Sachin Walls
Passport stamps have long been a source of excitement for travellers, providing a tangible memento of their adventures abroad. However, the practice of passport stamping is becoming less common, with many countries phasing it out in favour of more efficient and digitised border control procedures. This change has left some travellers wondering why airports are moving away from passport stamps and what alternative methods are being implemented to track travellers' movements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that don't stamp passports | Argentina, Australia, Canada, El Salvador, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States, Cuba, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Macau SAR, Jamaica, Singapore, Antarctica |
| Reasons for not stamping passports | Speeds up arrivals and departures, improves efficiency and waiting times, digitization of records |
| Exceptions | Stamps are provided upon request in Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries; entry by land or sea; exchange programs |
| Alternatives to passport stamps | Digital entry receipts, electronic records (e.g., Form I-94, SmartGate system), landing slips |
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What You'll Learn
Some countries, like the US, are digitizing entry records
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also processes requests for passenger arrival records dated post-1957. To submit a request, one must provide the full name of the passenger, the exact date of arrival, the port or airport of arrival, the vessel or airline name, and the flight number for airport arrivals. The CBP also processes requests for another person's records if a signed consent is provided.
In addition to arrival and departure records, the CBP also processes requests for records related to international travel to/from the US, apprehensions/detentions by Border Patrol, and secondary inspections at Ports of Entry. The CBP encourages individuals to submit requests through the DHS Portal, as physical mail requests will need to be manually entered and will divert resources away from processing records.
The US is not alone in digitizing entry records. For example, Argentina and Singapore send digital entry receipts containing conditions of entry via email. In Japan, the passport entry sticker contains a QR code that allows the immigration official to electronically collect information related to that entry.
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This helps speed up the entry and exit process
The absence of passport stamps at some airports is due to the adoption of digital alternatives and the aim to streamline the entry and exit processes. This shift towards digitization has improved efficiency and reduced waiting times, especially at airports with high international traffic.
In the past, passport stamps served as physical endorsements of a traveller's entry and exit, often featuring the country, date, and length of stay. These stamps were cherished mementos for travellers, reminding them of their adventures. However, with the introduction of digital systems like the SmartGate in Australia, which utilises biometrics and passport chips, the need for physical stamps has diminished.
The United States, for example, no longer stamps passports upon entry. Instead, the CBP generates an electronic record, known as Form I-94, which serves as official proof of entry. This digital record includes crucial information such as the date of admission, type of admission, and the permitted duration of stay. Similarly, countries like Argentina and Singapore send digital entry receipts containing conditions of entry via email.
The move towards digital records simplifies the entry and exit procedures by reducing the time-consuming process of manually stamping passports. This is especially beneficial at busy airports, where expediting the flow of travellers is essential for managing high volumes of international traffic.
While the traditional passport stamp is becoming less common, travellers who value the souvenir aspect of stamps can still request them at certain border crossings. Some countries, like Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, accommodate such requests, providing stamps upon request to travellers who value them as mementos of their journeys.
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Countries like Australia have introduced biometrics
Many countries have implemented or are trying to implement nationwide biometric databases. Several countries collect travellers' biometric data, often through visas or biometric checks at airports.
Australia, for instance, introduced guidance on biometrics and privacy in 2006, developed by the Biometrics Institute. Australia does not issue any form of physical evidence of entry or exit as a matter of course at the primary line, but will provide entry and exit stamps upon request to a supervisor. The SmartGate program, launched by the New Zealand government in 2009, is available at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch international airports for arriving travellers and allows travellers with Australian electronic passports to clear passport control without needing to have their identity checked by a customs officer.
Other countries that have introduced biometrics include Italy, which has deployed ePassport gates at major airports, allowing travellers with biometric passports to cross the border in a fully automated way. France introduced a similar system in 2007, known as Parafe, which is available at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. German passports (ePass) have contained biometric technology since 2005, including a chip that holds a digital photograph and one fingerprint from each hand. The Netherlands has also included biometric chips in passports since 2006, with fingerprints being added in 2009.
The United States records fingerprints and pictures of foreign airline passengers (excluding Canadians), storing the data for seventy-five years. The UK takes fingerprints of all visa applicants, confirming them at the point of entry, but does not collect biometrics for visitors entering visa-free. Algeria, Cameroon, and the UAE have also recently implemented or increased the use of biometrics at border controls.
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Some countries only issue entry stamps, not exit stamps
Passport stamps are often a source of excitement for travellers, representing a sense of achievement and a bragging right. However, several countries only issue entry stamps and not exit stamps. This practice is usually implemented for immigration control and customs procedures. Here are some countries that only issue entry stamps:
Canada
Canada is one of the countries that only issues entry stamps. While it places a stamp on passports upon entry, it does not provide an exit stamp. This can sometimes be a source of concern for travellers who may need official proof of their departure for various purposes, such as tax liabilities.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another country that typically only issues entry stamps. Its immigration stamp includes the formal "leave to enter" granted to individuals who are subject to immigration control. This stamp acknowledges the individual's permission to remain in the country for a specified period.
New Zealand
New Zealand has been known to issue entry stamps, but it does not provide exit stamps as a common practice. However, travellers have reported that in certain cities, such as Auckland, it is possible to obtain an exit stamp by making a specific request to the authorities.
United States
The United States generally only issues entry stamps, and travellers do not typically receive an exit stamp upon departure. However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported obtaining an official exit stamp from the US by requesting one from customs officers.
It is important to remember that while these countries may not routinely issue exit stamps, travellers can often request a stamp from customs or immigration officials if they have a specific need or valid reason. The officials are usually accommodating of such requests, understanding the practical value of passport stamps for travellers.
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You can usually request a stamp from a border officer
In some countries, you can usually request a stamp from a border officer. For example, in the United States, if you have a US passport, there is no harm in asking for a stamp. In Australia, you can request a stamp from a supervisor. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the immigration stamp in the passport includes the formal "leave to enter" granted on entry to the country.
Some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, use sticker stamps instead of ink stamps. In these cases, you may be able to request a sticker stamp upon entry. It is also possible to get a souvenir stamp, although you may need to find the immigration office by the dock or a border or tourist office, and you may be charged a small fee.
It is important to note that, in some cases, you may not be able to get a stamp upon request. For example, in 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began a pilot program to eliminate ink stamps in passports for foreign nationals arriving in the United States. As a result, foreign nationals may not receive an entry stamp in their passports, even if they request one.
Additionally, some countries, such as Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore, do not stamp passports upon entry or exit. Instead, they may issue landing slips or digital entry receipts containing conditions of entry. Therefore, it is always good to check the specific policies of the country you are visiting to understand their passport stamping procedures.
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Frequently asked questions
Many countries are moving towards digital passes and records, which speeds up the entry and exit process.
No, the lack of a stamp does not indicate that the arrival or departure has not been registered. Digital records are now used as proof of entry and exit.
The US, Canada, El Salvador, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, the UK, and Australia are some examples of countries that don't stamp passports.
Yes, you can ask a border services officer to stamp your passport. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Australia grant stamps to travellers upon request.
Passport stamps can be simple, with just the country, date, and length of stay. Others have intricate designs and illustrations unique to the nation.
