This is the kind of stamp you don't want to get in your passport
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Many travellers probably remember fondly the days when you'd get a passport stamped by every country you visited.
Sometimes you even got your visa added too.
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Many travellers probably remember fondly the days when you'd get a passport stamped by every country you visited. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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But as everything goes digital, a lot of nations don't bother to use ink to note your arrival or departure date.
And while a packed passport can be a nice thing to boast about, don't be tempted to fill it up yourself.
Some destinations offer fun stamps, and travellers do sometimes like to get them in their passports.
This, however, could get you in trouble.
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A novelty stamp from Machu Picchu. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Australian Passport Office recently weighed in with official advice.
As well as making sure your passport has no damage including rips, marks, and even mould, it said on a Facebook post it should also have "no novelty stamps like tourist or souvenir stamps".
When a commenter asked what to do if you had these on the pages, an expert replied.
"Your passport is an official document and the only stamps in it should be visas issued by immigration or customs officials of the countries you're visiting," they said.
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A novelty Maldives stamp in a passport. Getty
"Having novelty stamps in your passport may mean you are denied boarding or refused entry to your destination.
"This is at the discretion of airline or border officials."
Essentially, if you have any that are unofficial, you'll probably have to stump up for a new passport.
Meanwhile, on the subject of passports, you also need to check another rule.
Some at all times, and you could be in big trouble if you don't, as we pointed out in another
Italy, for example, requires you to "ensure you're carrying valid identification", according to Smartraveller. Japan has a similar rule.
China has a rule to always carry your passport. Getty
For China Smartraveller said "You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask".
Spain is also the same.
"Always carry personal ID. You should carry a copy of your Australian Passport for ID, either as a hardcopy or as a photo on your phone. Police can detain you until they can confirm your identity," Smartraveller advised.
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