Lois Larson
Collecting passport stamps is a fun part of travelling for many people, but the practice is becoming less common as more countries opt for digital alternatives. In the US, for example, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stopped stamping passports and instead creates an online, electronic record called an I-94 record. Similarly, Australia introduced the SmartGate system in 2007, which uses biometrics and built-in passport chips. However, some countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, will still provide passport stamps upon request.
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What You'll Learn
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates an online record instead of stamping passports
- Foreign nationals must retrieve their I-94 record from the CBP website
- The Canada Border Services Agency will stamp passports upon request
- The Australian Border Force also grants stamps to travellers who ask for them
- The United Arab Emirates grants stamps to tourists who make a request
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates an online record instead of stamping passports
In an effort to streamline and digitize the entry process for travellers arriving in the United States, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has discontinued stamping passports with an entry stamp. Instead, the CBP creates an online, electronic entry record, called the I-94 record, to record your entry into the US. This record contains the same information as the entry stamp, including the class of admission or visa status and the length of stay. Foreign nationals must still present a valid visa to request entry into the US, and admission is at the CBP's discretion.
The I-94 record is the only official record and evidence of entry into the US. It is recommended that travellers check and save a screenshot of their I-94 record each time they enter the US, as they may need it for other purposes. The records can be electronically retrieved for a ten-year period by visiting the CBP website and entering passport information.
The CBP began a pilot program in 2021 to eliminate ink stamps in passports for foreign nationals arriving in the US. This has now been implemented at many US airports, where passports are no longer being stamped upon entry. Previously, the US insisted on stamping passports, but they have now joined a number of other countries, including Singapore, Canada, and South Korea, in discontinuing this practice.
While the electronic record provides a more efficient and space-saving alternative to passport stamps, some travellers may find it less convenient to carry and access their I-94 record. Additionally, there have been reports of missing or unavailable records, particularly for departure by cruise ship. It is important to note that the decision to stamp a passport may still be at the discretion of the officer and port of entry, so travellers should be prepared for either scenario when entering the US.
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Foreign nationals must retrieve their I-94 record from the CBP website
In an effort to streamline and digitize the entry process for travellers to the United States, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun a pilot program to eliminate ink stamps in passports for foreign nationals. Foreign nationals arriving in the US will no longer receive an entry stamp in their passport. Instead, they will be required to visit the CBP website and retrieve their I-94 record.
The I-94 record is the only official record of entry to the US and contains the same information as the entry stamp, including the length of stay and class of admission or visa status. It is important to check and save a screenshot of the I-94 record as it serves as the only official evidence of entry into the US and may be needed for other purposes, such as verifying immigration status or employment authorization.
To access the I-94 record, foreign nationals can visit the CBP website or use the CBP GO mobile app. The I-94 website allows individuals to apply for a new I-94 (for land border travellers only) and view how much longer they can remain in the US based on the terms of their admission. It is important to note that unexpired I-94s issued in the current numeric-only format will continue to be valid until the Admit Until Date printed on the form.
Upon exiting the US, travellers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the relevant authority. However, if an individual received an electronic I-94 and departs via land without re-entering the US prior to the expiration date, they may want to carry evidence of their departure to Canada or Mexico. CBP encourages travellers requiring an I-94 to use the CBP GO mobile app or the website to apply for their I-94 and access their arrival/departure record information.
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The Canada Border Services Agency will stamp passports upon request
Border control agencies are responsible for stamping passports at airports. In Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will stamp passports upon request.
The CBSA requests that travellers use kiosks and eGates to declare their travel information. Travellers eligible to use the kiosks and eGates include returning residents and foreign nationals, with some exceptions. Foreign representatives (diplomats) and their families, for example, should use the special services counter for in-person processing.
If you need a stamp in your passport as proof of entry into Canada, you can request one from a border services officer after completing the kiosk or eGate transaction. The CBSA also notes that foreign nationals can stay in Canada for up to six months from the day of their first entry or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. A border services officer may also authorize a period of stay of a different duration. In such cases, the officer may issue a document and stamp the passport, indicating the date by which the traveller must leave Canada.
It is important to note that not all travellers entering Canada will need to present their passport to an officer. For instance, if you are entering Canada directly from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon, a valid US permanent resident card is sufficient. Additionally, the CBSA always watches for missing children and may ask questions about minors travelling with you. To avoid delays, it is recommended to have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity.
While the CBSA will stamp passports upon request, it is not mandatory for border services officers to place a stamp in a client's passport at the primary inspection line or kiosk. When a client leaves and re-enters Canada, the officer may elect not to stamp the passport, and the traveller will receive a six-month visitor status upon re-entry.
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The Australian Border Force also grants stamps to travellers who ask for them
The Australian Border Force is responsible for stamping passports at Australian airports. While the Australian Border Force no longer stamps passports as a matter of course, travellers can request a stamp as evidence of their travel.
The Australian Border Force's mission is to protect Australia's borders and enable legitimate travel and trade. This involves stamping passports at the border, either as a matter of routine or upon request.
In recent years, there has been a move towards digitisation and automation of border control procedures, including the phasing out of passport stamps. Many countries, including the United States and several European Union member states, have discontinued the practice of stamping passports. Instead, they have implemented electronic entry records, such as the I-94 record in the US, to streamline the entry process and improve efficiency at airports.
Despite the trend towards digitisation, some travellers still value the traditional passport stamp as a memento of their travels. James Kavanagh, Leisure CEO of the Flight Centre Travel Group, acknowledges that while increased security measures and extra-long queues at airports can be a hassle for travellers, many individuals cherish the stamp in their passport as a reminder of their globetrotting adventures.
To cater to travellers who value these souvenirs, the Australian Border Force allows travellers to request a stamp if they require evidence of their travel. This option ensures that those who cherish the physical imprint in their passport can still obtain it upon entering or exiting Australia, even as the country moves towards more automated border control systems.
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The United Arab Emirates grants stamps to tourists who make a request
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) does grant passport stamps to tourists who make a request. However, this is a recent development, with the country moving towards the use of e-gates and digital records, similar to the US. Many travellers have reported that they received an entry stamp when visiting the UAE, but not an exit stamp, as they were directed to use the e-gates on their way out of the country. This is the case in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where travellers have reported varied experiences with obtaining exit stamps.
To obtain a stamp, it is recommended to request to proceed to the manual counters without giving a reason. Travellers have reported that staff will allow this without any issues. However, obtaining an exit stamp may be more challenging and may require a valid reason provided to the staff or immigration officer. Travellers have reported that they received exit stamps after making up a realistic story and asking the staff to proceed to the manual counters. It is important to note that minors cannot use e-gates, and families travelling with children must present themselves at the manual counters on both entry and exit.
The process of obtaining a stamp may differ depending on the specific airport and terminal. For example, at Terminal 3 of the Emirates Airlines terminal, obtaining an exit stamp may be complicated due to the high level of automation. Additionally, the e-gates can be temperamental, and first-time visitors to the UAE may need to join the immigration line instead.
While the UAE still provides passport stamps, it is recommended to act quickly, as an immigration officer has indicated that they will likely be discontinued in the upcoming months. Travellers who wish to collect passport stamps should stay updated with the latest information, as the situation may change rapidly.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for stamping passports at US airports. However, many US airports have stopped stamping passports and instead create an online, electronic record called an I-94 record.
An increasing number of countries are doing away with passport stamps and moving towards digital records and passes. For example, Australia introduced the SmartGate system in 2007, which uses biometrics and built-in passport chips.
Yes, if you want a physical memento of your entry to a country, you can ask a border services officer to stamp your passport. This is the case in Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Passport stamps typically include the country, date, and length of stay. Some stamps also feature intricate designs and illustrations unique to the nation, such as the Seychelles passport stamp, which features the coco de mer nut.
