This podcast from Transport Security International Magazine explores the evolution of passports from their historical roots as ‘letters of safe conduct’ to their current status as highly sought-after, and often counterfeited, travel documents. The podcast highlights the sophisticated security features implemented by governments to combat counterfeiters, including tactile features, covert inks, laser-generated watermarks, and digital watermarking. It also discusses the growing importance of e-passports and the potential future adoption of digital travel credentials (DTCs), which would allow travellers to store their credentials electronically, potentially eliminating the need for physical passports altogether.