An official passport, also known as a service passport, is a type of passport issued to government employees who are traveling abroad on official business, representing their country in an official capacity. Official passports are not typically granted any special privileges, but they let officials in the destination country know that the bearer is entering the country on official business. Holders of official passports are not allowed to use them for personal travel other than entering or exiting their country of assignment. Official passports are valid for official travel abroad only while the traveler is in an official travel status. The Department of State issues official passports to U.S. government employees who are traveling abroad on official business.