Many of you probably have seen or heard about british, american or german passports. These are the most common passports in the world.
But there are so many passports that are unheard of, little known and undiscovered.
Some passports are very powerful in terms of visa free travel, which others are exotic, rare with great history.
There are 195 countries in the world today and most countries do issue passports to their citizens. Exceptions are Niue and Cook Islands both of these tiny countries are independent states do not issue passports, but they use New Zealand passports .
Let us take a quick look below!
1. Monaco
Monaco is the smallest (2 km2) and richest country in the world. The country has about 38,900 population and has the most expensive prices in the world. Monaco is considered to be the country for billionaires and UHNWI population.
In 2019, Monaco had the 15th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 174 countries. The Monégasque passport is rarely seen only issued to citizens of Monaco for international travel. In 2009 about 6,000 passports were in circulation..
Foreigners living in Monaco for 10 years eligible for citizenship and passport. The ten year residence requirement is waived for a foreigner if the Prince judges worthy of this favor.
Monaco is not formally a part of the European Union (EU), but it participates in certain EU policies, including customs and border controls and uses euro.
Monaco does not have an airport, but does have Monaco Heliport in the Monégasque district of Fontvieille. The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airportin France
2. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is the 4th smallest country in Europe, nestled between Switzerland and Austria with a population of 38,500. The country’s population enjoys one of the world’s highest standards of living.
Liechtenstein passports are also quite expensive, costs about $240 to issue a new passport.
The Blue Liechtenstein passports contain coat of arms of Liechtenstein with the words “FÜRSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN”. This means principality of Liechtenstein. These passports are also biometric.
The Principality requires 30 years of residence in Liechtenstein, to apply for naturalization. Years spent in Liechtenstein under age 20 counts as 2 years.
This makes it one of the very difficult passport to acquire for foreigners
Dual citizenship also not permitted, so one its required to renounce previous citizenship
Liechtenstein does not have an airport, but does have a heliport in the southern town of Balzers. The nearest international airportsare St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland and Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany
3. Andorra
Andorra is a small landlocked country tucked between France and Spain , also the 6th smallest country in Europe with a population of 77,000
Andorra is not a member of the EU, EEA or Schengen Area.
Citizens of Andorra are not EU citizens, they can nonetheless use the lanes for EU and EFTA citizens when crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area
Andorran passport is 20th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 168 countries in 2019. The passport has access to US, Canada, Australia visa free with ETA.
Andorran citizenship is quite difficult for foreigners, as the country requires 20 years of living to become Andorran national. Andorran passport is also rare to be seen.
Andorra has no airport. Many tourists who travel to Andorra do so via the Eurostar to get to Paris. From Paris, they can take an overnight train to a station that is located just outside of Andorra. Car travel to Andorra is the most efficient option
4. San Marino
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe, after Vatican City and Monaco with a population of 33,000 and approximately 5000 foreign residents. It is also the fifth smallest country in the world. San Marino is an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, situated on the Italian Peninsula on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains. The country’s economy mainly relies on finance, industry, services and tourism. It is among one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP (per capita), with a figure comparable to the most developed European regions.
San Marino is considered to have a highly stable economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt and a budget surplus. It is the only country with more vehicles than people.
San Marino is not a European Union member and euro is used widely in the country.
Considering the country has only population of 33,000 the San marinese passport is one of the rare, most exclusive and powerful passport in the world.
The Sammarinese citizenship possible for foreigners who legally reside in in the territory of San Marino for a minimum of 10 years for citizenship.
San Marino has no airports and no train stations
5. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a smallest sovereign states in Europe, surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany with a population of 600,000. Only half of the population are luxembourgish citizens. Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union, OECD, United Nations, NATO, and Benelux.
A Luxembourgish passport is an international travel document issued to nationals of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and may also serve as proof of Luxembourgish citizenship. Every Luxembourger citizen is also a citizen of the European Union. The passport, along with the national identity card allows for freedom of movement in any of the states of the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Luxembourgish biometric passports are valid for five years for bearers aged four and over, and valid for 2 years for children under four. The passport costs €50 for a five year valid passport
Luxembourg passport is also one of the very powerful passports in the world. It is rated as 4th powerful passport with visa free travel to 186 countries as of 2019.
The amended rules in 2017, allow citizenship possible for foreigners quickly, if they have legally resided in Luxembourg for at least 5 years. Luxembourg also has a golden visa residence scheme requiring 500,000 euros
6. Iceland
Iceland is a country of extreme geological contrasts. Widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
The Icelandic passport is one of the most powerful EU passports in the world. Iceland has 357,000 population of which 90% are icelandic people.
A new Icelandic passport design was introduced on 1 February 2019, featuring a slightly enlarged Icelandic coat of arms and sans-serif wording on the front cover.
Iceland passports are valid for ten years from the application date, five years for children under the age of 18. The cost for issuing icelandic passport is ISK 13,600 (USD$112)
Icelandic citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 181 countries and territories, ranking the Icelandic passport 10th in the world in terms of travel freedom . Iceland joined the Schengen states on March 25, 2001
Naturalisation as an Icelandic citizen possible after seven year residence in Iceland.
Icelandic law allows dual citizenship but persons who wish to acquire citizenship in a state that does not allow dual citizenship must request to be freed from Icelandic citizenship
7. Brunei
Brunei is one the richest countries in the world with vast oil and petroleum fields, north of borneo with a population over 400,000.
Brunei has one of the powerful passports in the world in terms of visa free travel.
Brunei is the only country whose citizens may travel without a visa to all of the permanent member countries of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States). Brunei is also the only Muslim-majority country whose citizens may enter the United States with ESTA
Hassanal Bolkiah is the Sultan of Brunei and its prime minister. He has ruled over this small state in Southeast Asia since 1967. His net worth is said to be around US$20 billion
Acquisition of Bruneian citizenship is only possible through marriage or adoption. The foreign spouse may register for citizenship after 10 years residency. Dual citizenship forbidden
8. Vatican (Holy see)
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, about 1000 residents of Vatican City, over 450 have Vatican citizenship.
The Vatican passport means either, one issued by Vatican state (ordinary) and the other issued by Holy See (diplomatic). Service passports also issued by Holy see who are not citizens.
Vatican City was first established in the Lateran Treaty, signed on 11 February 1929 signed by Benito Mussolini.
Holy See is headquartered in, operates from, and exercises “exclusive dominion” over the independent Vatican City State enclave in Rome, Italy. The Holy See maintains bilateral diplomatic relations with 172 sovereign states, signs concordats and treaties, and performs multilateral diplomacy with multiple intergovernmental organizations
Passports issued by Vatican City are in Italian, French and English, while passports issued by the Holy See are in Latin, French and English
Citizenship in Vatican is almost impossible to acquire unless you are a cardinal or diplomat. There is no citizenship by birth, but citizenship given to those who work there.
The new Vatican City State law on citizenship, residence and access, which was promulgated on 22 February 2011, classifies citizens in three categories:
- Cardinals resident in Vatican City or in Rome;
- Diplomats of the Holy See;
- Persons residing in Vatican City because of their office or service
The Vatican bank (Institute for the Works of Religion) is the only bank the state with its estimated assets of $8 billion and contributes some $50 million to the vatican economy.
Vatican passport is also 28th powerful passport with visa free access to 150 countries in the world as of 2019. Visa required in advance to visit United States, China, Russia etc..
9. Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is a defacto state only recognized by Turkey, with population of 226,000
The Northern Cyprus passport is only valid or recognized in six countries: Australia, Anguilla, Pakistan, Tanzania, Turkey, United States. A prior visa also required to travel to above countries.
The passport cannot be used for travel to other countries. There are some 226,000 residents in Northern cyprus. A visa free access only available to Turkey.
Any citizen of Northern Cyprus is entitled to citizenship of Turkey and to receive a Turkish passport.
The Northern Cyprus government has many foreign missions abroad
10. Abkhazia
Abkhazia, officially the Republic of Abkhazia, is a de facto and partially recognized republic on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, having a population of 240,000
Abkhazia is only recognised as a sovereign state by a handful of nations, most countries do not accept Abkhaz passports.
The Abkhazian passport is only recognised by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru, for all other destinations, another passport is needed. As of 2009, close to 146,000 passports had been issued, half of it to Abkhazians
Abkhazia has mutual visa-free agreements with Russia, Tuvalu,Vanuatu,and South Ossetia.
Foreigners can acquire citizenship of Abkhazia after living for ten years and speaking the language. Abkhazia allows dual citizenship only with Russia and for other countries dual citizenship not recognized.
11. Sealand
Sealand is a self-claimed country in the North Sea approximately 12 km from the coast of Suffolk. Sealand is a structure called Roughs Tower it was built in the sea by the British Royal Navy, and later became Sealand. It is very small. There is only room for 300 people on it. Sealand has its own stamps, national anthem, money, flag, and more things just like a real country.
A structure called Roughs Tower was built in the sea by the British Royal Navy, and later became Sealand.
Sealand is managed by the Bates family as if it were a recognised sovereign entity, and they are its hereditary royal rulers.
Sealand used to have passports until 1997 when they were rebuked due to fraud and the massive number of passports that had been issued (over 150,000), according to Quora
12. Malta Sovereign Order
This is one of the world’s rare passport issued to officials and diplomats of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM).
The validity of the passport is of four years and is strictly linked to the duration of the assignment.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation since 1113 with diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical. The Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works.
In 2016, the Sovereign Order of Malta issued 155 passports in total, about 500 passports are currently in circulation.
13. Malagasy passport
The Malagasy passport is issued to citizens of Madagascar for international travel.
Madagascar from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, currently home to 90% of wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The country has a population of 22 million
As of 2019, Madagascar nationals have visa free access to 53 countries.
14. Iroquois
The Iroquois passport or Haudenosaunee passport is a form of identification used by the native american nationals of the Iroquois League . This passport was first issued in 1923.
Fewer countries and airlines recognize as valid travel documents.
The Iroquois are a historically powerful northeast Native American confederacy. They were known during the colonial years to the French as the Iroquois League, and later as the Iroquois Confederacy, and to the English as the Five Nations, comprising the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca.
In 2010, more than 45,000 enrolled Six Nations people lived in Canada, and about 80,000 in the United States
The Iroquois passport evolved from negotiations with the U.S. State Department, Canada, Britain and other countries and has been used since 1977.
- In 2005 Japan allowed a delegation travelling on the Iroquois passport to visit that country for the World Congress of the International Association for the History of Religions.
- The Iroquois passport is not accepted for entry into Canada.
- In July 2010 the United Kingdom did not accept the tribal passports of the Iroquois Nationals field lacrosse team for travel to the UK for the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship
15. Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe that existed from October 1918, and later dissolved into two countries Czech Republic and Slovakia on 1 January 1993. Today both countries are EU member states and participate in schengen area.
This passport is rare and do not exist today.
In autumn 1951, however, the government mandated that all passports be confiscated, necessitating them to be sent to the Ministry for State Security in Prague. This move left thousands of Czechoslovaks around the world effectively stateless as their documents were confiscated by their local embassy/consulate-general. Thereon, passports were only issued to people who the Communist government saw fit to possess one.
16. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s is an island country in the indian ocean off southern tip of India, with documented history spans 3,000 years, with evidence of pre-historic human settlements for at least 125,000 years. The country has 22 million population
Sri Lanka issues N series passports are valid 10 years unless otherwise specified. Validity period of passports for minors below 16 years of age are 03 years. Emergency Certificates are valid two (02) years but can be extended for further two years.
As of 7 February 2019, Sri Lankan citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 43 countries and territories, ranking the Sri Lankan passport 95th in the world in terms of travel freedom
Sri Lanka allows dual citizenship
17. Vimy
Canada issued little over 6000 special passports for Vimy pilgrimage to France to commemorate 11,000 soldiers who died during First World War. These passports are rare, do not exist today.
The Vimy memorial commemorates more than 11,000 men of the Canadian Expeditionary Force killed during the First World War in France and who have no known grave. Many of them died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought from 9 to 12 April 1917. Many consider it a turning point in Canadian history, where the four Canadian divisions fought together
The passport fees were waived for pilgrims who were Canadian or British subjects, issued a special Vimy pilgrimage passport, and allowed veterans in the civil service to have an additional 11 days of paid leave
18. Cape Verde
Cape verde is an island country off the west coast of Africa with a population of half a million.
Cape Verdean citizens can travel to member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visa-free. As of 2019, Cape Verdean citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 65 countries and territories.
19. North Korea
North Korean (DPRK) passport is one the rare travel documents in the world, despite DPRK passport comes free visa access in 42 countries. Since the majority of North Koreans do not get opportunities to leave their country, DPRK passports are rarely issued
Ordinary passports are never issued without special permission and all holders must apply for an exit visa in order to leave the country.
North Korean passports were first issued in the 1950s with passport in three languages – Korean, Russian and Chinese, while the current passport has Korean and English only.
- Ordinary passport is a single passport which, after being granted special permission, is handed out to North Koreans, who visit foreign countries for official reasons, i.e., professional, sports, academic competitions, business trips. Ordinary passports are withdrawn by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after travel. Cover is navy blue.
- Official passport is issued for trade and other economic bureaucrats travelling abroad. Cover is green.
- Diplomatic passport is issued to high officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and other subordinate offices of the Workers’ Party of Korea. For other bureaucrats, only vice ministers or higher can receive a diplomatic passport. Cover is red.
20. Kosovo
Kosovo is partially recognized state in eastern europe. Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence is not universally recognised. Therefore, some countries may not accept passports issued by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo
Russia does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state, nor does it recognise the Kosovan Passport as a valid travel document for everyday entry to Russia under normal circumstances. However, the Kosovan Passport can be used to enter Russia in special cases . Serbia does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state, nor does it recognise the Kosovan passport as a valid travel document. However, citizens of the Republic of Kosovo can freely enter Serbia and stay for 90 days with a valid identity card.
Kosovo issues four types of passports: Ordinary, Official, Diplomatic and Travel Document.
Kosovo passport had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 43 countries, as of 2019
Kosovo is the only non-EU country in the Western Balkans that has not yet achieved visa-free status with the EU. In 2019 the European Commission has said Kosovo has met all requirements for visa free travel to Europe’s schengen zone.
21. Mongolia
Mongols first introduced passports (in the form of paiza) to protect diplomats, merchants and traders traveling in the silk road during the 13th century.
All Mongolian citizens are required to register and apply for a civil passport within 30 days of reaching the age of 16
Foreigners may apply for citizenship through the President’s office as well, or through a Mongolian embassy. One must renounce their former nationalities in order to acquire Mongolian (dual citizenship not allowed). Citizenship can be renounced through the President’s Office .
The involuntary loss of citizenship – exile – is banned under the constitution
Today Mongol passport has visa free access to only 63 countries as of 2019 to Russia, Cuba, Turkey, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine etc..
22. Cuba
Cuba has a population of 11 million residents and majority of cubans do not travel abroad due to expensive to travel abroad. The passport stamps from Cuba also quite rare..
Cuban passports are also very expensive. The cost of issue of this passport is about US$400 (CUC 400) and US$200 for every two years if one person lives in the United States.
Until January 14, 2013, the Cuban government required that all Cuban citizens and foreigners such as foreign students that live in Cuba desiring to leave the country would have to obtain an exit permit requiring $300 spending
The United States is home to the largest number of Cubans outside Cuba with 1.3 million cubans living in diaspora followed by Spain about 140,000. Small numbers of Cubans live Mexico, Italy, Canada, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Today as of 2019, Cuban passport has visa free access to 69 countries. Cuba only allows 18 countries (incl all caribbean CBI countries) visa free access to visit Cuba. All other countries require a prior visas or tourist card.
Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations.
US Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered by a general license. If travel is not covered by a general license, must seek OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license
U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba .
23. US Diplomatic passport
All US presidents (POTUS) and their immediate family members are issued diplomatic passports in black cover for traveling abroad to carry out diplomatic work. One additional perk the president gets is, the diplomatic passport when he leaves the office, he gets to keep the passport valid for life.
When the president travels, a team of people, usually from the State Department, coordinate the paperwork of the trip and hold onto the president’s passport. After the president emerges from Air Force One, waves to the crowd, and gets in his limo, he doesn’t then stand in line at customs. The State Department employees take his passport, and those of the others in his entourage, through the host country’s customs procedures.
The Black diplomatic passports issuable to American diplomats accredited overseas and their eligible dependents, to citizens who reside in the United States and travel abroad for diplomatic work, to the President of the United States, the President-Elect, the Vice President, and Vice President-elect, as well as former presidents and vice presidents. Supreme Court Justices, current cabinet members, former secretaries and deputy secretaries of state, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, some members of Congress, and retired career ambassadors are also eligible for a diplomatic passport.
The bearer of diplomatic passport are not required to pay any fee. The period of validity is generally five years from the date of issue
According to State department some 21 million ordinary/normal US passports in circulation as of 2018.
24. Macau (SAR)
Macau is the special administrative region of China, one of the with a population of 650,000 one of the highly urbanized and richest in the word. Its gaming industry is seven times larger than that of Las Vegas. Macau was formerly a colony of the Portuguese Empire.
The Macao SAR passport is a passport issued to Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of Macau. It was first issued in 1999.
As Chinese citizens, holders of a Macau Special Administrative Region passport are entitled to full consular protection by Chinese foreign missions abroad.
The Macau SAR Identification Department listed Chinese citizens of Macau as having visa-free or visa on arrival access to 141 countries and territories. Prior visas are required to visit US/Canada
Macau SAR passport holders aged between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply under the Working Holiday Scheme by the New Zealand Government
Many residents of Macau also possess Portuguese citizenship by virtue of birth in Macau before 1981, naturalization or born to parents with Portuguese citizenship in Macau, therefore they are also eligible for, or currently holding, a Portuguese passport, which grants more visa-free countries than MSAR passport.
Normal passports are issued for MOP 300 ($27)
Foreigners including portuguese nationals who had residence authorization have been renewed for 7 consecutive years can apply for permanent resident status;
25. Marshall Islands
The Republic of Marshall (RMI) islands and a US associated state near the equator in the Pacific Ocean with a population of 53,000
The Marshallese passport is issued to citizens of Marshall islands.
In 2019, Marshallese passport had visa free travel to 124 countries
Marshall Islands signed a mutual visa waiver agreement with Schengen Area countries on 28 June 2016. This is also a rare passport that has visa free access to United States with ETA )
The Compact of Free Association with the United States gives the U.S. sole responsibility for international defense of the Marshall Islands. It gives islanders the right to emigrate to the United States and to work there.
According to USCIS, any person who obtained an FSM or RMI passport under any investment, passport sale, or similar program is not entitled to any immigration privileges under the Compacts. Marshall islands operated a passport for sale scheme in the 1990’s
26. Nauru
Nauru is the third smallest state in the world (only 21 square km) , after Vatican and Monaco with a population of 11,000 living there. Nauru was formerly known as Pleasant Island in the central Pacific
The Nauruan passport is issued to citizens.
As of 2019, the Nauruan passport had visa free access to 86 countries, this includes UK/Ireland and Russia. In the 1990’s Nauru also operated a citizenship for sale scheme in the Pacific.
27. Queens Messenger
This British passport of the Queen’s Messenger issued to couriers travelling on official business. The couriers hand-carry secret and important documents to British Embassies/High Commission and consulates around the world.
Many Queen’s Messengers were retired Army personnel. Messengers generally travel in plain clothes in business class on scheduled airlines with their consignment.
The Queen’s Messenger has the status of a diplomatic courier and cannot be detained, however the messenger and the messenger’s personal luggage go through normal security screening.
The first recorded King’s Messenger was John Norman, who was appointed in 1485 by King Richard III to hand-deliver secret documents for his monarch.
28. Tuvalu
Tuvalu formerly known as the Ellice Islands is also a pacific island country.
The Tuvaluan passport issued to citizens of Tuvalu.
Tuvalu signed a mutual visa waiver agreement with Schengen Area countries on 1 July 2016. As of 2019, Tuvaluan passport had visa free access to 126 countries.
Tuvalu currently has a provision in the passport act to offering passport to immigrant investors, issued by the investment passport committee.
29. Ramesses II Mummy Passport
Under Egyptian laws that humans, dead or alive, can only leave with Egypt passport, no exceptions
Ramesses II is one the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt born in 1302 BC. He reigned for over 60 years and accomplished much during his lifetime.
Even 3000 years after Ramesses II died, he became the only mummy with a passport issued by a modern government to fly to paris for restoration
Egypt issued full valid passport for Ramessess II in 1974 with DOB as 1303 BC and profession as King (deceased).
30. Transnistria
Transnistria is not recognised by the majority of nations of the world (with the exceptions of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and the Republic of Artsakh, all of which are also mostly unrecognised), a Transnistrian passport is not valid for travel to most countries in the world. The region is considered by the UN to be part of Moldova.
The population estimated at 469,000
The first passport was issued on October 1, 2001.
31. Artsakh
Artsakh, also known as the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, is a de facto independent country in the South Caucasus that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan with a population of 150,000
The Artsakh passport is not legally recognised by the international community and it is used only within the borders of Artsakh and three other post-Soviet disputed states; Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria
As per new Government decision, effective from April 29, Tourists Visiting Artsakh will be Granted Free Entry Visa
Artsakh permits dual citizenship
About World Passport Museum
The World Passport Museum currently a startup is planned for opening on or after 2021 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving history exhibiting historical papers such as passports, identity papers with great history.
The museum aims to exhibit rare masterpieces of passports and identity papers of great historical importance in cooperation with other museums and national archives from over 100 countries.
The museum is currently a startup and seeks small donations or contributions from public including donating any historical identity papers to the museum. We offer full credit to donors.
Please visit: http://passportmuseum.org
Sources: Wikipedia, Quora, Henley passport rankings
