In 2023, there were around 160.7 million valid U.S. passports were in circulation. This represented an increase from the previous year's figure of 151.8 million.

The statistic shows the share of citizens from the United States who own a valid passport from 1989 to 2017. In 2017, 42 percent of the total population of the United States owned a valid passport.

As of August 2023, a Mexican passport offered access to a total of 153 countries without having to apply for a visa before travelling. Of these, 101 nations did not require a visa at all and 52 requested visas on arrival. Mexican passports were among the most powerful in Latin America.

This dataset provides Census 2021 estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales by passports held at a more detailed country level. The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021.

Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport. Only the first country written in “Other passport” was taken.

Read more about this quality notice"ONS Quality notice".

This update provides unrounded migration estimates. The accompanying data are provided at Country level down to Output Areas.

Area type

Census 2021 statistics are published for a number of different geographies. These can be large, for example the whole of England, or small, for example an output area (OA), the lowest level of geography for which statistics are produced.

For higher levels of geography, more detailed statistics can be produced. When a lower level of geography is used, such as output areas (which have a minimum of 100 persons), the statistics produced have less detail. This is to protect the confidentiality of people and ensure that individuals or their characteristics cannot be identified.

Coverage

Census 2021 statistics are published for the whole of England and Wales. Data are also available in these geographic types:

• country - for example, Wales
• region - for example, London
• local authority - for example, Cornwall
• health area – for example, Clinical Commissioning Group
• statistical area - for example, MSOA or LSOA

Passports held

All passports classifies a person according to the passport or passports they held at the time of the census. This included expired passports or travel documents people were entitled to renew. Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport.

Utilising a regression analysis we created a correlation matrix utilising a number of demographic indicators from the Local Insight platform. This application is showing the distribution of the datasets that were found to have the strongest relationships, with the base comparison dataset of proportion of population holding no passport. This app contains the following datasets: proportion of people in employment in social grade N-SEC 6 semi-routine occupations, proportion of households that are compromised of one one cohabitating couple family with dependent children, proportion of people in employment in social grade N-SEC 7 routine occupations, proportion of people classified as part of TfWM Traditional Ways persona, proportion of people aged 16 to 24 receviing DWP benefits, estimate of proportion of adults engaged in healthy eating, proportion of people aged 16 to 24 with no qualifications, proportion of people receiving DLA or PIP, proportion of people presumed to be part of Pressured Families TfWM persona and proportion of people aged 16 to 24 who are receving DWP benefits.

As of August 2023, a Colombian passport offered access to a total of 139 countries without having to apply for a visa before traveling. In 2022, the United States – which requests a visa for Colombian nationals – was the main destination for travelers from that South American country.

Passport Scanners Market Outlook

The global passport scanners market size is projected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2023 to USD 2.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. The primary growth factors driving this market include increased international travel, stringent security measures at borders, and advancements in scanning technologies. With the rise in global tourism and business travel, there is a significant need for rapid and secure identity verification systems, which in turn propels the demand for efficient passport scanners.

One of the most critical growth factors for the passport scanners market is the rising international travel and tourism industry. As more individuals travel across borders for business, leisure, or education, the need for efficient and accurate identification processes has surged. Passport scanners enable rapid and accurate verification of travel documents, thus facilitating smoother and faster processing at immigration checkpoints and ensuring heightened security. Furthermore, in the wake of global security concerns, governments and agencies are adopting advanced scanning technologies to prevent unauthorized entry and enhance border security.

Another significant driver for the passport scanners market is technological advancements in scanning solutions. Modern passport scanners are equipped with features like Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), and barcode scanning, which allow for quick and precise data capture. These technologies help in reducing human errors and ensure the authenticity of the documents being scanned. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in passport scanners can further improve their efficiency and accuracy, making them indispensable tools in various security and verification applications.

Strict regulations and policies imposed by governments worldwide to enhance border security and prevent illegal immigration are also fueling the growth of the passport scanners market. Immigration authorities and border control agencies are increasingly investing in advanced scanning technologies to ensure compliance with these regulations. This trend is particularly evident in regions that experience high volumes of international travelers, such as Europe and North America. The implementation of e-passports and biometric identification systems is further expected to drive the demand for advanced passport scanners in the coming years.

Regionally, North America and Europe are leading the market due to their high adoption rates of advanced security technologies and significant international travel volumes. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by increasing travel activities, expanding tourism sector, and rising investments in upgrading airport and border security infrastructure. Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of this regional growth, implementing robust security measures to manage the influx of travelers.

The integration of Airport Document Readers into the passport scanning process is becoming increasingly vital as airports strive to enhance security and streamline passenger processing. These readers are designed to efficiently capture and verify data from various travel documents, including passports, visas, and boarding passes. By automating the document verification process, Airport Document Readers help reduce the risk of human error and speed up the flow of passengers through security checkpoints. This technology not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall passenger experience by minimizing wait times and ensuring a seamless journey. As airports continue to handle growing volumes of travelers, the demand for advanced document readers is expected to rise, driving further innovations in this field.

Technology Analysis

The passport scanners market can be segmented by technology into optical scanners, RFID scanners, and barcode scanners. Each of these technologies offers unique advantages and caters to different requirements in the scanning and verification processes. Optical scanners are one of the most widely used technologies in passport scanners. These devices utilize optical character recognition (OCR) to read and verify the information printed on passports. Optical scanners are known for their high accuracy and speed, making them suitable for

The global passport photo software market is projected to reach USD 1,305.22 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. The rising demand for passport photo software is attributed to the increasing number of passport applications due to globalization and international travel. The software enables users to create professional-quality passport photos that meet the specific requirements of different countries, eliminating the need for physical photo studios. The market is segmented based on application (individual, commercial), type (Windows, Android, iOS, macOS), and region (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific). North America held the largest market share in 2023 due to the high adoption of advanced technologies in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing population and rising disposable income in emerging economies. Prominent players in the market include Passport Photo Maker, BioID, PersoFoto, Passport Photo Workshop, IDPhotoDIY, MakePassPortPhoto.com, IdPhoto4You, Passport ID Photo Maker Studio, 123PassportPhoto, and Yarsa Labs.

In 2023, over 216 thousand Indians renounced their citizenship. This was a decline from the previous which recorded the highest number of passports relinquished. The number of people giving up their Indian citizenship has significantly increased since 2020. Most of these became citizens of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Biometric Passports Market Outlook

The global biometric passports market size was valued at approximately USD 22.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 46.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. This remarkable growth trajectory is driven by the increasing adoption of biometric technology for enhanced security, streamlined border control processes, and the rising demand for secure and efficient international travel documents.

A significant growth factor driving the biometric passports market is the heightened need for enhanced security measures in international travel. Traditional passports are increasingly becoming susceptible to forgery and identity theft. Biometric passports, which incorporate electronic chips and biometric features like fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, offer a substantial improvement in security. Governments around the world are mandating the use of biometric passports to ensure the integrity of international travel and national security, thereby fueling market growth.

The push towards digitization and technological advancements is another critical driver for the biometric passports market. With rapid innovations in biometric technologies, the accuracy and reliability of biometric passports have significantly improved. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated into biometric systems to enhance their efficiency. Furthermore, the adoption of these technologies is not just limited to developed countries; emerging economies are also embracing them to improve their border control and security infrastructure, thereby contributing to market expansion.

Moreover, the increasing international travel and tourism sector is acting as a catalyst for the biometric passports market. As global mobility rises, the need for efficient and secure border control solutions becomes paramount. Biometric passports facilitate quicker and more accurate identity verification processes, reducing waiting times and enhancing the travel experience. This is particularly important in airports and border control points, where efficient processing of travelers can significantly impact overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe have been at the forefront of adopting biometric passport technologies, driven by stringent security regulations and high travel volumes. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing investments in infrastructural development, growing international travel, and favorable government initiatives promoting the use of biometric identification systems. Countries like China, India, and Japan are leading the charge in the Asia Pacific region, making significant strides in the implementation of biometric passport systems.

The concept of a Passport package is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of biometric passports. As countries strive to enhance the security and efficiency of their travel documents, the idea of bundling various services and features into a comprehensive passport package is gaining traction. This package could include not only the biometric passport itself but also additional services such as expedited processing, travel insurance, and access to exclusive travel lounges. By offering a complete package, governments and travel agencies can provide travelers with a seamless and enhanced travel experience, further driving the demand for biometric passports.

Technology Analysis

The biometric passports market is segmented by technology into facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, and others. Facial recognition technology is currently dominating the market due to its non-intrusive nature and ease of use. The technology employs advanced algorithms to analyze and confirm a person's identity based on their facial features. This technology is highly preferred in busy environments like airports, where quick and accurate identity verification is crucial. Additionally, continuous improvements in camera quality and image processing capabilities are further enhancing the effectiveness of facial recognition systems.

Fingerprint recognition technology holds a significant share of the biometric passports market as well. This technology involves capturing and comparing fingerprints to authentic

Over the last decade, the issuance of ordinary passports has been on the rise in China. In 2018, the Chinese government issued around 30 million ordinary passports, representing over a five-fold increase compared to 2007. Over 170 million people were holding a Chinese passport that year.

Dataset population: Persons

Age upon arrival in the UK

The age of arrival in the UK is derived from the date that a person last arrived to live in the UK and their age. Short visits away from the UK are not counted in determining the date that a person last arrived.

Age of arrival is only applicable to usual residents who were not born in the UK. It does not include usual residents born in the UK who have emigrated and since returned; these are recorded in the category 'Born in the UK'.

Total passports held

Results for 'Passports held' classify a person according to the passport or passports they held at the time of the 2011 Census. People were asked to indicate whether they held no passport, a United Kingdom passport, an Irish passport or a passport from another country, and write in the name of the other country if applicable. If more than one of the options were applicable, people were asked to indicate all that applied.

In results that classify people by passports held, those who hold a United Kingdom or Irish passport, and any other type of passport, will appear in each applicable category.

The categories 'EU countries' and 'non-EU countries' relate to the European Union (EU) as at March 2011.

The Latin American Government & Security Biometrics Market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $3.20 billion in 2025 and exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, increasing government initiatives focused on enhancing national security and border control are fueling demand for biometric solutions. The need for secure and efficient citizen identification, particularly for managing e-passports, e-visas, and national ID programs, is a significant market driver. Secondly, rising concerns about public safety and the need for effective crime prevention are bolstering adoption of biometric technologies in law enforcement and surveillance systems. Furthermore, the healthcare sector is increasingly utilizing biometrics for patient identification and access control, further contributing to market growth. The market is segmented by authentication type (single-factor and multi-factor), contact type (contact-based and non-contact-based), product type (voice, facial, fingerprint, vein, and iris recognition), and application (border control, e-passport, e-visa, national ID, healthcare, public safety, and others). The adoption of multi-factor authentication and contactless biometric technologies is expected to accelerate in the coming years due to their enhanced security and convenience. The competitive landscape features a mix of established global players and regional companies, including Fujitsu, Thales Group, HID Global Corporation, Precise Biometrics AB, M2SYS Technologies, Aware Inc, NEC Corporation, Aratek, EyeLock Inc, and IDEMI. These companies are investing in research and development to enhance the accuracy, speed, and security of their biometric solutions. Growth within the Latin American region is particularly notable due to increasing government investments in infrastructure and technology modernization across countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. While data privacy concerns and the cost of implementation represent potential restraints, the overall market outlook remains positive, driven by the compelling benefits of enhanced security, improved efficiency, and reduced fraud in government and security applications. The diverse applications and continuous technological advancements ensure sustained growth throughout the forecast period. Recent developments include: May 2024: Worldcoin is expanding its iris biometrics and digital identity program into new regions, which has raised concerns among governments unsure about the company's data collection practices. Latin America is now a focus area, with legislators in Argentina and Mexico seeking to regulate and clarify data protection measures related to Worldcoin's activities., April 2024: Xperix Inc. announced the successful integration of its RealPass-N document reader, optical character recognition (OCR) algorithm, and public key infrastructure (PKI) performance into Akiyama’s border control systems in Brazil. This partnership between the two biometric companies has facilitated the deployment, which aims to modernize border control and migration processes.. Key drivers for this market are: The Increasing Adoption of Biometrics to Enhance Security and Convenience for Citizens by the Government. Potential restraints include: The Increasing Adoption of Biometrics to Enhance Security and Convenience for Citizens by the Government. Notable trends are: Facial Recognition is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share.

The global ID document reader market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing security concerns across various sectors and the rising adoption of digital identity verification systems. The market, estimated at $1.5 billion in 2025, is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $4.2 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the escalating demand for secure and efficient identity verification in airports, government agencies, hospitals, and other institutions. The shift towards digitalization and the implementation of border control systems are further fueling market expansion. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of contactless technologies and the integration of biometric authentication features are enhancing the functionality and appeal of ID document readers. The market is segmented by application (airport, government agency, hospital, etc.) and type of document (ID card, passport, driver's license, etc.), with the airport and passport segments currently dominating due to stringent security requirements. While growth is projected across all segments, the adoption of ID document readers for other applications, such as healthcare and financial institutions, presents significant untapped potential. Geographic regions such as North America and Europe are currently leading the market, but significant growth opportunities exist in the Asia-Pacific region, fueled by increasing government initiatives and infrastructure development. However, high initial investment costs and concerns regarding data privacy and security represent potential restraints to market growth. Despite these challenges, technological advancements, such as the development of more accurate and efficient reader technologies, are expected to mitigate these concerns and contribute to continued market expansion. The competitive landscape includes a mix of established players and emerging companies, with key players focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion to maintain a strong market presence. The focus on enhancing the speed, accuracy, and security of ID verification through technological advancements is expected to be a critical factor in shaping the market's trajectory over the next decade. This will include incorporating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to improve fraud detection and enhance the overall user experience.

Dataset population: Persons aged 16 and over

Age

Age is derived from the date of birth question and is a person's age at their last birthday, at 27 March 2011. Dates of birth that imply an age over 115 are treated as invalid and the person's age is imputed. Infants less than one year old are classified as 0 years of age.

Economic activity

Economic activity relates to whether or not a person who was aged 16 and over was working or looking for work in the week before census. Rather than a simple indicator of whether or not someone was currently in employment, it provides a measure of whether or not a person was an active participant in the labour market.

A person's economic activity is derived from their 'activity last week'. This is an indicator of their status or availability for employment - whether employed, unemployed, or their status if not employed and not seeking employment. Additional information included in the economic activity classification is also derived from information about the number of hours a person works and their type of employment - whether employed or self-employed.

The census concept of economic activity is compatible with the standard for economic status defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It is one of a number of definitions used internationally to produce accurate and comparable statistics on employment, unemployment and economic status.

Principal passport held

Results for 'Passports held' classify a person according to the passport or passports they held at the time of the 2011 Census. People were asked to indicate whether they held no passport, a United Kingdom passport, an Irish passport or a passport from another country, and write in the name of the other country if applicable. If more than one of the options were applicable, people were asked to indicate all that applied.

In results that classify people by passports held, those who hold a United Kingdom or Irish passport, and any other type of passport, will appear in each applicable category.

The categories 'EU countries' and 'non-EU countries' relate to the European Union (EU) as at March 2011.

This topic counts each person only once, therefore people only appear in one category even if they hold more than one passport. In cases where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were categorised in the following priority order:

1. UK passport
2. Irish passport
3. Other passport

This dataset provides Census 2021 estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales by passports held and by year of arrival in the UK. The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021.

Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport. Only the first country written in “Other passport” was taken. Read more about this quality notice.

Area type

Census 2021 statistics are published for a number of different geographies. These can be large, for example the whole of England, or small, for example an output area (OA), the lowest level of geography for which statistics are produced.

For higher levels of geography, more detailed statistics can be produced. When a lower level of geography is used, such as output areas (which have a minimum of 100 persons), the statistics produced have less detail. This is to protect the confidentiality of people and ensure that individuals or their characteristics cannot be identified.

Lower tier local authorities

Lower tier local authorities provide a range of local services. There are 309 lower tier local authorities in England made up of 181 non-metropolitan districts, 59 unitary authorities, 36 metropolitan districts and 33 London boroughs (including City of London). In Wales there are 22 local authorities made up of 22 unitary authorities.

Coverage

Census 2021 statistics are published for the whole of England and Wales. However, you can choose to filter areas by:

• country - for example, Wales
• region - for example, London
• local authority - for example, Cornwall
• health area – for example, Clinical Commissioning Group
• statistical area - for example, MSOA or LSOA

Passports held

All passports classifies a person according to the passport or passports they held at the time of the census. This included expired passports or travel documents people were entitled to renew. Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport.

Year of arrival in the UK

The year someone not born in the UK last arrived in the UK. This does not include returning from short visits away from the UK.

This dataset provides Census 2021 estimates that classify usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales by economic activity status, and by passports held. The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021

As Census 2021 was during a unique period of rapid change, take care when using this data for planning purposes. Read more about this quality notice.

Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport. Only the first country written in “Other passport” was taken. Read more about this quality notice.

Area type

Census 2021 statistics are published for a number of different geographies. These can be large, for example the whole of England, or small, for example an output area (OA), the lowest level of geography for which statistics are produced.

For higher levels of geography, more detailed statistics can be produced. When a lower level of geography is used, such as output areas (which have a minimum of 100 persons), the statistics produced have less detail. This is to protect the confidentiality of people and ensure that individuals or their characteristics cannot be identified.

Lower tier local authorities

Lower tier local authorities provide a range of local services. There are 309 lower tier local authorities in England made up of 181 non-metropolitan districts, 59 unitary authorities, 36 metropolitan districts and 33 London boroughs (including City of London). In Wales there are 22 local authorities made up of 22 unitary authorities.

Coverage

Census 2021 statistics are published for the whole of England and Wales. However, you can choose to filter areas by:

• country - for example, Wales
• region - for example, London
• local authority - for example, Cornwall
• health area – for example, Clinical Commissioning Group
• statistical area - for example, MSOA or LSOA

Economic activity status

People aged 16 years and over are economically active if, between 15 March and 21 March 2021, they were:

• in employment (an employee or self-employed)
• unemployed, but looking for work and could start within two weeks
• unemployed, but waiting to start a job that had been offered and accepted

It is a measure of whether or not a person was an active participant in the labour market during this period. Economically inactive are those aged 16 years and over who did not have a job between 15 March to 21 March 2021 and had not looked for work between 22 February to 21 March 2021 or could not start work within two weeks.

The census definition differs from International Labour Organization definition used on the Labour Force Survey, so estimates are not directly comparable.

This classification splits out full-time students from those who are not full-time students when they are employed or unemployed. It is recommended to sum these together to look at all of those in employment or unemployed, or to use the four category labour market classification, if you want to look at all those with a particular labour market status.

Passports held

All passports classifies a person according to the passport or passports they held at the time of the census. This included expired passports or travel documents people were entitled to renew. Where a person recorded having more than one passport, they were counted only once, categorised in the following priority order: 1. UK passport, 2. Irish passport, 3. Other passport.

The citizens of Barbados had the most powerful passports in the Caribbean region as of late 2023. At that moment in time, the Barbadian national could travel to 165 countries without having to get a visa. Passports from the Bahamas ranked second, scoring with visa-free access to 158 destinations. Meanwhile, Chilean citizens were holders of the most powerful passport in Latin American region that same year.

Tourism in the Caribbean

In 2023, outbound travelers from the Caribbean spent an estimated amount of four billion U.S. dollars. Looking at the number of tourists from the Caribbean arriving in the United States, about 1.35 million visitors from the region traveled to the U.S. in 2022. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic had one of the highest number of international tourist arrivals in the Americas in 2022, showcasing the significance of inbound tourism in the region.