Passport photos capture our no-smile rule-abiding selves, specifically designed for identification as we traverse borders. However, there’s a plethora of quirky and fascinating tales hidden behind these seemingly straightforward photos. Dive in for five facts that’ll offer a fresh perspective on your next passport pic: 1. A Casual Affair: Venture back to the early 20th … Continue reading Snapshot Secrets: 5 Surprising Facts About Passport Photos
Exclusive Passports: The Fascinating World of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta issues the world’s rarest passport, with only a few hundred people possessing one. As of February 2018, there were around 500 diplomatic passports in circulation. Eligibility for this passport is exclusive and limited.
However, the passport’s utility is restricted, as countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and New Zealand do not accept it for travel. Furthermore, many other countries and territories enforce similar rules. Out of the 26 Schengen Area member countries, only 23 recognize the passport.
Established in 1113 and officially recognized by Pope Paschal, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is among the oldest Christian institutions. The Order’s full title is “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta,” reflecting its historical development and various headquarters over the centuries. The Order comprises over 13,500 knights, dames, and chaplains, alongside 80,000 volunteers and 25,000 medical employees. Although it does not govern any territory, it maintains diplomatic relations with more than 100 states.
The Order primarily operates as a charitable organization, providing medical aid worldwide. Passports are issued for four-year terms, allowing holders to carry out diplomatic assignments. In addition to passports, the Order also produces its own postage stamps and currency. Despite its unique status, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta passport is far from being one of the world’s most powerful passports.
In 2013, a 9 year-old British girl passed…
In 2013, a 9 year-old British girl passed through Turkish customs with a toy passport with gold teddy bears on the front that identified her as a unicorn. Her mother accidentally handed over the passport that the girl had made for her toy unicorn, and the customs offіcer accepted and stamped it.
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Here’s What You Should Do If You Lose Your Passport
Losing your passport is supremely stressful, and getting it replaced is neither convenient or easy. But there are steps you can take to get another one relatively quickly.
Once you’ve turned your home or hotel room upside down only to determine your passport’s gone forever, the first thing you should do is report it so it can be canceled. You can do this either by phone or online on the Department of State travel website. This is important because a canceled passport is no longer valid – meaning no one else can use it.
You’ll then need to apply for a replacement. In the U.S., you’ll use form DS-11 for lost or stolen passports, and it’s best if you do it in person at a passport acceptance facility. That way, the documents can be processed there and then mailed in for the replacement. If you have immediate travel plans (i.e. international travel planned within the next 14 days), you should go to a passport agency, where you can get your paperwork handled ASAP – potentially even immediately.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Already in a foreign country when your passport went missing? Don’t worry – you’re not stranded, but you may be delayed. Report the passport as missing, then find the local U.S. embassy or consulate, which, unfortunately, may be in another city. Take a passport photo, another form of government-issued identification (drivers license works), proof of U.S. citizenship (your photocopy of your passport that you bring with you all the time when you travel works), and your travel itinerary. It’s a good idea to have copies of all these things in Google docs or something similar. You will then fill out two forms: DS-11 and DS-64.
In a couple of business days, you should have your replacement. Then, you’ll have to reapply for any visas.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
You could use travel insurance to recoup your expenses in getting a replacement, but check the credit card you travel with – they may be able to reimburse you as well.
Losing your passport is a big pain, so the best way to avoid the hassle of getting a new one is just to always keep it safe.
And be sure make copies of it to help you in case you need to jump through all these hoops.
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