Entry Stamp

A passport stamp is an inked impression in a passport typically made by rubber stamp upon entering or exiting a territory.

Passport stamps may occasionally take the form of sticker stamps, such as entry stamps from Japan. Depending on nationality, a visitor may not receive a stamp at all (unless specifically requested), such as an EU or EFTA citizen travelling to an EU or EFTA country, Albania,https://www.parlament.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ligj-71.pdf or North Macedonia.http://www.mvr.gov.mk/Upload/Documents/ZAKON%20ZA%20GRANI%5ENA%20KONTROLA.pdf Most countries issue exit stamps in addition to entry stamps. A few countries issue only entry stamps, including Canada, El Salvador, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Argentina, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Macau, Singapore and South Korea do not stamp passports upon entry nor exit. These countries or regions issue landing slips instead, with the exception of Australia who do not issue any form of physical evidence of entry. Argentina and Singapore sends digital entry receipts containing conditions of entry via email. Visas may also take the form of passport stamps.

Because there is no national authority, Antarctica does not have a passport stamp. However, the various bases there may provide souvenir ones on request.

Use

Border control officials often place stamps in passports as part of their immigration control or customs procedures. This endorsement can serve many different purposes. In the United Kingdom the immigration stamp in the passport includes the formal "leave to enter" granted on entry to the country to a person who is subject to immigration control. Alternatively, the stamps activate and/or acknowledge the continuing leave conferred by the individual's entry clearance. Other authorities, such as those in Schengen member states, simply stamp a passport with a date stamp that does not indicate any duration and this stamp is taken to mean either that the person is deemed to have permission to remain for 90 days within a 180-day period or an alternative period as shown on their visa, whichever is shorter. In Japan, the passport entry sticker also contains a QR code that allows the immigration official to electronically collect information related to that entry.

Most countries have different stamps for arrivals and departures to make it easier for officers to quickly identify the movements of the person concerned. The colour of the ink or the style of stamp may also provide such information.

Depending on the immigration authority, such stamps are also affixed on other documents that a traveller has to present such as their landing card, boarding card, etc.

In many cases passengers on cruise ships do not receive passport stamps because the entire vessel has been cleared into port. It is often possible to get a souvenir stamp, although this requires finding the immigration office by the dock. In many cases officials are used to such requests and will cooperate. Also, as noted below, some of the smallest European countries will give a stamp on request, either at their border or tourist office charging, at most, a nominal fee.

Overview of passport stamps of countries

Asia

Armenia

File:Armenia (Ayrum) entry stamp 01.png, Armenian entry stamp issued at Ayrum railway border with Georgia in a Polish passport
File:Armenia (Ayrum) exit stamp.png, Armenian exit stamp issued at Ayrum railway border with Georgia in a Polish passport

Azerbaijan

File:Entry stamp.png, Azerbaijani entry stamp issued by Azerbaijani Coast Guard upon arrival by sea
File:Exit stamp.png, Azerbaijani exit stamp issued at Shikhly road on the border with Georgia

Bangladesh

Bangladesh stamps all travellers' passports upon both entry and exit. Handwritten scroll numbers on the stamp make it easier to track a person's complete journey – a Bangladeshi leaving Bangladesh would receive a scroll number upon exit; upon entry, the scroll number would be used to access related journey information of the traveller. The same is the case for foreigners, except that the scroll number is given on entry and then used on exit.

The stamps are always in black except the date, which is in red. The stamps feature an arrow at the top left corner, pointing left to denote departure, or pointing right for arrival together with a cartoon of the mode of transport at the top right corner.

Entry stamps are rectangular and exit stamps are oval, exit make it visually easier to trace movements.

File:Entry and exit stamps of Bangladesh.jpg, upright=0.8, Entry and exit stamps issued at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in a Bangladeshi passport
File:Bangladeshi visa.JPG, upright=0.8, Bangladeshi visa in a United States passport

Bahrain

File:Bahrain entry stamp.jpg, upright=0.8, Entry stamp issued at Bahrain International Airport
File:Bahrain exit stamp.jpg, upright=0.8, Exit stamp issued at Bahrain International Airport

Cambodia

File:Cambodian Immigration Entry & Exit Stamp in 2022.jpg, alt=, New entry and exit stamp for visa-free visitor issued at Phnom Penh International Airport in the year 2022 in a Singapore passport.
File:Cambodia bavet passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Bavet land border crossing, Cambodia-Vietnam border
File:Cambodia exit stamp.png, Exit stamp issued at Siem Reap International Airport
File:Visa cambodia Manfred Werner.jpg, Pre-sticker visas together with older type of passport stamps at Siem Reap International Airport

China (PRC)

All stamps are applied in red ink. Entry stamps are oval while exit stamps are rectangular. The stamps bear the date and point of entry/exit (in Chinese), as well as an identification code running along the border of the stamps. There is no English on the stamps, except for the "CHINA" written on the stamps. Chinese border control officer also stamps the passenger's boarding pass upon departure with the same stamp that is used for departure.

File:China Immigration Stramps Beijing.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Beijing Capital International Airport in a Republic of Korea passport
File:Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in a Chinese passport
File:Dongguan passport stamp.jpg, Old entry and exit stamps issued at Dongguan in a Chinese passport
(Noted that there were no English on stamps)
File:Fuzhou stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Fuzhou Changle International Airport in a Thai passport
File:Guangzhou stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in a Thai passport
File:Xijiulong rujing.jpg, Entry stamp issued at juxtaposed controls at Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station
File:201901 Xijiulong Mainland Port Exit Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at juxtaposed controls at Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station in a Chinese passport
File:China Visa Stamp.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in an Italian passport

Georgia

File:Georgia (Gardabani) exit stamp.png, Georgian exit stamp issued at Gardabani railway border with Azerbaijan in a Polish passport
File:Georgia (Sadakhlo) Entry and Exit Stamp.jpg, Georgian entry and exit stamps issued at Sadakhlo border in an Iranian passport
File:Georgia (Tbilisi) entry stamp.png, Georgian entry stamp issued at Tbilisi Airport in a Polish passport

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Immigration Department used to stamp the passports of visitors entering and leaving Hong Kong (residents using their Hong Kong Identity Card did not receive a stamp). Just prior to and after the 1997 transfer of sovereignty from the UK to the People's Republic of China, arrival and departure stamps were identical at all ports of entry.

For the next 15 years or so, the ink colour of the stamp differentiated the administrative division of the point of entry:

* Stamps issued within Hong Kong Island ( Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal Control Point, by either sea or air) were in purple ink.
* Stamps issued within Islands District ( Hong Kong International Airport Control Point by air) were in black ink.
* Stamps issued within Kowloon ( Hung Hom Control Point by trains, Ocean Terminal Control Point and China Ferry Terminal Control Point by sea) were in green ink.
* Stamps issued within New Territories (Sha Tau Kok Control Point, Man Kam To Control Point, Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and Shenzhen Bay Control Point by land, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal Control Point by sea) were in red ink.

Currently, Hong Kong's e-Channels are situated at all border crossing points. A person who holds a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) inserts the card into a slot to enter the first eGate and then has their thumbprint scanned to pass through the second eGate. The Frequent Visitor program was further expanded to nationals of the following countries. Such arrangements are reciprocal and eligible Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders may also enrol for the respective automated border clearance schemes under these countries:
* Republic of Korea enrolled under Smart Entry Service (SES) scheme (Since 16 December 2013)
* Singapore (Since 22 September 2014)
* Germany (Since 1 November 2014)
* Australia (Since 20 June 2016)
* Thailand (Since 15 September 2018)

File:Hong Kong Immigration Entry and Exit Stamp in year 1996.jpg, alt=, Former Entry and Exit Stamp issued in the year 1996 at Hong Kong Kai Tak International Airport in an Indonesian passport
File:Hong Kong passport stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal in an Italian passport
File:Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in a Thai passport
File:Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal exit stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in a Thai passport
File:Hong Kong land border.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Hong Kong International Airport and Lo Wu Control Point in a Thai passport; noted that there were no Bauhinia on stamps and exit stamps were oval
File:Hong Kong landing slip.jpg, Landing slip replacing existent passport stamps, (being unable to present the landing slip on departure does not affect a traveller's ability to clear immigration)
File:Entry stamp of British Hong Kong.jpg, Entry stamp for pre-handover Hong Kong on an American passport

India

India uses the differentiation in passport stamp colours – entry in blue, exit in red – to quickly trace a passenger's movements. The stamp can be rectangular, circular or oval.

File:BOM En.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in an Indian passport
File:India passport entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Indira Gandhi International Airport to a citizen of Germany
File:DEL ExO.JPG, Exit stamp in an Indian passport issued at Indira Gandhi International Airport
File:India e-Visa.jpg, An Indian e-Visa issued at Indira Gandhi International Airport in a Romanian passport
File:India e-Tourist Visa Entry Stamp.jpg, An Indian e-Tourist Visa issued at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

Indonesia

Entry stamp is only issued to the holder of Indonesian travel documents, while other nationalities will instead receive an entry sticker affixed to the passport showing the duration limit of their stay. Exit stamp is still normally issued to all travellers departing from Indonesia.

File:Indonesia Immigration Entry and Exit Stamp for Indonesian Citizen.jpg, alt=, Former Exit and Entry Stamp in the year 1996 in an Indonesian passport
File:Indonesia Immigration Entry sticker and Exit Stamp in year 2022.jpg, alt=, Entry sticker and Exit Stamp in year 2022, issued at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
File:IndonesiaStampPHPassport.jpg, Entry and Exit stamps issued at Kualanamu International Airport in a Philippine passport
File:Ngurah Rai International Airport.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Ngurah Rai International Airport and Juanda International Airport in a Thai passport

Iran

Iran applies an oval shaped stamp with blue ink for entry and a square shaped stamp with red ink for exit. All dates written on the stamps are in the Solar Hijri calendar, and it is written in Persian.

File:Iran exit stamp at IKIA.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Imam Khomeini International Airport in an Iranian passport
File:Iranian Entry Stamp Isfahan Airport.jpg, upright=0.8, Entry stamp issued at Isfahan International Airport in an Iranian passport
File:Former Mehrabad Airport Exit Stamp.jpg, upright=0.8, Former exit stamp issued at Mehrabad International Airport in an older Iranian passport.

Iraq

Iraq passport stamps differ depending upon whether the checkpoint is located in Kurdistan Region, or the rest of Iraq.

File:Iraq Entry Passport Stamp (Air).jpg, upright=0.8, Entry stamp issued at Baghdad International Airport
File:Ibrahim entrance.png, upright=0.8, Entry stamp issued at Ibrahim Khalil border crossing (border with Turkey)
File:Ibrahim exit.png, upright=0.8, Exit stamp issued at Ibrahim Khalil border crossing controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government

Israel

Traveling with passports containing Israeli entry/exit stamps to certain Arab nations may lead to a denial of entry, because of the Arab League boycott of Israel. Since January 2013, Israel no longer stamps foreign passports at Ben Gurion Airport, giving passengers a piece of paper instead. Passports are still (as of February 2013) stamped at Erez Crossing when traveling into and out of Gaza. Also, the passports are still stamped (as of February 2014) at the land borders of Jordan River Crossing and Yitzhak Rabin Crossing with Jordan.

File:Israel - Visa entry and exit (3 months).jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Ben Gurion Airport in a German passport (entry: right; exit: left)
File:Israel Taba Border Entry.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Taba Border Crossing in an Israeli passport
File:Israel Entry Paper.jpg, An Israeli entry paper issued at Ben Gurion Airport
File:Israel Exit Paper.jpg, An Israeli exit paper issued at Ben Gurion Airport

Japan

File:Japan Immigration Visa Entry Exit Stamp in 1996.jpg, alt=, Former Temporary Visitor Visa, Entry and Exit stamps in an Indonesian passport.
File:Japan Immigration Entry and Exit Stamp in 1999.jpg, alt=, Former Entry and Exit Stamp for Temporary Visitor, issued at Narita International Airport in the year 1999
File:Yellow Entry Sticker for Temporary Visitor and Exit Stamp issued in 2006.jpg, alt=, Former Yellow Entry Sticker for Temporary Visitor and Exit Stamp issued at the year 2006 in an Indonesia passport
File:Japan Stamp Chubu Fukuoka.jpg, Former Temporary visitor landing permission sticker issued at Chubu Centrair International Airport and exit stamp issued at Fukuoka Airport in a Republic of Korea passport
File:Entry Sticker Featuring Mount Fuji Issued at Kansai International Airport.jpg, alt=, Temporary Visitor Entry Sticker Featuring Mount Fuji Issued at Kansai International Airport in the year 2020 on an Indonesian Passport
File:Fukuoka re-entry stamp.jpg, Departure and re-entry stamps issued at Fukuoka Airport for a foreign resident of Japan in a British passport
File:Haneda return stamp.jpg, Return stamp issued at Haneda Airport in a Japanese passport

Jordan

File:The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Wadi Araba Entry.JPG, upright=0.8, Entry stamp issued at Wadi Araba Crossing in a United States passport
File:Jordan Wadi Araba Crossing exit 2010.JPG, upright=0.8, Exit stamp issued at Wadi Araba Crossing in an Israeli passport
File:The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Employment Visa.JPG, upright=0.8, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority visa in a United States passport

Laos

File:Laos.Visa.JPG, upright=2.3, Entry and exit stamps issued at First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge

Macau

Immigration stamps applied by Macau's immigration service under Portuguese administration had slightly different borders depending on whether the person arrived by land, sea, or air. After the transfer of sovereignty from Portugal to China in 1999, passport stamps naming the points of entry and departure were introduced, but all in the same ink color. Beginning of 9 July 2013, the Public Security Police Force of Macau no longer stamps passport and instead, visitors will receive a printed arrival card.

File:1996 Macau Immigration Passport Stamp.jpg, alt=, Former Visa-on-arrival, Entry and Exit Stamp for visitor at the year 1996 in an Indonesian passport
File:Macau Airport.jpg, Former entry stamp issued at Macau International Airport
File:Macau passport stamp.jpg, Former entry and exit stamps issued at Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
File:Taipa Macau stamp.jpg, Former entry and exit stamps issued at Taipa Ferry Terminal in a Philippine passport
File:Macau Arrival Card.jpg, Arrival Card replacing existent passport stamps

Malaysia

Malaysian immigration authorities apply stamps for both entry and exit in all foreign passports and non-biometric Malaysian passports without in-built microchips. Biometric Malaysian passports are usually not stamped as all movements in and out of the country are recorded electronically in the microchip.

Malaysian entry stamps for non-citizens and non-residents are applied in blue or black rectangle. They bear the date of entry, point of entry and terms of entry. Entry stamps for residents are also applied in blue ink but have an oval shape and bear the date and point of entry. Exit stamps are applied in red triangle. They bear the date and point of departure.

A peculiarity is the autonomy of the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in immigration affairs. This is attributed to the history of the federation of Malaysia, whereby in 1963, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore merged to form Malaysia, with the three latter pre-merger entities granted partial autonomy. (Singapore eventually was expelled from the union.) Foreign visitors who travel to the two states from Peninsular Malaysia are required to fill in immigration forms and get new stamps on their passports. There is also immigration control for travel between Sabah and Sarawak. Previously, Malaysian citizens from the Peninsular were required to present their passports and have them stamped as well; while they are currently still subjected to immigration control, passports are no longer required for social visits not more than three months.

Between 1998 and 2011, foreign visitors who entered Malaysia via train from Singapore were cleared electronically without their passports being stamped. The change was due to the dispute between Malaysia and Singapore regarding Malaysian-owned railway land in Singapore. The Malaysian railway operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) had its intercity rail southern terminus at Tanjong Pagar railway station in downtown Singapore, which also housed the border controls of both Malaysia and Singapore for rail passengers before 1998. In 1998, Singapore moved its immigration checkpoint northward to Woodlands Train Checkpoint near the actual Malaysia-Singapore border but Malaysia refused to move its checkpoint, resulting in the anomaly that passengers travelling towards Malaysia were granted entry to Malaysia before passing through Singapore exit controls. Instead of passport stamps, foreign visitors were given disembarkation cards stamped with "KTM Tg Pagar, Singapura" and the date of entry, which would be collected upon departure from Malaysia and a handwritten note indicating the entry would be endorsed in the passport along with the exit stamp. Passengers travelling to Singapore were not affected as Malaysian exit controls were carried out on board trains at the Johor Bahru railway station, where immigration officers endorsed passports by stamping or handwriting. The anomaly was resolved on 1 July 2011, when Tanjong Pagar railway station was closed and Woodlands Train Checkpoint became the railway terminus in Singapore with co-location of border control facilities of both countries. Foreign visitors entering Malaysia by rail have their passports checked and stamped by Malaysian immigration officers at Woodlands Train Checkpoint after clearing Singapore exit controls.

File:Malaysia johorbaru exit.JPG, Exit stamp issued at Johor Bahru to Singapore (pre-2008). Post-2008 stamps have " Bangunan Sultan Iskandar" in place of "Johor Bahru" when travelling by road
File:Malaysia merapok entry3.JPG, Entry stamp into Sarawak issued at Merapok checkpoint on the Sabah-Sarawak border, with written date for limit of stay
File:Sabah and Malaysia passport stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as well as a separate entry stamp to Sabah
File:Penang Malaysia 90-day passport stamp.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Penang International Airport
File:Malaysia tawaujetty.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Tawau Port

Maldives

File:Maldives entry stamp 20210812.jpg, Maldives entry stamp issued at Velana International Airport
File:Maldives exit stamp 20210902.jpg, Maldives exit stamp issued at Velana International Airport

Myanmar

With the introduction of e-visas, entry stamps into Myanmar at the airports of Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw, the only three entry checkpoints where e-visas are allowed, have been modified to indicate such method of entry.

File:Tachileik in.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Tachileik
File:Tachileik out.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Tachileik, note that the stamp specifically names Mae Sai as destination
File:Myanmar passport stamp Yangon e-visa in out 1.jpg, Entry (left) and exit stamps issued at the Yangon International Airport. The entry stamp is for people using e-visas. E-visas are issued via letter prior to arrival and are shown to the immigration officer, and not stuck to passports like conventional visas
File:Myanmar passport stamp Yangon in 1.jpg, Entry stamp at Yangon International Airport for entries using conventional visas. The visas are stickers stuck on another page of the passport
File:Myanmar Entry Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp at Mandalay International Airport for entries using conventional visas.

Nepal

Nepal is one of the few countries which use sticker stamps. Nepalese immigration authorities use separate Arrival and Departure stickers for entry and exit on all types of passports.

File:Nepalarrival.jpg, upright=0.8, Entry sticker issued at Tribhuvan International Airport
File:Nepaldeparture.jpg, upright=0.8, Exit sticker issued at Tribhuvan International Airport

Oman

As of December 2017, one who obtains a visa on arrival does not get a round entry stamp. Instead they get a rectangular, blue stamp that states the entry date and validity of the visa. This seems to, however, be the case only when arriving at Muscat International Airport. At land borders, the rectangular stamp is accompanied by a round, blue entry stamp. A round, red exit stamp is applied at all points of exit.

File:Oman visa on arrival.jpg, upright=0.8, Omani visa on arrival issued at Muscat International Airport. The blue rectangular stamp represents the visa and the entry stamp. The round, red stamp is the exit stamp issued at Al Wajajah land border. The blue stamp at the left corner issued at Emirati side of Al Wajajah

Pakistan

A circular entry stamp in black ink is applied to passports of all nationalities at the time of entry. A triangular multi colored entry stamp was used until 2015. An exit stamp is also applied to all passports when leaving the country. Exit stamp in use at present is rectangular in shape and black in color.

File:Entry Stamp LHE.jpg, Circular entry stamp presently issued at Allama Iqbal International Airport
File:Entry Stamp KHI.jpg, Old Multi colored entry stamp issued at Jinnah International Airport

Philippines

At airports, red ink is applied for arrivals/entry while green is applied for departure/exit. As a general rule, passports of all travelers regardless of their nationality (including Philippine passport holders), need to be stamped at both entry and exit points. The attending officer also writes down the flight number and stamps the passenger's boarding pass upon departure with the same stamp that is used for departure. The shape and/or designs of the stamps are changed every five to six years. Recently, Philippine passport holders may opt arriving via E-gate, wherein a sticker will be printed and must be placed on the passport. Sticker contains name, passport number, flight number, terminal of arrival, and date of arrival and time.
File:PH ArrivalStmp.jpg, Entry stamp in a Philippine Passport
File:PH DepartureStmp.jpg, Exit stamp in a Philippine Passport

Saudi Arabia

Saudi entry stamps are applied in black or blue ink. Entry stamps are applied in oval shape while exit stamps are applied in rounded rectangule. All dates written on the stamps are in the Islamic calendar, and it is written in Arabic. There is no English on the stamps, except for the "EXIT", "ENTRY" and 'K.S.A.' written on the stamps.

File:Saudi passport stamps from the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah- 2013-08-30 13-15.jpg, Passport stamps issued at King Abdulaziz International Airport in a Philippine passport.
File:Saudi Arabia Entry Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Jeddah in a Malaysian passport
File:Saudi Arabia Exit Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Jeddah in a Malaysian passport

Singapore

Singapore entry stamps are applied in blue or black and either rectangle for those entitled to 14 days, rounded rectangle for those entitled to 30 days stay, or hexagon for those entitled to 90 day stay. Exit stamps are applied in green circle. Both depict the date of entry/exit and entry stamps also state the terms of entry and permitted duration of stay.

Both entry and exit stamps do not name the point of entry/exit but indicate them by the use of letters of the alphabet – "A" is used for entry by air, namely through Changi Airport or Seletar Airport; "S" by sea though the Singapore Cruiseship Terminal or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal; "T" by land via the Tuas Checkpoint; and "W" by land via the Woodlands Checkpoint. The entry stamp has the letter running along the border of the stamp together with a code number while the exit stamp has a single letter marked in the center of the stamp. From 22 April 2019, foreign travellers no longer get their passports stamped when they depart from Singapore. As of 21 October 2021, foreign travellers no longer get their passports stamped on arrival. This has been replaced by a record of entry email sent to the passenger.

File:Singapore Changi Airport entry stamp in a passport - 20040409.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Changi Airport in a Thai Passport
File:Singapore Changi Airport exit stamp in a passport - 20091213.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Changi Airport
File:Singapore Cruise Centre entry and exit stamps in a passport - 20070415.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at the Singapore Cruise Center
File:Singapore Tuas Checkpoint entry stamp in a passport - 20071103.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Tuas Checkpoint in a Malaysian Passport
File:Singapore Tuas Checkpoint exit stamp in a passport - 20070722.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Tuas Checkpoint in a Malaysian Passport
File:Woodlands entry.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Woodlands Train Checkpoint in a Malaysian Passport
File:Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint entry stamp in a passport - 20190604.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Woodlands Train Checkpoint
File:Woodlands exit.JPG, Exit stamp issued at Woodlands Train Checkpoint in a Malaysian Passport

Sri Lanka

File:Sri Lankan entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Bandaranaike International Airport
File:Sri Lankan exit stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Bandaranaike International Airport

South Korea

Entry stamp is applied in square and magenta ink, while exit stamp is applied in circle and cyan ink. Exit stamp is omitted to every passenger since 1 November 2016, unless specifically requested. Entry stamp is only omitted to Republic of Korea travel document holder since 10 February 2011. Beginning January 2018, landing slips are issued to visitors on arrival in South Korea instead of passport stamps, and on departure from South Korea no slips or passport stamps are issued (being unable to present the landing slip on departure does not affect a traveller's ability to clear immigration). Starting from June 2022 in Incheon International Airport, the landing slip is changed to an entry confirmation sticker pasted in the passport.

File:South Korea stamp issued at Jeju International Airport on Indonesia Passport.jpg, alt=, Entry stamp issued at Jeju International Airport on Indonesia Passport with a little stamp that says "Place of stay: Jeju Province". Most of visitors to Jeju Island do not need to apply for visa to enter the island, which is otherwise needed to enter the South Korea peninsula. For this case, Indonesian passport holders need to apply to enter South Korea peninsula (e.g. Incheon, Busan, etc), however, no tourist visa is required to enter Jeju Island, thus, a visa-free entry.
File:Korea PUS in.jpg, An entry stamp issued at Gimhae International Airport in a Republic of Korea passport (given upon request)
File:Korea PUS out.jpg, An exit stamp issued at Gimhae International Airport in a Republic of Korea passport (given upon request)
File:South Korea Visa Stamp.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Incheon International Airport, depicting aircraft
File:Passport stamps of South Korea 2012.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Port of Busan, depicting sea vessels

Taiwan

On 1 January 2021, a new set of stamps were issued, replacing the plum flower with an outline of the island of Taiwan, but keeping the calligraphic characters created by Dong Yang-zi (a renowned calligrapher in Taiwan).

File:Taiwan in.jpg, A 2016 entry stamp issued at Taoyuan International Airport in a Republic of Korea passport
File:Taiwan out.jpg, A 2016 exit stamp issued at Taoyuan International Airport in a Republic of Korea passport
File:Taiwan ferry arrival entry stamp.jpg, A 2016 entry stamp with a marker indicating arrival by ship, rather than by plane

Thailand

Immigration officer applies stamp on all passports upon arrival at or departure from Thailand. Since August 2020, entry stamps are in the shape of a waving flag applied in red ink, and exit stamps are ovals applied in blue ink. Stamps bear the date and point of entry/exit, as well as an identification code running along the border of the stamps. Entry stamps for foreigners also state expiry date.

The automated passport control (APC) system has been available for Thai nationals since 2012 and more than 20 million have used it, whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport opened 8 automated immigration lanes for foreigners, Singaporeans and Hong Kongers have been allowed to use the system also. Once processed, the foreign travelers can leave the automatic channel and present their passport to a Thai immigration officer to be stamped.

File:Thailand betong passport stamps.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Betong land border crossing on Malaysia–Thailand border
File:Don Mueang.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Don Mueang International Airport in a Thai passport
File:Nong Khai entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in a Thai passport
File:Nong Khai exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in a Thai passport
File:Thailand phuket.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Phuket International Airport
File:Thailand sadao entry.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Sadao land border crossing on Malaysia–Thailand border
File:Thailand sadao exit.JPG, Exit stamp issued at Sadao land border crossing on Malaysia–Thailand border
File:Thailand satun entry.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Satun land border crossing on Malaysia–Thailand border
File:Thailand satun exit.JPG, Exit stamp issued at Satun land border crossing on Malaysia–Thailand border
File:Thailand suvarnabhumi.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Suvarnabhumi Airport
File:Thailand Entry and Exit Stamps (2022).jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a Turkish passport
File:Thailand Visa on Arrival.jpg, Visa on arrival stamp issued at Don Mueang International Airport in a Taiwan passport

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste applies a full-page blue stamp along with a red entry stamp. Exit stamps are a black oval.

File:Timor-Leste Passport Stamp.jpg, Passport stamps issued at Timor-Leste

United Arab Emirates

UAE applies blue oval stamps on entry, along with a smaller blue rectangular stamp showing the valid length of stay. Exit stamps are green oval. However residents and UAE passport holders can pass without passport stamping through e-gates at Abu Dhabi International Airport , Dubai International Airport , Al Maktoum International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.

File:Uae abudhabi.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Abu Dhabi International Airport
File:UAE Entry Stamp.jpg, alt=, Entry Stamp of Dubai International Airport
File:UAE Immigration Exit Stamp.jpg, alt=, Exit Stamp of Dubai Airport
File:Aeroport de dubai terminal 3 egate (echecking of passport).jpg, alt=, E-Gates at Dubai International Terminal 3

Vietnam

Vietnam passport stamps are rectangle and name the point of entry, date of entry and whether the person is exiting or entering the country by using an arrow out of or into a box similar to the Schengen passport stamps. Mode of entry is indicated by an icon and also differentiated by the colour of the stamp – blue for air, red for land crossings. The permitted length of stay is printed with a separate stamp and the final date handwritten.

File:Vietnam noibaiairport passport stamp.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Noi Bai International Airport
File:Vietnam tan son nhat.JPG, Entry and exit stamps issued at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
File:Vietnam immigration stamps at Dong Dang and Huu Nghi.jpg, Exit stamp at Dong Dang border crossing via train and entry stamp at Huu Nghi land border crossing

Africa

Algeria

Botswana

File:Botswana stamp exit.jpg, Botswana exit stamp issued at Kazungula Ferry in an Israeli passport
File:Botswana stamp entry.jpg, Botswana entry stamp issued at Tlokweng in an Israeli passport

Burkina Faso

File:Burkina faso stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Thomas Sankara International Airport Ouagadougou in an Israeli passport
File:Burkina faso stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Thomas Sankara International Airport Ouagadougou in an Israeli passport

Burundi

File:Burundi stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Kanyaru in an Israeli passport
File:Burundi stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Ruhwa in an Israeli passport

Cameroon

File:Cameroon stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Kye-Ossi in an Israeli passport
File:Cameroon stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport in an Israeli passport

Egypt

File:Egypt Taba Entry.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Taba Border Crossing in a United States passport
File:SHARM EL SHEIKH 2.png, Exit stamp issued at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

Eritrea

File:Eritrea visa.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Asmara International Airport on Eritrean visa in an Israeli passport

Eswatini

File:Swaziland stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Mhlumeni in an Israeli passport
File:Swaziland Passport Stamp.JPG, Entry stamp issued at Ngwenya

Ethiopia

File:Ethiopia stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in an Israeli passport
File:Ethiopia stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in an Israeli passport

French overseas departments (Mayotte and Réunion)

When arriving in and departing from the French overseas departments of Mayotte and Réunion, French Border Police officers stamp travelers' travel documents according to the following rules:Arrêté du 4 février 2015 relatif aux documents et visas exigés pour l'entrée des étrangers sur le territoire de Mayotte
/ref>Arrêté du 26 juillet 2011 relatif aux documents et visas exigés pour l'entrée des étrangers sur le territoire de la Guadeloupe, la Guyane, la Martinique, La Réunion et de la collectivité de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon (Annexe I)
/ref>

Travellers flying directly from metropolitan France to Mayotte or Réunion only undergo border checks by the French Border Police at the departure airport in metropolitan France and not on arrival at Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport in Mayotte or Roland Garros Airport in Réunion. However, as third-country nationals (who do not benefit from one of the exemptions in the right-hand column above) are required to receive a passport stamp, the French Border Police will give them an information sheet when they leave metropolitan France informing them that they should present themselves to the French Border Police at the arrival airport to receive a passport stamp. On the other hand, travellers flying directly from Mayotte or Réunion to metropolitan France undergo border checks by the French Border Police both on departure and on arrival, when their travel documents will be stamped accordingly.

File:Entry Reunion.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Réunion

Gabon

File:Gabon stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Léon-Mba International Airport in an Israeli passport
File:Gabon stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Meyo Kye in an Israeli passport

Gambia

File:Gambia stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Soma in an Israeli passport

Ghana

File:Ghana Entry Stamp.JPG, Entry stamp in a United States passport
File:Ghana Exit Stamp.JPG, Exit stamp

Guinea Bissau

File:Guinea-bissau stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Jeque in an Israeli passport
File:Guinea-bissau stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in an Israeli passport

Kenya

File:Kenya stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Busia in an Israeli passport
File:Kenya stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in an Israeli passport

Malawi

File:Malawi stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Dedza in an Israeli passport
File:Malawi stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Songwe in an Israeli passport

Morocco

File:Morocco exit stamp Beni-Anzar.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Beni Ansar border crossing in a United States passport.
File:Morocco tangier entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Tangier, ''Tanger'' in French, in a Canadian Passport.

Mozambique

File:Mozambique stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Calomue in an Israeli passport
File:Mozambique stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Goba in an Israeli passport

Nigeria

File:Nigeria Exit Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in a Nigerian Passport
File:Nigeria Entry Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Seme Border in a Nigerian Passport

Rwanda

File:Rwanda stamp exit1.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Akanyaru in an Israeli passport
File:Rwanda stamp entry1.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Gatuna in an Israeli passport

Senegal

File:Senegal stamp exit2.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Blaise Diagne International Airport in an Israeli passport
File:Senegal stamp entry2.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Keur Ayib in an Israeli passport

South Africa

File:South africa stamp entry beitbridge.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Beitbridge in an Israeli passport
File:South africa stamp exit oshoek.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Oshoek in an Israeli passport
File:South African Entry Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp issued at O. R. Tambo International Airport in a Nigerian Passport for study purpose
File:South African Entry Stamp 2.jpg, Entry stamp issued at O. R. Tambo International Airport for vacation purpose
File:South Africa Exit Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp issued at O. R. Tambo International Airport

Tanzania

File:Tanzania stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Dar es Salaam airport in an Israeli passport
File:Tanzania stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Kasumulu in an Israeli passport
File:Zanzibar stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Zanzibar in an Israeli passport

Tunisia

Tunisia stamps passports upon both entry and exit. In the photo below, the red stamp indicates the entry date, while the black stamp indicates the exit date.

File:Tunisia Entry and Exit Stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps issued at Tunis–Carthage International Airport

Uganda

File:Uganda stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Busia in an Israeli passport
File:Uganda stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Katuna in an Israeli passport

Zambia

File:Zambia stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Kazungula in an Israeli passport
File:Zambia stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Victoria Falls in an Israeli passport

Zimbabwe

File:Zimbabwe stamp entry.jpg, Entry stamp issued at Victoria Falls in an Israeli passport
File:Zimbabwe stamp exit.jpg, Exit stamp issued at Beitbridge in an Israeli passport

Europe

Schengen Area

All 26 European countries within the Schengen Area have entry and exit stamps of a uniform design. As of April 2016, at a national level, 11 Schengen countries (Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) have developed computer databases recording entries and exits of third-country nationals (i.e. travellers who are not EU, EEA or Swiss citizens) at external border crossing points. However, on a Schengen-wide level, there is no centralised computer database that tracks entries and exits at all of the external border crossing points of the 26 Schengen countries, nor are entry and exit records from national databases shared between countries. As a result, law enforcement officials continue to rely on checking passport stamps as the primary way to check that travellers who do not have the right of free movement have not exceeded their length of permitted stay in the Schengen Area.

Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 envisages the establishment of an Entry-Exit System (EES) which will record third-country nationals' entries and exits when they cross the external borders of the Schengen Area in a central database, replacing passport stamps. As of August 2022, EES is expected to enter into operation at the end of May 2023.

There are no systematic immigration checks when travelling between Schengen countries (i.e. crossing the internal borders of the Schengen Area). Passport stamps are never issued when travelling between Schengen countries, even when immigration checks between Schengen countries are temporarily re-introduced.Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
COM (2009) 489, p. 8

When travelling to/from a non-Schengen country (i.e. crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area), the rules on stamping travel documents are as follows:Article 11 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399)
OJ L 77, 23 March 2016, pp. 1–52

Border officials are required, by law, to stamp the travel documents of third country nationals who do not qualify for one of the exemptions listed in the right hand column, even when border controls have been relaxed. Exceptionally, if stamping a person's travel document would cause serious difficulties (such as political persecution), border officials can instead issue a sheet of paper detailing the person's name, travel document number and entry date and location. However, in practice, border officials do not always stamp the travel documents of travellers as legally required.Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006
COM (2009) 489, p. 4
If a person who should have received an entry stamp cannot show one either upon request by a law enforcement officer or upon leaving the Schengen Area to a border official, the officer can presume that the person has been staying illegally in the Schengen Area and can expel him/her, unless the person can demonstrate using credible evidence (such as transport tickets and accommodation receipts) that he/she has not exceeded his/her permitted length of stay in the Schengen Area.

Also, whilst by law persons enjoying the right of freedom of movement are not to receive a passport stamp, in practice, upon request, a stamp may be given – see the gallery below for an example of an entry stamp being issued upon request by an EU citizen. Similarly, although by law heads of state are not to receive a passport stamp, in practice, this is not always followed. For example, when arriving for the 37th G8 summit in Deauville, United States President Barack Obama had his passport stamped at Deauville – Saint-Gatien Airport. Similarly, when President Obama attended the 2009 Strasbourg–Kehl summit, his diplomatic passport was stamped on arrival at Strasbourg Airport on 3 April 2009, and after visiting Prague, Czech Republic, his diplomatic passport was stamped on departure from Prague Ruzyně Airport on 5 April 2009.

Although, according to EU rules, third country nationals who hold residence permits should not have their travel documents stamped, France nevertheless requires third country nationals holding a ''visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour'' (a long-stay visa serving additionally as a residence permit for up to one year) to receive a passport stamp upon their first entry to the Schengen Area as a part of the process to validate the visa as a residence permit; without an entry stamp, the process cannot be completed.

Third-country nationals who otherwise fulfil all the criteria for admission into the Schengen area must not be denied entry for the sole reason that there is no remaining empty space in their travel document to affix a stamp; instead, the stamp should be affixed on a separate sheet of paper.

Entry and exit stamps are applied in black ink, except for the red date stamp and a two-digit security code in the middle. The two-digit security code must be changed at least once a month, although some Schengen countries (such as Greece) change security codes every day. The stamps bear the country abbreviation within a circle of stars in the top left hand corner, the name of the entry/exit border crossing point in Latin alphabet at the bottom, and an icon in the top right hand corner to denote the mode of entry/exit. Below the name of the border crossing point is an identifying number – a record is kept of the identity of the border officer to whom a given stamp is assigned at any given time. Entry stamps are rectangular and have an arrow into a square, while exit stamps are rectangular with rounded corners and have an arrow out of a square. The stamps do not indicate any maximum permitted duration of stay.

Border guards are required to ensure the secure storage of passport stamps in locked safes between shifts. Border posts are advised to set out clear responsibilities and instructions for the distribution and use of passport stamps.

According to European Commission recommendations and guidelines, stamps should be affixed in travel documents by border officials in the following manner:
* in chronological order
* in a horizontal position
* in a clear and straight manner (i.e. with enough ink and not over the edge of a page)
* the exit stamp should be affixed in the proximity of the entry stamp
* no stamp should be affixed over another stamp or over the machine readable zone of a visa
* if the travel document contains a single-entry Schengen visa, the stamp should be affixed over the edge of the visa, but without affecting the legibility of the conditions and security features of the visa
* if the travel document contains a multiple-entry Schengen visa, the stamp should be affixed on the page facing the one on which the visa is affixed

If a third-country national is refused entry to the Schengen Area, the border official is required to affix an entry stamp in the travel document, cancel the stamp by an indelible cross in blank ink and write the letter corresponding to the reason for the refusal of entry to the right-hand side of the cancelled stamp.

By contrast, if a border official has affixed a stamp in a travel document by mistake (as opposed to a refusal of entry), the stamp can be annulled by drawing two parallel lines through the top left-hand corner.

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, starting from 16 March 2020 there is a temporary restriction on the entry of third-country nationals (i.e. travellers who are not EU/EEA/Swiss/British citizens and family members with the right of free movement) to the Schengen Area for non-essential travel. However, third-country nationals who are holders of long-term visas or residence permits or are family members of EU/EEA/Swiss/British citizens are exempt from this restriction. Further, third-country nationals 'with an essential function or need' (such as healthcare workers, transport personnel, aid workers, military personnel, seasonal agricultural workers), passengers in transit, those travelling 'for imperative family reasons' and those 'in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons' are exempt from this restriction. Citizens of the European micro-states (Andorra, the Holy See, Monaco and San Marino) are also exempt from this restriction. In addition, citizens of Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey are exempt from this restriction if they are stranded abroad and are repatriated to their country of origin.
Third-country nationals (not covered by one of the exemptions from the temporary restriction of entry for non-essential reasons) who seek to enter the Schengen Area will be refused entry at the border crossing point and will receive a refusal of entry form (with the reason of refusal marked as "I", i.e. a threat to public health), as well as a passport stamp cancelled by an indelible cross in black ink and the letter "I" on the right hand side.

The obligation imposed by European law on national border authorities to stamp travel documents of certain travellers should not prevent the development of automated border control systems which are then made available to those who are required to have their travel documents stamped when crossing the external border of the Schengen Area. One solution is to dedicate separate lanes to third-country nationals and to have a border guard physically positioned next to the automated border gates used by these lanes who can stamp travel documents where required: this has been adopted by the Finnish Border Guard at the automated border gates in Helsinki Airport, where eligible users (who are required to receive a passport stamp) include holders of Canadian, Japanese, South Korean and United States biometric passports, and in the Port of Helsinki, where eligible users (who are required to receive a passport stamp) include Russian citizens, as well as by the Portuguese Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras at the automated border gates in Lisbon Airport where eligible users (who are required to receive a passport stamp) include holders of Angolan and Brazilian passports and holders of diplomatic/service passports. This approach has also been adopted in Italy, where eligible users of eGates include holders of Australian, Canadian, Israeli, Japanese, New Zealand, Singaporean, South Korean, United States and Vatican biometric passports. A similar but slightly different solution has been adopted by the Dutch Royal Marechaussee at the Privium iris recognition automated border gates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where eligible users include registered EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, US citizens who are Global Entry members, and all nationals who are holders of diplomatic passports, as well as by the German Federal Police at the ABG Plus iris recognition automated border gates at Frankfurt Airport where eligible users include registered EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and US citizens who are Global Entry members: when eligible third-country nationals use Privium/ABG Plus, after their iris is scanned and verified, a different gate/door/turnstile opens to that for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and the third-country national user is directed to a lane which leads them to the front of the queue for manual passport checks at immigration desks, where the border guard stamps the user's passport. Another possible solution would be to design the automated border gates to print a paper slip with an entry or exit stamp on it, as well as the user's name and travel document number, whenever the user is a traveller who is subject to the requirement to have his/her travel document stamped.

File:Sandefjord passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Sandefjord Airport in Norway
(Note that the stamp is in a British passport, hence it was issued on special request)
File:Nickelsdorfpassportstamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''rail travel'', issued at Nickelsdorf at Austro-Hungarian border before Hungary joined the Schengen Area
File:Greece doirani entry.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued at Doirani at Greek-North Macedonian border
File:Ijmondpassportstamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''ferry travel'', issued at the port of Amsterdam IJmond in Netherlands
File:Czech prague airport exit.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Prague Ruzyně Airport in Czech Republic
File:Germany bad schandau exit.jpg, Exit stamp for ''rail travel'', issued at Bad Schandau at Czech-German border before the Czech Republic joined the Schengen Area
File:Poland korczowa exit.jpg, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued at Korczowa at Polish-Ukrainian border
File:Finland helsinki ferry.JPG, Exit stamp for ''ferry travel'', issued at port of Helsinki in Finland

Albania

Although Albania is not a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and is outside the EU freedom of movement area, it has adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps. In addition, passports of EU/EFTA countries, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino are not stamped.

File:Albania durres.jpg, Exit stamp for ferry travel, issued at the Durrës ferry terminal (old style)
File:Albstamp.jpg, Entry stamp for air travel, issued at Tirana Airport (old style)
File:Exit stamp Albania.png, Exit stamp for air travel, issued at Tirana Airport
File:Passport stamp Albania.jpg, Entry stamp for road travel, issued at Tushëmisht (border with North Macedonia)

Andorra

Entry from France or Spain requires no formalities. However, a souvenir stamp is issued on request at the border.

File:Andorra Entry Stamp.jpg

Belarus

Belarus is a member of the Union State of Russia and Belarus but, like Russia, still has its own passport stamps. Belarus passport stamps have the state's name in the Belarusian language: Republic of Belarus, a chevron (facing to the left for entry, to the right for exit), date and name of the checkpoint.

Bulgaria

Although Bulgaria is a European Union member state, it has not yet joined the Schengen Area. Nonetheless, it has adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps.

File:Bulgaria Burgas Airport entry passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Burgas Airport.
File:Bulgaria Burgas Airport exit passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Burgas Airport.
File:Gyueshevopassportstamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'' issued in Gyueshevo at the border with North Macedonia.
File:Bulgaria Kalotina passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'' issued in Kalotina at the border with Serbia.
File:Sofiaairportpassportstamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Sofia Airport.

Croatia

After joining the European Union on 1 July 2013, Croatia adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps, even though Croatia is still not a member of the Schengen passport-free area.

File:Croatia entry.jpg, Entry stamp for ''rail travel'', issued at Savski Marof.
File:Croatia exit.jpg, Exit stamp for ''rail travel'', issued at Savski Marof.
File:Croatia Terezino polje pečat.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Terezino Polje.
File:Zagreb-airport-passport-stamp-entrance-march-2014.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Zagreb Airport.
File:Old Croatian stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'' at Bajakovo, issued before Croatia joined European Union

Cyprus

Although Cyprus is a European Union member state, it has not yet joined the Schengen Area. Nonetheless, it has adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps.

File:Cyprus Larnaca passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Larnaca International Airport.
File:Paphos entry passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Paphos International Airport.
File:Paphos exit stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Paphos International Airport.

Czech Republic

File:Cze nachod passstamp.JPG, Entry stamp for vehicle travel at Náchod in January 2000.

Germany

Refused entries (Zurückweisung) are stamped in the passports, too.

File:FrankfurtMainAirportpassportstamp.jpg, Entry at airport
File:Frankfurt Oder passport stamp.jpg, Entry by car
File:Germany bad schandau exit.jpg, Exit by rail
File:West Germany Forst.jpg, Pre-Schengen German passport stamp

Ireland

File:Ireland Arrival Stamp November 2011.jpg, Arrival stamp for ''air travel'' issued at Dublin Airport.

Kosovo

File:Kosovo visa.JPG, Entry and Exit stamps from Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari.
File:Kosovo stamp paper.png, Entry stamp for road travel, issued at Elez Han border-crossing on a separate paper during COVID-19 pandemic.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a member of the Schengen area with no borders with non-Schengen countries; thus, no passport stamps are issued. However, for a nominal fee, a souvenir stamp can be issued at the Liechtenstein Center tourist office.

Lithuania

File:Lithuanian passport stamp (by air).jpg, Air travel entry at Kaunas
File:LT-Kaunas-out.png, Air travel exit at Kaunas
File:Kenapassportstamp.jpg, Train travel entry at Kena
File:Exit stamp from Lithuania on the Russian border.jpg, Road travel exit at Nida

Monaco

The border with France is completely open. However, a souvenir stamp is given on request at the tourist office.

Montenegro

File:Podgorica Airport passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp at Podgorica Airport
File:MONTENEGRO - DEBELI BRIJEG exit stamp.jpg, Exit stamp at Debeli Brijeg checkpoint (border with Croatia)
File:Sukobin entrance.png, Entrance stamp at Sukobin checkpoint (border with Albania)

North Macedonia

Although North Macedonia is not a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and is outside the EU freedom of movement area, it has adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps. In addition, passports of EU/EFTA countries and UK are not stamped.

File:Passport stamp Macedonia.jpg, Entry stamp for ''rail travel'' at Tabanovce station (border with Serbia)
File:Exit stamp Former Yugoslavic Republic of Macedonia.JPG, Exit stamp for ''road travel'' at Dolno Blace (border with Kosovo)
File:Skopje airport visa stamp entry and exit, May 2018.jpg, Entry and exit stamp for air travel at Skopje International Airport

Poland

File:Pol kudowa passstamp.JPG, Entry for transit stamp at Kudowa-Zdrój (border with Czech Rep.), February 2000

Romania

Romania is not currently a member of the Schengen Area, however, being in the European Union since 2007, Romanian entry and exit stamps have been harmonised with the format of the stamps issued by Schengen states.

File:Romania Cluj Napoca passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Cluj International Airport.
File:Romania Craiova passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Craiova International Airport.
File:RO Ex Rail.JPG, Exit stamp for ''train travel'', issued at Curtici on the Schengen border with Hungary.
File:Romania Giurgiu passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Giurgiu on the border with Bulgaria.
File:RO En OTP.JPG, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Henri Coandă International Airport.
File:RO Ex OTP.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Henri Coandă International Airport.
File:Romania Iasi passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Iași International Airport.
File:Romania Moravita passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''rail travel'', issued in Moravița on the border with Serbia.
File:Romania Nadlac II passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Nădlac on the border with Hungary.
File:Romania Oancea passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Oancea on the border with Moldova.
File:Romania Ostrov passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Ostrov, Constanța on the border with Bulgaria.
File:Romania Radauti Prut passport stamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Rădăuți-Prut on the border with Moldova.
File:Romania Sculeni passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Sculeni on the border with Moldova.
File:RO En TSR.JPG, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Timișoara Airport.
File:RO Ex Road.JPG, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Turnu, Arad on the border with Hungary.
File:Siretborderstamp.jpg, Exit stamp for ''road travel'', issued in Siret on the border with Ukraine.
File:RO Ex PreEu.JPG, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Timișoara Airport shortly before the Entry of Romania in the EU.

Russia

Entry and exit stamps are placed in passports regardless of citizenship; Russian passports are stamped as well as foreign ones, except the Internal Passports, with which Russian citizens may travel to a few countries of the CIS. The stamp shows the name of the country (КПП below the country name stands for checkpoint – контрольно-пропускной пункт), the date, the name of the checkpoint and the personal code of the immigration official applying the stamp. Stamp colours and series (the last number following the date) change every time in few years, currently the color of the stamps is red of 9 series, but it can be blue or crimson as well. Entry or exit is designated by a direction of an angle bracket in the stamp: if it points to the right, that denotes exit. Exit stamp placed left, and entrance stamp placed right on the passport page.

File:Rus pulkovo old mid90s passstamp.JPG, Exit (left) and entry (right) stamps at St. Petersburg Pulkovo airport (1995–1998) in a Soviet passport (Russian Federation citizenship).
File:Rus torfyanovka auto passstamp.JPG, Exit stamp for vehicle travel at Torfyanovka (border with Finland) (2005).
File:Russia exit and entry passport stamps.jpg, Exit (left) and entry stamps issued at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. Circled number "2" indicates travelling with a child using parent's passport (2006).
File:Russia Boat Passport Stamps.jpg, Entry Stamp (right) and Exit Stamp (left) for boat travel issued at Saint Petersburg Port in an American passport (2006).
File:Exit StampRUS.jpg, Exit stamp for air travel issued at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (2009).
File:Russia pulkovo air passport stamp 2016.JPG, New design exit stamp for air travel issued at St. Petersburg Pulkovo airport (2016).
File:Russische Paßstempel.png, Right: entry stamp for rail travel issued between Vyborg and St Petersburg.
Left: exit stamp for rail travel issued at Aksarayskaya station (border with Kazakhstan).
Placed on a transit visa in a Swedish passport (2016)
File:Russian_exit_stamp,_Ivangorod,_June_2018.jpg, Exit stamp for rail travel at Ivangorod (border with Estonia) (2018)
File:Russia_exit_stamp.png, Exit stamp for vehicle traver at Ilek (border with Kazakhstan) (2019)

San Marino

Even though there is an open border agreement with Italy, visitors can have their passport stamped by the San Marino authority at the passport office in the city centre for a small fee.

File:San-Marino-2016.jpg, San Marino entry stamp
File:Visum San Marino 1978.jpg, Visum 1978

Serbia

Serbia stamps both Serbian and foreign passports on exit, and foreign passports also on entry (until March 2018, foreign passports were not stamped on exit).

File:Serbischer Einreisestempel.png, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
File:Serbischer Ausreisestempel.png, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
File:Presevo stamp.png, Entry stamp for ''road travel'', issued at Preševo border crossing (border with North Macedonia)
File:Nis stamp.png, Exit stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Niš International Airport

Switzerland

Although Switzerland is not a European Union member state, it is part of the Schengen Area and so it has adopted the common Schengen design for passport stamps.

File:CH EnNS.JPG, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Geneva Airport before the entry of Switzerland in the Schengen zone.
File:CH EnS.JPG, Entry stamp for ''air travel'', issued at Zurich Airport after the entry of Switzerland in the Schengen zone.

Turkey

Turkey, as a candidate member of the European Union, has adopted a design for passport stamps similar to that of the Schengen area.

File:Einreisestempel Türkei.jpg, Entry stamp from Sabiha Gökçen Airport
File:Ausreisestempel Türkei.jpg, Exit stamp from Kapıkule railway station (border with Bulgaria)
File:Kapikule entrance.png, Entry stamp from Kapıkule (border with Bulgaria)
File:HamzabeyliStamp.jpg, Entry and exit stamps from Hamzabeyli (border with Bulgaria)
File:Habur entrance.png, Entry stamp from Habur (border with Iraq)
File:Habur exit.png, Exit stamp from Habur (border with Iraq)
File:Pazarkule exit.png, Exit stamp from Pazarkule (border with Greece)
File:Turkey Visa Stamp.jpg, Old entry and exit stamps from Istanbul Atatürk Airport
File:Istanbul entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp at Istanbul Airport
File:Turkey Visa Stamp.jpg, Old entry and exit stamps from Istanbul Atatürk Airport
File:Entry stamp at Istanbul Airport.jpg, Entry stamp at Istanbul Airport
File:Exit stamp at Istanbul Airport.jpg, Exit stamp at Istanbul Airport

Ukraine

Ukrainian passport stamps bear the country's name (since 2020 only country code UA), mode of travel (ship, train, vehicle, plane), code of the immigration officer, chevron (facing to the right for entry, to the left for exit), date, serial code (probably periodic), name of the checkpoint and its code. All are written in the Ukrainian language.

File:Mohyliv-Podilskyi new auto border stamp.jpg, Entry stamp from Mohyliv-Podilskyi checkpoint (border with Moldova) (2020)
File:Bronnytsia border stamp.jpg, Exit stamp from the Bronnytsia checkpoint (border with Moldova) (2020)
File:Ua boryspil kpb pass stamp.JPG, Entry stamp from Kyiv Boryspil international airport in an Israeli passport (2015)
File:Ua odessa ods pass stamp.JPG, Entry stamp from Odessa international airport in an old Israeli passport (2013)
File:Tsekynivkaborderstamp.jpg, Entry stamp from Tsekynivka port (on the Dnister riverine border with Moldova) (2011)
File:Bolganborderstamp.jpg, Exit stamp from the Bolgan checkpoint (border with Moldova) (2009)
File:Ukraine krakovetz passport stamp 1999.jpg, Exit stamp from the Krakovets checkpoint (old style) in a Kazakh passport (1999)

United Kingdom

The UK Border Force only stamps the travel documents of travellers ''entering'' the UK from outside the Common Travel Area who do not have the right of abode in the UK. When such travellers are granted leave to enter the UK, a stamp will generally be endorsed in their travel document, as the general rule laid down by section 4(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 is that power to give leave to enter the UK 'shall be exercised by notice in writing'. Passport stamps are in black ink and bear the name of the entry point, as well as the immigration officer's identification number.

Non-visa nationals entering as a visitor (except Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, Singaporean, South Korean and United States citizens) receive a passport stamp with the endorsement 'Leave to enter for six months: employment and recourse to public funds prohibited'.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (regardless of whether they hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme in the UK) entering the UK on their passport or national identity card do not receive a stamp.

If the traveller is the holder of a visa/entry clearance or a person exempt from immigration control (e.g. a diplomat), he/she receives an open date passport stamp (i.e. a stamp that does not contain any leave conditions). Moreover, this entry passport stamp is stamped on the right edge of the visa/entry clearance (if the traveller has one) on the traveller's first entry to indicate that the document has been used, even if the document is valid for multiple entries.

The following table shows which travellers arriving in the UK from outside the Common Travel Area receive a passport stamp:

As a derogation from the general requirement to grant leave to enter the UK 'by notice in writing' in the form of a passport stamp (where a person without the right of abode and the right to free movement arrives in the UK from outside the Common Travel Area), UK Border Force officers are permitted by law to grant leave to enter by fax or e-mail, and may also grant leave to enter orally (including by telephone) if the traveller seeks to enter the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months.

All travellers from outside the Common Travel Area entering the UK using the ePassport gates (including those without the right of abode) do not receive a passport stamp. Non-visa nationals entering the UK as a visitor who successfully use an ePassport gate are granted 6 months' leave to enter (subject to conditions prohibiting employment and recourse to public funds) without receiving any written notice/endorsement.

Since 20 May 2019, Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, Singaporean, South Korean and United States citizens who enter the UK as a visitor and are granted leave to enter for 6 months do not receive a passport stamp, regardless of whether they use an ePassport gate or a staffed counter. However, citizens of these countries who enter the UK with a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative and Sporting) Certificate of Sponsorship (for up to 3 months) or on a permitted paid engagement are not eligible to use the ePassport gates and must use a staffed counter, where they will receive a passport stamp.

When the transition period of the UK's withdrawal from the EU came to an end on 31 December 2020, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens became subject to immigration control. However, regardless of whether they hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme in the UK, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens continue not to receive a stamp when entering the UK on their passport or national identity card.

In the case of general aviation flights arriving in the UK from outside the Common Travel Area, travellers may not be inspected by the UK Border Force on arrival (depending on the risk assessment conducted on the basis of the travellers' information submitted in advance via the General Aviation Report (GAR) form) and may be 'remotely cleared' instead. In this case, no passport stamp is received.

Previously, all travellers entering the UK using the Iris Recognition Immigration System (including non-UK/EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) did not receive a passport stamp.

The UK Border Agency had a policy from 23 June 2008 until 4 November 2011 of conducting onboard clearance of some passengers travelling by coach at the juxtaposed controls at the Port of Calais and the Eurotunnel Calais Terminal. Passengers' travel documents were visually inspected by a UKBA officer on the coach, without the passengers having to disembark and pass through immigration control (where their travel documents would be scanned and, when required, stamped). This concession mainly applied to school groups travelling within the European Economic Area, though it was also extended to some other groups, such as elderly passengers, travellers with special needs, brownie and scout groups and sports teams. This policy meant that some passengers whose travel documents would usually be stamped did not receive a stamp on entering the UK.

Travellers arriving in the UK directly from the Channel Islands, Ireland and the Isle of Man are not subject to immigration checks as they are travelling within the Common Travel Area. Accordingly, no passport stamp is received.

There are no routine exit checks when departing from the UK for a destination outside the Common Travel Area by air, rail or sea. Instead, airline/rail/ferry companies obtain passengers' travel document information at check-in or on departure and transmit the information electronically to the UK Border Force. However, from time to time spot checks are carried out by the UK Border Force (in this case, travel documents are not stamped).

File:Uk london heathrow entry.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at Heathrow Airport ( Terminal 3) to a non-visa national.
File:UK Gatwick North passport stamp.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at Gatwick Airport (North Terminal) to a non-visa national.
File:UK Glasgow stamp.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at Glasgow Airport to a non-visa national.
File:UK_entry_stamp_from_Manchester.jpg, Passport stamp issued at Manchester Airport (Terminal 1) to a visa national.
File:Uk channeltunnel entry.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at the Channel Tunnel to a non-visa national.
File:UKE HENSLEY.JPG, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at the juxtaposed controls at Gare du Nord to a non-visa national.
File:UK Frethun passport stamp.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at the juxtaposed controls at Calais-Fréthun station to a non-visa national.
File:UK Calais passport stamp.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at the juxtaposed controls at the Port of Calais to a non-visa national.
File:UK Brussels passport stamp.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at the juxtaposed controls at the Brussels-South railway station to a non-visa national.
File:Harwich International Port passport stamp.jpg, Passport stamp issued at Harwich International Port.
File:UKBA Stamp - Leave to Enter no restrictions.jpg, Passport stamp with 6 months' leave to enter issued at Heathrow Airport in London to a visa national from Russia. No restrictions, thus, allowed to work.
File:Uk teesideairport studentvisa.JPG, Old style passport stamp issued at Teesside International Airport to a non-visa national with leave conditions laid out.

North America

Canada

Canada no longer routinely stamp passports upon entry. With effect from 2 April 2012, Border Services Officers of the Canada Border Services Agency will only stamp passports in the following circumstances:
* Seasonal agricultural workers
* Persons authorized to extend their stay in Canada
* Visitors arriving under a Parent/Grandparent super-visa
* Persons attaining permanent resident status at a port of entry
* Diplomatic visitors accredited to Canada arriving for the first time
* Persons issued a visitor record, limiting the duration of stay in Canada
* At the specific request of the traveler arriving at an international airport equipped with a Primary Inspection Kiosk

File:Queenston Bridge Canada Passport Bridge.JPG, Entry stamp at Lewiston–Queenston Bridge, Ontario.
File:PE-Cdn-Stamps.jpg, Entry stamp at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
File:Rainbow Bridge Canada Passport Stamp.JPG, Entry stamp at Rainbow Bridge, Ontario on a Colombian passport.
File:CBSAStampMunroIntl.jpg, Canada Border Services Agency entry stamp at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton, Ontario
File:Canada-Toronto Pearson stamp.jpg, Entry Stamp issued by Canada Immigration at Toronto-Lester B. Pearson International Airport This stamp was used by immigration officers for passengers who need secondary immigration checks.
File:Canada Visa Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp at Dorval International Airport in Montreal, which is Pierre Elliott Trudeau's airport former name. This stamp was used by passport control officers at Canada's international airports.

Cayman Islands

File:Cayman Islands entry stamp.jpg, Entry stamp.

Costa Rica

Cuba

*Cuban Government by policy does not stamp US Passports.

File:Cuba Passport Stamp.jpg, Entry and Exit stamps from Cayo Coco Airport.

French overseas departments and collectivities

When arriving in and departing from the French overseas departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique and the French overseas collectivities of Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Border Police officers stamp travellers' travel documents according to the following rules:Arrêté du 18 avril 2012 relatif aux documents et visas exigés pour l'entrée des étrangers sur le territoire des collectivités de Saint-Barthélemy et de Saint-Martin (Annexe I)
/ref>

Travellers flying directly from metropolitan France to Guadeloupe, Martinique or Saint Pierre and Miquelon only undergo border checks by the French Border Police at the departure airport in metropolitan France and not on arrival in the French overseas department/collectivity. However, as third-country nationals (who do not benefit from one of the exemptions in the right-hand column above) are required to receive a passport stamp, the French Border Police will give them an information sheet when they leave metropolitan France informing them that they should present themselves to the French Border Police at the arrival airport to receive a passport stamp. On the other hand, travellers flying directly from Guadeloupe, Martinique or Saint Pierre and Miquelon to metropolitan France undergo border checks by the French Border Police both on departure and on arrival, when their travel documents will be stamped accordingly.

Whilst the rules for stamping travel documents of travellers arriving in and departing from the French overseas departments/collectivities mentioned above are based upon the rules which apply in metropolitan France and the Schengen Area (see the section above), important differences exist between the two sets of rules. For example, when crossing the external border of the Schengen Area, only family members of EU/ EEA/Swiss citizens who hold a residence card issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC and who are accompanying or joining their EU, EEA and Swiss citizen family member exercising the right of freedom of movement are exempt from having their travel documents stamped, whereas in the French overseas departments/collectivities mentioned above, more generous rules apply — when entering/leaving Guadeloupe/Martinique/Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a family member of an EU/ EEA/Swiss citizen who holds a residence card issued by an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC is exempt from having his/her travel document stamped regardless of whether he/she is accompanying/joining his/her EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member; when entering/leaving Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin, a family member of an EU/ EEA/Swiss citizen who holds a residence card issued by an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland is exempt from having his/her travel document stamped regardless of whether he/she is accompanying/joining his/her EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member and regardless of whether the residence card was issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC. Another example relates to third-country nationals who hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen member state — when crossing the external border of the Schengen Area, his/her travel document should not be stamped, but when entering/leaving a French overseas department/collectivity, whilst he/she is not required to hold a visa for a short stay not exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period, his/her travel document will be stamped upon entry and exit.

Another exception applies in the case of the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin—travellers who in principle are subject to the obligation to have their travel documents stamped but who have cleared immigration control in Sint Maarten will not have their passport stamped when they enter/leave the French side of Saint Martin.

The design of passport stamps issued in the French overseas departments/collectivities differs from those issued in metropolitan France/the Schengen Area. Previously, entry stamps issued in French overseas departments/collectivities were rectangular, whilst exit stamps were hexagonal. Under the current design, both entry and exit stamps issued in French overseas departments/collectivities are hexagonal and have a similar design to Schengen Area stamps. The top left corner states Outre-Mer and F, and indicates the 3-digit INSEE code for the overseas department/collectivity where the stamp was issued (971 for Guadeloupe, 972 for Martinique, 975 for Saint Pierre and Miquelon, 978 for Saint Martin).

File:Enreisestempel Guadeloupe.png, Entry stamp at the port of Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) in a Swedish passport
File:Guadeloupe-Stempel.png, Exit stamp at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (Guadeloupe) in a Swedish passport
File:Martinique-Stempel.png, Entry (top) and exit (bottom) stamps at the ferry dock in Saint-Pierre (Martinique) in a Swedish passport. As of March 2016, Saint-Pierre uses stamps from the port of Fort-de-France.
File:Saint Barthelemy entry passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp in Saint Barthélemy
File:Saint Martin Entry Stamp.png, Updated Schengen style entry stamp at Marigot, Saint Martin
File:Saint Martin Exit Stamp.png, Updated Schengen style exit stamp at Marigot, Saint Martin
File:Saint Pierre Entry Stamp.png, Updated Schengen style entry stamp at Saint-Pierre Airport
File:Saint Pierre Exit Stamp.png, Updated Schengen style exit stamp at Saint-Pierre Airport
File:Saint-pierre-passport-stamp.jpg, Previous style entry stamp in Saint-Pierre (Saint Pierre and Miquelon)

Haiti

File:Haiti passport stamps.jpg, Entry and exit stamps from Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince.

Mexico

Mexico does not apply exit stamps, only entry stamps placed into a passport.

File:Mexico Baja California passport stamp.jpg, Entry stamp from Tijuana, Baja California land border crossing.

Panama

File:Panama entry passport stamp 2019.png, Entry stamp from Tocumen International Airport, Panamá Province.

United States

File:USA Passport Stamp.jpg, Entry stamp at San Francisco International Airport.
File:US stamp at Plattsburgh, NY border.jpg, USA stamp at Champlain–St. Bernard de Lacolle Border Crossing.
File:Us stamp 2.png, American stamp from John F. Kennedy International Airport in a U.S. Passport.
File:Us stamp.png, American stamp in a U.S. Passport.
File:US Entry stamp at Toronto-Lester B. Pearson International Airport.jpg, Entry stamp for air travel issued at Toronto-Lester B. Pearson International Airport in a Canadian Passport.
File:Abu Dhabi Preclearance Facility Stamp in US Passport.png, Abu Dhabi Preclearance Facility stamp in a U.S. Passport

The three-letter Port of Entry code at the top of the entry stamp is assigned and maintained by the Department of State. It is different from the IATA airport code.

The actual deadline to leave the U.S. for those admitted on a non-immigrant status is written at the bottom of the stamp, placed in the passport (when entering by air or sea) or on a green I-94W form stapled into the passport.

With the introduction of Automated Passport Control (APC), entries are not always stamped into passports of travelers using the kiosks (especially US and Canadian passports). There are custom slips printed out from the machine, which are stamped by immigration and then handed over to customs. However, details of arrival and departure records are still made available at the website of US Customs and Border Protection.

Oceania

Australia

The Australian government no longer stamps travellers’ passports on arrival or departure from Australia as a matter of principle, regardless of whether travellers go through SmartGate or are processed manually at a counter.

File:Australia coolangatta entry 2.JPG, Entry stamp at Coolangatta Airport
File:Australia coolangatta exit 2.JPG, Exit stamp at Coolangatta Airport
File:Photo of an ink stamp on passport.jpg, Entry stamp at Sydney Airport
File:Departure from Australia photo of stamp.jpg, Exit stamp at Sydney Airport

Fiji

File:Fijientryimmigation.jpg, Entry stamp at Nadi International Airport in Fiji.
File:Fiji Exit Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp at Nadi International Airport.

French overseas territories (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna)

When arriving in and departing from the French overseas territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, French Border Police officers stamp travellers' travel documents according to the following rules:

When travelling between the French overseas territories situated in the Pacific Ocean (for example, when travelling Direct flight, directly by plane from New Caledonia to French Polynesia), unless qualifying for one of the exemptions in the right hand column in the table above, a traveller will receive a passport stamp in his/her travel document upon departure from New Caledonia and another stamp upon arrival in French Polynesia.

Whilst the rules for stamping travel documents of travellers arriving in and departing from the French overseas territories in the Pacific Ocean are based upon the rules which apply in metropolitan France and the Schengen Area (see the section above), important differences exist between the two sets of rules. For example, when crossing the external border of the Schengen Area, only family members of EU/ EEA/Swiss citizens who hold a residence card issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC and who are accompanying or joining their EU, EEA and Swiss citizen family member exercising the right of freedom of movement are exempt from having their travel documents stamped, whereas in the French overseas territories in the Pacific, more generous rules apply — a family member of an EU/ EEA/Swiss citizen who holds a residence permit issued by an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland is exempt from having his/her travel document stamped regardless of whether he/she is accompanying/joining his/her EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member and regardless of whether his/her residence permit was issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC. Another example relates to third-country nationals who hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen member state – when crossing the external border of the Schengen Area, his/her travel document should not be stamped, but when entering/leaving a French overseas territory in the Pacific, whilst he/she is not required to hold a visa for a short stay not exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period, his/her travel document will be stamped upon entry and exit.

The design of passport stamps issued in the French overseas territories in the Pacific differs from those issued in metropolitan France/the Schengen Area. Previously, entry stamps issued in French overseas territories in the Pacific were rectangular, whilst exit stamps were hexagonal. Under the current design, both entry and exit stamps issued in French overseas territories in the Pacific are hexagonal, and are similar in design to Schengen Area passport stamps. The top left corner states Outre-Mer and F, and indicates the 3-digit INSEE code for the Departments of France, overseas territory where the stamp was issued (988 for New Caledonia).

File:French Polynesia entry stamp 2007 Tahiti-Faa'a.jpg, Entry stamp at Fa'a'ā International Airport in French Polynesia
File:French Polynesia Exit.jpg, Exit stamp at Fa'a'ā International Airport in French Polynesia
File:New Caledonia Passport Entry Stamp.jpg, Updated Schengen style entry stamp at La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia
File:New Caledonia Passport Exit Stamp.jpg, Updated Schengen style exit stamp at La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia
File:New Caledonia - Entry.jpg, Previous style entry stamp at La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia
File:New Caledonia - Exit.jpg, Previous style exit stamp at La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia
File:New Caledonia passport stamp.jpg, Older style exit stamp at La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia

New Zealand

Since March 2018, the New Zealand Customs Service ceased stamping passports for Australian permanent residents and New Zealand residents. General entry stamps continue to be used for temporary visa holders.

On arrival in New Zealand, travellers who are neither New Zealand nationality law, New Zealand nor Nationality law of Australia, Australian citizens or New Zealand permanent residency, permanent residents who are granted entry into the country will receive a 'Visitor Visa' rectangular stamp in their travel document.

New Zealand and Australian citizens do not have their passports stamped on arrival in New Zealand unless specifically requested.

Travellers using Automated border control system#New Zealand, eGate (available to holders of a New Zealand, Australian, Chinese passport, Chinese, Canadian, Dutch passport, Dutch, French passport, French, German passport, German, Irish passport, Irish, Japanese, Singaporean, South Korean, United Kingdom passport, United Kingdom or United States ePassport aged 12 years or over) will not have their passports stamped on arrival in New Zealand.

For all travellers, passports are not stamped on departure from New Zealand regardless of nationality and whether using an immigration desk or SmartGate, eGate.

File:New Zealand Passport Stamp.tif, General Entry stamp (given to temporary visa holders upon entry)
File:New Zealand Entry Stamp Hensley.png, Visitors Visa Entry stamp (for all non-NZ/Australian passport holders without residency in either country)
File:New Zealand Passport Stamp Resident.tif, Resident Visa Entry Stamp (no longer issued as of March 2018)

Niue

Niue passport stamps bear the name of the country, a map outline of Niue, date and location of entry/departure.

File:Niue passport stamp (entry).png, Entry stamp at Niue International Airport
File:Niue passport stamp (exit).png, Exit stamp at Niue International Airport

Vanuatu

The passport stamp bears the country name, date and port of entry/departure.

File:Vanuatu Entry.tif, Entry stamp at Port Vila
File:Vanuatu Exit.tif, Exit stamp at Port Vila

South America

Argentina

File:ARGENTINA STAMPS.jpg, Entry and exit stamps from the Argentina-Brazil border at Puerto Iguazu. Shown here in a U.S. Passport.
File:Argentina stamps.png

Brazil

Holder of Brazilian passports entering or departing from Brazil will not receive a passport stamp. However, other nationals will go through customs and receive a stamp for both entry and exit. When entering Brazil by car from another country such as Argentina or Paraguay, few people go through customs and thus rarely receive stamps in their passport.

File:Brazil visa and stamps.png, Brazilian entry and exit stamps in a US Passport, opposite from the visa. Near a French and American stamp.
File:Brazil stamp 2.png, Brazilian entry stamp in a US passport.
File:Brazil exit passport stamp.png, Brazilian exit stamp in a US passport.
File:Brazil stamps.png, Entry and exit stamps, issued at São Paulo Airport.

Chile

File:Chile entry stamp.png, Chilean entry stamp in a New Zealand passport, issued by the Investigations Police of Chile, PDI at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Santiago Airport.
File:Chile exit stamp.png, Chilean exit stamp in a New Zealand passport, issued by the PDI at the Paseo los Liberadores border crossing.

Colombia

File:Colombian migration entry stamp 2013-11-10 19-11.jpg, Entry stamp from El Dorado International Airport, El Dorado Airport
File:Colombian migration exit stamp 2013-11-10 19-12.jpg, Exit stamp from El Dorado International Airport, El Dorado Airport
File:Colombian exit tax stamp 2013-11-10 19-10.jpg, Exit tax exemption stamp issued by the Aeronautica Civil at El Dorado International Airport, El Dorado Airport

French Guiana

When arriving in and departing from the French overseas department of French Guiana, French Border Police officers stamp travellers' travel documents according to the following rules:

Travellers flying directly from metropolitan France to French Guiana only undergo border checks by the French Border Police at the departure airport in metropolitan France and not on arrival in French Guiana. However, as third-country nationals (who do not benefit from one of the exemptions in the right-hand column above) are required to receive a passport stamp, the French Border Police will give them an information sheet when they leave metropolitan France informing them that they should present themselves to the French Border Police at the arrival airport to receive a passport stamp. On the other hand, travellers flying directly from French Guiana to metropolitan France undergo border checks by the French Border Police both on departure and on arrival, when their travel documents will be stamped accordingly.

Both entry and exit stamps issued in French Guiana are hexagonal, and are similar in design to Schengen Area passport stamps. The top left corner states Outre-Mer and F, and indicates the 3-digit INSEE code (973) for French Guiana.

File:French Guiana Entry Stamp.png, Entry stamp at Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport
File:French Guyana Exit Passport Stamp.jpg, Exit stamp at Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport
File:French Guiana Bac International du Maroni Passport stamp.jpg, Previous style exit stamp at the river port in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

Peru

File:Peru entry stamp.png, Peruvian entry stamp in a New Zealand passport, issued at Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima Airport. Part of a UK entry stamp is visible in the top part.
File:Peru exit stamp.png, Peruvian exit stamp in a New Zealand passport, issued at Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima Airport. Part of a UK entry stamp is visible in the bottom part, as is part of a Chilean stamp in the right.

Venezuela

File:Entry stamp PMV.jpg, Entry stamp to SVMG, Santiago Mariño Intl. Airport; Margarita Island, Venezuela
File:Venezuela stamp.jpg, Exit stamp SVMI, Simón Bolívar Intl. Airport; Caracas, Venezuela

Countries/Regions not issuing exit immigration stamps

In some countries, there is no formal control by immigration officials of travel documents upon exit. Consequently, exit stamps are not placed in passports.
Exit may be recorded by immigration authorities via information provided to them by carriers when the passenger departs from the country.

No exit control

* United States of America
* Canada
* Mexico (by air)
* Bahamas
* Ireland
* United Kingdom (UK Border Force, Border Force officers do not carry out ''systematic'' checks of travel documents on passengers travelling to a destination outside the Common Travel Area by air, rail or sea (though from time to time spot checks are carried out – in this case passports are not stamped); instead, airline/rail/ferry companies obtain passengers' travel document information at check-in or on departure and transmit the information electronically to the UK Border Force)

Formal entry or exit control without passport stamping

* Albania (Entry & Exit stamp may be issued upon request)
* Argentina (Digital entry confirmation on arrival only)
* Australia (Entry & Exit stamps no longer issued. Instead, you may pull up electronic record of your entries & exits)
* China (Exit stamp issued upon request when using e-Gate)
* Costa Rica (only at Costa Rican airports; different entry and exit stamps are made at the border crossing with Panama)
* El Salvador
* Fiji
* Hong Kong (no entry or exit stamps are issued, instead landing slips are issued upon arrival only)
* Iran
* Israel (no entry or exit stamps are issued at Ben Gurion Airport, instead landing slips are issued upon arrival and departure)
* Japan (Exit stamp issued upon request & when not using e-Gate since July 2019)
* Macau (no entry or exit stamps are issued, instead landing slips are issued upon arrival only)
* New Zealand
* North Macedonia (Entry & Exit stamp may be issued upon request for EU & EFTA citizens)
* Qatar (exit stamp no longer issued but may be requested)
* South Korea (since 1 November 2016)
* Panama (only at Panamanian airports; different entry and exit stamps are made at the border crossing with Costa Rica)
* Republic of China (exit stamp issued upon request & when not using e-Gate)
* Singapore (no exit stamps since 22 April 2019, no entry stamps since 21 October 2021)
* Saint Kitts and Nevis

However, in some of these countries a departure card is stamped.

See also

* Gallery of passport stamps by country or territory
*Revenue stamp, Revenue Stamp

Notes

{{reflist, 30em

References

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the operation of the provisions on stamping of the travel documents of third-country nationals in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)
European Commission. 2009. Retrieved 2012-06-26.

Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)

External links

PassportStamp
A site for recording passport stamp visits

Passport stamps from the whole world – 181 countries, 748 scans

Passport stamps, *