For many travelers, getting their passport stamped is more than just a border formality—it’s a cherished memento, a physical reminder of adventures across the globe.
But before you say yes to a quirky little stamp at a tourist site, experts are warning: think twice.
That “fun” stamp might cost you more than you bargained for.
Souvenir Stamps Are Becoming a Trend—And a Risk
From the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to the famously long-named village in Wales (yes, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch) and Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, plenty of tourist spots now offer novelty stamps as souvenirs.
They’re cute. They’re fun. And they’re unofficial—which is exactly the problem.
While they may feel like part of the experience, placing one of those non-official stamps inside your passport could trigger major issues with border control.
Some countries treat them as tampering—or even damage—leading to refused entry or having to replace your passport altogether.
Why It’s Not Worth the Risk
Jamie Fraser, an American summer camp director with Wildpacks, has seen the issue firsthand.
He explained that while many travelers see these stamps as a “badge of honour,” they’re actually dangerous additions.
“The second you let someone stamp your passport who isn’t a border official, you’re not adding a memory,” he said.
“You’re risking the whole document being declared invalid.”
And it doesn’t stop with stamps. Even writing, stickers, doodles, or other markings that weren’t added by immigration authorities can land you in hot water.
One Small Mark Could Wreck Your Travel Plans
Border officers in some countries are very strict. If your passport looks altered—even in the slightest way—you’re at their mercy.
What looks like a cute square-inch stamp to you might look like a red flag to them.
In some cases, travelers have had their passports declared unusable and been forced to apply for a replacement on short notice.
That’s expensive, stressful, and often trip-ruining.
According to Wildpacks, the UK Government treats unofficial markings in a passport as damage. That includes:
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Torn or missing pages
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Ink stains or water damage
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Faded or unreadable info
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Loose or detached covers
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Anything added by someone who isn’t an official
Here’s What You Should Do Instead
If you’re visiting a destination that offers novelty stamps, the advice is simple: ask them to stamp a postcard or separate piece of paper, not your passport.
It’s also wise to do a quick page-by-page check before every trip.
Look out for anything unusual—stamps you don’t recognize, stray pen marks, or fading info.
If anything looks off, it’s better to replace the passport early rather than risk getting stopped at the border.
And definitely don’t be tempted to personalize your passport with little notes or drawings—no matter how innocent they seem.
Better Safe Than Stranded
Traveling the world is about making memories, but it’s not worth sabotaging your own journey for a quirky souvenir.
When it comes to your passport, keep it clean, official, and by the book.
So next time someone offers you a novelty stamp at a famous spot, just smile and hand them a postcard instead.