Most individuals in the UK nowadays hold a passport, as package holidays have been standard for nearly 30 years. But why have a passport? What rights do I have on the occasion when I show my passport documents to foreign police, for example?
Firstly, your passport document fundamentally highlights you as a certain citizen of a specific country. This at once informs local bureaus (wherever you are) of your particular set of rights in their nation. Your passport is also the place to hold various stamps and visas which also inform local authorities as to how many days you’ve been in their nation, and how many days you’re permitted to reside for.
A lot of people mistake having a passport as being a resident of that country. Not true. For example, if you’re an American and have lived in the United Kingdom for the last 15 years, then go back to America on your American passport, you will most certainly not have the same rights as a resident of the United States (e.g. be able to claim unemployment benefits immediately). Being a resident and being a passport holder for a particular country are two different things. It’s important to understand this as more and more individuals are dual passport holders these days.
Always store your passport in a safe location, and also copy your photo page and your stamped pages in case it gets lost. If you do lose your passport while abroad, get in touch with your embassy who will be able to supply you an emergency passport. Your embassy is there to give you help with your passport when you need it most.