Skip to main content

When did we start using passports? - Kristin Surak

439,517 Views

364 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Passports are not the first form of travel documents: in Ancient Egypt, travelers carried “letters of safe conduct” issued by rulers; in Han China and Tudor England, foreigners were issued travel passes. However, for much of human history, borders have been relatively fluid, and travel lacked bureaucratic requirements. So, what changed? Kristin Surak details the history of the passport system.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Kristin Surak
Director
Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Composer
Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
Sound Designer
Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Produced by
Sazia Afrin
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Editorial Producer
Shannon Odell
Script Editor
Stephanie H. Smith