5-year passport: US$100
• 10-year passport: US$125
• Premium 15-year donor passport: US$500.

Be prepared to pay extra for handwritten forms and delivery costs, which can vary based on the country of destination.

The standard application processing time is four months, but for those in a rush, expedited services are available at an additional cost (although the official website has a disclaimer saying those services aren’t always available).

What about approval? 

This guide will walk you through the application process below, but it’s important to note that the requirements and restrictions are the same as those you’d expect when applying for, or renewing, your regular passport.

That translates as the World Service Authority reserves the right to deny applications if the applicant has a criminal record or for other reasons.

How to Become a World Citizen

The process to apply for a World Passport is actually relatively straightforward and starts with a visit to the WSA’s official website. 

There, you can complete the application form which only requires you to fill out simple personal details such as full name, date and place of birth, eye colour and parental information. 

For those who prefer traditional methods, you can also print the form, fill it out by hand and send it via email as a scanned copy.

After completing the application, you’ll pay the registration fee using the World Citizen Government Payment service, which is available online. 

As mentioned, while the standard processing time is approximately three to four months, if you’re eager to expedite the process, you can pay an additional fee for a quicker turnaround.

Once approved, the World Passport will be mailed directly to your specified address. 

Will a World Passport Actually Make Travel Any Easier?

The World Passport is definitely an intriguing concept that champions global citizenship and the freedom to traverse international borders.

However, it faces significant practical limitations, and you will, too, if you try to travel with one.

Chief among the problems is the fact that only a handful of countries recognise it, which means it has considerably restricted utility for most travellers.

According to the WSA, nations such as Ecuador, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia have accepted the document as identification. 

In some cases, popular countries like the United States and Switzerland seem to have allowed passengers to enter using their World Passports.

However, those admissions seem to have been judged on a case-by-case basis rather than indicating a universal acceptance of the document’s validity.

This means that, for those hoping to enhance their travel freedom, the World Passport may not offer the comprehensive benefits of traditional national passports accepted worldwide.

Unless you actually need it because you are currently stateless, it might as well be a novelty item.

Our professional opinion?

The World Passport holds symbolic value for those committed to the ideals of global citizenship and the notion of a borderless world.

But be warned – don’t rely on it. For practical purposes, it’s unlikely to replace the necessity of holding a national passport any time soon. 

For frequent travellers not fleeing war-torn countries or facing similar issues, it might be a more effective strategy to focus on acquiring citizenship or residency in countries with robust passport power.

Alternatives to a World Passport

If you’re interested in elevating your travel freedom beyond the symbolic gesture of a World Passport, obtaining a second passport is a more effective solution. 

A second passport can significantly enhance global mobility, providing wider access to countries without needing a visa. Depending on which passport you choose, it offers the kind of travel privileges that a World Passport currently cannot.

One popular method of acquiring a second passport is through citizenship-by-investment programs. 

These initiatives, often found in Caribbean nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis or Dominica, allow individuals to secure citizenship by making a substantial economic contribution to the country. 

Such passports are highly valued due to their extensive visa-free access to numerous countries, including those within the Schengen Zone.

Alternatively, residency-by-investment programs offer a pathway to eventual citizenship. 

European countries like Portugal and Malta provide these schemes, where individuals can gain residency through investments in real estate or business ventures. 

Over time, these residencies can lead to full citizenship, granting access to powerful passports with robust travel privileges.

Not worried about mobility? Couldn’t care less about how many countries you can travel to visa-free? 

Holding multiple citizenships offers strategic advantages beyond just travel convenience. 

Again, depending on the passport, it can also provide security, economic opportunities and even more personal freedoms.

In an unpredictable global landscape, having the flexibility to relocate or travel freely is invaluable.

In essence, while the World Passport represents a commendable ideal that we believe in wholeheartedly, exploring second citizenships through investment programs offers a practical approach to achieving enhanced global mobility and personal and tax freedom.

What is the World Passport and How to Get One: FAQs

Become a Real Nomad Citizen

Becoming a true global citizen means expanding beyond a single nationality. 

By diversifying your passport portfolio, you unlock unparalleled travel freedom, security and access to global opportunities. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we specialise in guiding seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs through the process of understanding their residency options and obtaining second citizenship – all tailored to their unique needs. 

Just imagine…

You have the freedom to live and work wherever you desire, enjoying tax advantages and personal freedom that come with holding multiple passports. 

This is the dream of many modern nomads – those who seek to break free from conventional boundaries and embrace a borderless lifestyle. 

That’s the dream of a true global citizen and Nomad Capitalist is here to help you make that dream a reality.

Whether you’re looking for more travel flexibility, economic opportunities or simply a change in lifestyle, we offer the expertise and resources to make your global citizenship goals a reality. 

Take the first step towards becoming a real nomad citizen with us.