A Reisepass (passport) is an official document issued by your country of origin. It shows your identity and nationality. In Germany, it is also called a "Pass".
You usually need a valid Reisepass when you travel to another country. If you are from an EU country, you can travel to countries in the Schengen Area with just your national identity card.
Passersatzpapiere (substitute travel documents), such as a "Reiseausweis für Ausländer" (travel document for foreigners), are not Reisepässe (passports). They are only replacements if you do not have a Reisepass.
You can only apply for a Reisepass at the embassy or the consulate of your country of origin. This is the country whose citizenship you have. Almost all countries have an embassy or a consulate in Germany.
To get a Reisepass, you usually have to prove your identity (for example, with your expired Reisepass or your birth certificate).
The appearance of a Reisepass depends on the country that issued it. It usually contains information such as:
- name and gender
- date and place of birth
- height and eye color
- citizenship and place of residence
It also includes a passport photo, the signature, the date of issue, the expiration date, the passport number, and the issuing authority.
© Bundesministerium des Innern
