| According to the Department of
State, there are several reasons : 1. Required visas – A visa will
not be granted for entry into a
foreign country when the reason for travel to that country is
stated as official business and the personal (tourist) passport
is
presented. In addition, a diplomatic or official visa cannot be
stamped in a personal passport.
2. Foreign country entry and exit – Some countries will deny entry at
the border to someone seeking to enter on official government
business who presents a personal passport. Also, problems may
occur upon departure from a foreign country.
3. Violation of sovereignty – Use of a personal passport when
traveling in an official capacity misrepresents the true purpose
for which the traveler has entered the country. This can have
serious and adverse affects on our reciprocal relations with
foreign countries. Employees of foreign governments must use
official passports when they come to the U.S. on behalf of their
governments. This is a traditional practice among governments and
an internationally recognized policy.
4. Security concerns – Should there be a problem while you are in the
host country, the official passport provides quicker access to
officials of the host country government and greater protection.
|
