How do you travel without a passport?

Emperor and Empress of Japan, along with King Charles III, are unique in that they do not carry passports, a situation rooted in historical and legal traditions. Immigration lawyer Cahal Malone explains that in the UK, passports are issued under the royal prerogative, meaning they are granted in the king's name. This makes it impractical for the king to possess a passport that requests his own permission to travel. Furthermore, King Charles typically travels only on state visits, which are meticulously planned and coordinated, eliminating the need for a passport.

In contrast, the Japanese emperor's lack of a passport stems from a historical perception of divinity, a status that was altered post-World War II. Although the emperor is no longer considered divine, the tradition persists, reflecting a similar reality to that of the British monarchy—neither the emperor nor the king engages in casual travel. Malone notes that while King Charles does not have a driving license, other royals do, and the situation is somewhat different for the Pope, who holds multiple passports due to his diplomatic status and previous citizenship.

Seán Moncrieff was joined on the show this afternoon by Cathal Malone who is an immigration lawyer to discuss why some people can travel without a passport.