Passport Stampless: Countries That Skip the Ink
For many travelers, collecting passport stamps is a cherished tradition, a tangible way to document their adventures around the globe, and even a rite of passage. However, some countries have moved away from stamping passports, opting for digital records instead. Here are a few notable destinations where you won’t get that coveted stamp:
Canada: The Friendly Neighbor to the North
When traveling to Canada, you won’t receive a passport stamp unless you specifically request one. Canada relies on electronic records to document your entry and exit. While this is efficient, it can leave your passport pages looking a bit sparse. If you’re crossing the border and still want a stamp, don’t hesitate to ask the immigration officer—some are happy to oblige.
Australia: The Land Down Under
Australia stopped stamping passports in 2012 has moved towards electronic visa systems, meaning that as part of its Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and Smart Gate systems to apply for entry in advance and use facial recognition technology on arrival, most travelers won’t get a passport stamp upon arrival. Your entry is recorded electronically, and the days of collecting those little square mementos from Down Under are gone. Although you won’t get a physical stamp, your Australian adventure is still one to remember—so make sure to snap plenty of photos!
Argentina: South American Charm
Argentina is another country where passport stamping has become a thing of the past. The country now uses an electronic system to log entries and exits. While this might streamline the process, it leaves travelers without that tangible reminder of their visit. However, the beauty of Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls will leave you with plenty of other memories to cherish.
Israel: The Holy Land
Israel offers travelers the option of receiving an entry card instead of a passport stamp. This policy was introduced to help travelers avoid complications when visiting countries that don’t recognize Israel. The entry card serves the same purpose as a stamp, allowing you to keep your passport clean while still documenting your visit. For those who love collecting stamps, this might be a bit of a letdown, but it’s a practical solution for some. Just remember, it’s important to keep it in a safe place during your stay because it’s needed for exit!
Singapore: The Lion City
Known for its cleanliness and efficiency, Singapore uses an e-arrival card system that logs your entry electronically. While it’s efficient and eco-friendly, it does mean that you won’t get a physical stamp to remember your visit. However, with so much to explore in this vibrant city-state, the memories you make will far outweigh the lack of a passport stamp.
While some countries might not stamp your passport, you can still keep your memories alive with our travel essentials from Respectez Le Code:
Keep your documents safe and stylish – Our RLC Logo Passport Wallet is perfect for organizing and securing your passport, boarding passes and credit cards while in transit so you’ll have no issues along the way. Unlike passport covers, which can be a hassle at checkpoints where they often must be removed, our Passport Wallet makes your essentials easily accessible. Find it here.
Don't mind me, I'm just collecting passport stamps - or at least trying to! – If you’re passionate about collecting stamps (even if just in spirit), our Passport Stamps Collector Tee is a fun and quirky way to show off your love for travel. Check it out here and add a little extra flair to your adventures.
What other passport stamp holdout countries have you visited? Were you disappointed, relieved, or did you not mind at all? Share your experiences – we’d love to hear from you! And remember, even if you’re not collecting passport stamps in a few destinations, you can still collect unforgettable memories. Don't forget to capture your adventures with photos and share them with us!