1870 would you need a passport

[Guest]

could you just get on a boat and go or did you have to apply for a passsport ??? thanks

[Olde Crone Holden]

Val

Passports were originally just a guarantee of safe passage. It was an advantage to have one, but certainly not compulsory - a bit like insurance, which is an advantage but not compulsory!

I'm not sure when passports changed to become a proof of identity and therefore required, but I'm sure it was much later than 1870 - probably round about the time of WW1. (I'm guessing)

OC

[Guest]

thanks OC I didnt realise that thought they were just to prove who you were ??
so I will assume they did not get one then .

[Olde Crone Holden]

No, originally a passport showed you were a British subject, under the protection of the Crown, and if any nasty foreigner did you harm on your journey, they could be assured that the King's Army would be after them!

OC

[Janet]

Passports became mandatory in 1916.

Janet

[Guest]

thanks for the extra bit of info OC and thanks Janet