We may not be using one for a while, but a well-stamped passport is the pride and joy of most world travellers. Flicking through the pages of someone's passport tells a story of their life's adventures and can spark some special memories. But with modern electronic entry procedures, they could soon be a thing of the past. Here we've picked some of the prettiest and most interesting passport-stamp designs from around the world to tide you over until we can travel again. How many of these do you have?
This intricate passport stamp encapsulates the pride the tiny land-locked nation of Andorra has in its natural wonders. While an entry stamp isn’t required, when travel is back on the agenda ask at the border with France or Spain and Andorran officials can stamp your passport with this rather lovely image of the mighty Pyrenees mountains that surround the principality.
This cheery number from the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba will be a welcome addition to your travel documents. It has a jazzy logo at the top, featuring the star from its national flag and the tagline “One Happy Island” at the bottom. We’re sure you’ll wholeheartedly agree with this statement after holidaying on this sunny isle when travel restrictions are lifted.
Visitors to this trio of Caribbean islands have their passports stamped with this design featuring a turtle. Christopher Columbus first came across the Cayman Islands in 1503, and they were once known as Las Tortugas for their abundance of turtles. The islands became a popular spot for sailors in need of meat. Somewhat controversially, turtles are still considered a delicacy by some locals and turtle stew is one of the islands’ traditional dishes. Green turtles are bred in limited numbers here for local consumption.
The Dominican Republic has a particularly artistic entry stamp. It features a swirly border and the Caribbean country’s coat of arms, with its shield and ribbon and the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Homeland, Liberty). It's one of the most fetching passport stamps we’ve seen.
Although part of Peru, you do feel as if you’ve entered another kingdom altogether when you arrive at this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to get a souvenir passport stamp when you arrive to make your adventure into the "lost kingdom" official. The image of the ancient Inca citadel will definitely be one to show your friends and family, as you regale them with stories of your travels. See more of the world's wonders here.
Another Indian Ocean island with a covetable passport stamp is Mauritius. Enter here and you’ll be rubber stamped with a design that includes a little dodo within the outline of the island. The flightless bird was endemic to the tropical island, but became extinct in the 17th century. It has become a symbol of the country.
One of the most far-flung places on Earth, these volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean are not only pretty themselves, but their passport stamp is too. The image of a sailing ship references the islanders’ heritage – the island was settled by nine Bounty mutineers and 18 accompanying Tahitians in 1790. Still the only way to visit this British overseas territory is by boat. Here are more of the last unspoiled places on Earth.
Strewn over more than 200 volcanic and coral islands in the Pacific, the Republic of Palau is an under-the-radar holiday destination and a passport stamp from here is something of a rarity. Up until recently, the island nation’s stamp featured an illustration of a bai, a traditional house where meetings and ceremonies would take place. Learn more with the secrets behind the world's most beautiful flags.
These days, however, passports are stamped with a thought-provoking poem. In fact, it is the world's first conservation pledge, which visitors are asked to sign. Introduced in 2017, the new immigration policy saw tiny Palau become the first nation to ask visitors to commit to protecting its unique environment and culture for the next generation. A focus on responsible tourism was deemed vital as rising tourist numbers have had detrimental effects on Palau's fragile landscape and traditions.
Another Caribbean country that brings a touch of its tropical culture to the airport is Saba. Its passport stamp features swaying palm trees, emblematic of the quiet Dutch Caribbean island’s breezy beach vibes. Visitors to the little volcanic isle fly in from neighbouring Sint Maarten and must land on a tiny (and terrifying) cliff-top airstrip. Take a look at the scariest airport landings in the world.
This tiny enclave within Italy is a pretty unusual place to visit. It's the world’s oldest and smallest republic and its splendid entry stamp is a lovely addition to a passport. It’s more of a souvenir than an official requirement, as you pay to get one at the tourist office. But with a design featuring the ancient microstate's coat of arms, it looks very grand indeed.
The simple but striking stamp design from this idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago is in the shape of a coco de mer, a giant nut of the coco de mer palm that only grows here. Although easily mistaken for a plump bottom, the curvaceous native nut has become a symbol of the Seychelles.