Why Airports No Longer Stamp Passports

Passport stamps have long been a source of excitement for travellers, offering a tangible memento of their adventures abroad. However, many countries are now moving away from this practice, with the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Israel, Hong Kong, and Macau among those that have stopped providing stamps. Instead, countries are turning to digital alternatives, such as electronic records, to streamline and simplify the entry process for travellers. This shift towards digitisation aims to improve efficiency, reduce waiting times, and enhance security at airports with high international traffic. While some travellers may miss the traditional stamp, the new digital processes promise a smoother and faster experience when entering a new country.

US airports no longer issue stamps

The I-94 record is the only official record of entry into the US and is essential for those wishing to calculate how long they can stay in the country. It can be accessed via the CBP website and is available to foreigners. It is recommended that travellers save a screenshot of their I-94 record each time they enter the US, as it serves as the sole official proof of entry.

While stamping passports is no longer a common practice, there are certain exceptions. Travellers entering the US by land or sea are likely to receive a stamp in their passport. Similarly, those participating in exchange programs, such as the J-1 visa, will also receive a stamp.

The I-94 record plays a crucial role in visa renewals and extensions. It can be used as proof of previous entry and stay in the US when applying for visa renewals. Additionally, non-immigrants can utilise valid Form I-94 for automatic visa renewals.

It is important to note that the absence of a passport stamp does not carry any negative implications. The digitisation of the entry and exit process ensures that arrivals and departures are still registered, even without the traditional ink stamp.

Electronic records are now used

Many countries are moving away from passport stamps and towards digital records. This includes the US, where US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun a pilot program to eliminate ink stamps in passports. Instead, the CBP creates an online, electronic record called an I-94 record. This record is the only official evidence of your entry into the US and can be used to renew a visa. It is important to check and save a screenshot of your I-94 record each time you enter the US, as it is the only official proof of entry.

The move towards electronic records is part of an effort to streamline and digitize the entry process for travellers, improving efficiency and waiting times, especially at airports with high international traffic. This trend is not limited to the US; other countries such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, Israel, Brazil, and Australia have also stopped providing passport stamps.

While some travellers may miss the sense of achievement or bragging rights that come with a passport stamp, the new digital records have several benefits. They reduce lines at immigration checkpoints, making the process smoother and more efficient for travellers. Additionally, passports with electronic records are much more difficult to forge, enhancing security.

The future of foreign travel seems to be moving towards less passport stamps and more efficient, digitized practices. Travellers can expect to see more self-service kiosks and the increased use of biometric technology at airports.

This speeds up arrivals and departures

The practice of stamping passports is becoming less common, with many countries choosing to streamline and digitise the entry process for travellers. This is particularly true for countries with high international traffic, where the new procedure can significantly speed up arrivals and departures.

The traditional method of stamping passports can cause delays at border control, especially in busy airports. By removing this step, travellers can move through the airport more quickly, reducing lines and waiting times. This is achieved through the use of electronic records, such as the I-94 record in the US, which is generated by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) each time a traveller enters the country. This digital record contains the same information as a stamp, including the length of stay, class of admission, and visa status.

The I-94 record can be easily accessed and saved by travellers, providing an efficient and convenient way to monitor their entry and exit. This also reduces the risk of human error, such as a stamp being missed or incorrectly dated. By speeding up the entry process, airports can improve the overall experience for travellers, making it a smoother and less time-consuming process.

Additionally, the move towards digitisation improves security and makes passports harder to forge. Biometric technology, such as facial scanning, and RFID chip technology are also being implemented in some airports, further enhancing security and efficiency.

While some travellers may miss the sense of achievement or bragging rights that come with a passport stamp, the benefits of a streamlined, digital process are clear. This new procedure allows for quicker arrivals and departures, enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers.

You can still request a stamp

Although many airports have stopped stamping passports, you can still request a stamp in certain circumstances. For example, if you are entering the US by land or sea, you are likely to receive a stamp. This also applies to travellers who are part of an exchange program, such as the J-1 visa.

If you are a religious worker in the US, you may need to prove your status, extend your stay, or change your status. In this case, you can request a stamp by contacting your RIS-assigned attorney.

If you are entering Canada, you can request an arrival stamp from the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) office. Similarly, when entering Mexico, you can request a stamp from the National Migration Institute (INM). These stamps will serve as proof of your departure from the US.

If you are a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector, you can get a stamp at the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Centre. You can commemorate your visit by printing out a stamp and pasting it into your passport book.

Stamps are still given in some countries

Some countries, such as Australia, Singapore, Israel, Hong Kong, and Macau, do not stamp passports at all. Other countries, such as New Zealand, will only provide a stamp upon request. Similarly, the United Kingdom will only issue stamps to certain nationalities if they request it.

Some countries are replacing stamps with landing slips, such as Israel, Hong Kong, Macao, Brazil, and Australia (for its own citizens). Other countries, such as South Korea, are reducing the number of stamps they provide.

For those who desire a stamp as a souvenir, it is possible to request one or visit the tourism office to obtain one.

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