When we think of passports, we typically picture documents that, more often than not, represent ties to a nation. However, in actuality, the rarest passport in the world doesn’t belong to any country. Instead, it’s issued by a religious order known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) or the Knights of Malta, an organization with a distinct status–and passport–on the global stage.
What Is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta?
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, founded in 1099, is a Catholic religious order that operates independently as a sovereign entity recognized under international law. Originally established to provide care for sick and poor pilgrims in the Holy Land, the Order has evolved over centuries into a humanitarian organization that also engages in diplomatic relations, maintaining ties with over 100 countries.
The Knights of Malta are headquartered in Rome, Italy, and is governed by a Grand Master and has its own constitution, which reflects its commitment to its original values of charity and service. The Order also possesses its own flag, currency, and postal system, which emphasizes its status as a sovereign entity, according to CNN.
Why Is the Passport of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta So Exclusive?
The passport issued by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is considered the rarest in the world due to its limited availability, as there are only 500 passports in circulation. Unlike standard national passports that are issued to citizens, the SMOM passport is primarily reserved for the Order's members, including knights, dignitaries, and certain officials.
The Order’s crimson passport is specifically reserved for members of the Sovereign Council and leaders of diplomatic missions and their families. It features gold lettering stating the organization’s name in French, “Ordre Souverain Militaire de Malte,” along with a crest. According to the report of CNN, Grand Masters’ passports are valid for the longest period. The passports consist of 44 pages watermarked with the Maltese cross.
In addition to its unique passport, the Order also issues identification cards to its members, allowing them to access its services and represent the Order internationally.
What Are Some of the Rarest Passports in the World?
While the Knights of Malta passport is considered the rarest, other unique passports serve specific roles beyond traditional citizenship. The United Nations Laissez-passer is issued to UN officials and diplomats strictly for work-related missions, while the Interpol Travel Document allows law enforcement officials to travel internationally for policing duties.
Similarly, the Refugee passport, issued by the UNHCR, permits limited international travel for those who have fled their home countries. Alien passports, issued by some countries to stateless individuals or those unable to obtain national passports, offer limited recognition and travel rights. The Vatican City passport, meanwhile, is issued to clergy and officials, allowing travel on behalf of the Vatican but remaining unavailable to the public.
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