Why You Shouldn't Stamp Tourist Attractions in Your Passport

August 4, 2025 | 11:57 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Stamps on a passport can serve as a record of a traveler's adventures. Besides border stamps, travelers also often fill their passports with stamps from tourist attractions. However, be careful because unique stamps from tourist spots can invalidate a passport.

Wildpacks, an American summer camp travel provider, explains that "souvenir" stamps from tourist spots may be unique mementos, but they can also cause serious issues that may prevent travelers from entering their destination country. This is applicable in many countries, including Wales, the United States, and the European Union.

Tourist Attraction Stamps

Stamps like these are available at many famous tourist spots such as Machu Picchu, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (the town with the longest name in the UK), and Checkpoint Charlie (a historic building in Germany), with ink marks offered as souvenirs.

Since these stamps are not issued by official immigration authorities, some countries consider them to be acts of tampering or potential security issues.

Jamie Fraser, the director of an American summer camp at Wildpacks, explains that souvenir stamps have become a kind of badge of honor for travelers. They look cool and feel like a part of the adventure. However, apart from immigration officers, no one is allowed to stamp a passport.

As reported by Mirror.co.uk, he said that if a passport contains information that has not been endorsed by officials, you are at the mercy of how each border crossing interprets it. For something that only takes up one square inch, that can cause a lot of trouble.

Passport Damage

If this happens, travelers must replace their passports because they are considered damaged or altered. This damage is treated the same as torn or missing pages, faded or unreadable information, ink stains or water damage, and loose or separated cover pages.

Instead of asking for a souvenir stamp on their passport, travelers should request stamps on postcards or a piece of paper. Never mark your passport yourself, as even scribbles or small messages can be considered damage.

Check each page carefully before flying, look for marks, stamps, or unknown stains. If in doubt, replace your passport as soon as possible to ensure a smooth journey.

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