| European Union laissez-passer | |
|---|---|
 The front cover of a European Union laissez-passer incorporating machine-readable and biometric features. | |
| Type | laissez-passer |
| Issued by | EU institutions |
| First issued | 1970s |
| Purpose | Identification |
| Eligibility | EU officials |
A European Union laissez-passer is a travel document issued to civil servants and members of the institutions of the European Union. It is proof of privileges and immunities the holders enjoy. The document is valid in all countries of the European Union as well as in over 100 other countries. In 2006, the European Commission issued or renewed 2,200 laissez-passer, and other agencies may issue the document as well.[1]
The present regulation was proposed by the European Commission implementing machine-readable laissez-passer according to ICAO 9303 standard including a digitized photo of the bearer's face and fingerprints.[1] The number of data fields was reduced and the document no longer contains information on address and physical appearance.