For decades, passport stamps served not only as mandatory entry and exit procedures but also as cherished mementos, marking travelers' journeys worldwide. However, numerous countries and territories, including the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Canada, the US, New Zealand, Argentina, Qatar, Japan, Macau, Israel, and North Korea, are gradually discontinuing this practice. Effective 1/1/2025, Vietnam will also cease stamping citizens' passports for air travel entry and exit.

In Europe, Schengen countries are set to pilot a new entry and exit system from October 2025, with full implementation in 2026, replacing traditional passport stamps. These changes will result in passports bearing fewer stamps for travelers, regardless of how many countries they visit.

Passport stamps were once evidence of a traveler's history. Photo: NVCC

Demonstrating a robust travel history for visa applications to developed nations has become a significant concern for many globetrotters. Doan Phuoc Truong from Ho Chi Minh City, an experienced traveler who has visited 73 countries and territories, offers his insights on gathering proof of past journeys to support future visa applications. He suggests travelers consider eight key strategies:

- Photograph all round-trip boarding passes. This documentation can also facilitate automated immigration clearance upon return.

- Capture images at distinctive and renowned landmarks of your destinations as proof of visit.

- Inquire with border officials about obtaining a commemorative stamp, as some countries still offer them upon request. Additionally, diligently retain all issued electronic visas.

- Take check-in photos with airport signage at both arrival and departure points, whether inside or outside the terminal.

- Retain tickets for cable cars, cruises, or trains that display your full name, date, time, and location; this strengthens your travel history evidence.

Truong checks in at Ljubljana Airport, the capital of Slovenia. Photo: NVCC

- Check in at your accommodations, ensuring photos clearly display the hotel name, address, and country.

- Photocopy all old entry and exit stamps from previous passports, especially those from Schengen countries, the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia.

- Preserve reviews, photographs, and check-in data from personal social media accounts of family, friends, or colleagues that are relevant to your travels.

To ensure easy access and enhance visa application success, travelers should establish an online data repository, such as on iCloud, for all their travel documentation.

Tam Anh