Maltese Order Passport: unveiling a rare privilege and the magic of travel

By Tychyna TetianaFeb 12, 2024 16:55 PMNews
Share:
Maltese Order Passport: unveiling a rare privilege and the magic of travel
passport of the Order of Malta. Source: firstpost.com (HREAssociation/X)

Among hundreds of countries around the world, the passport of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is considered the rarest. It is so exclusive that only a few hundred people around the world can obtain it.

Reportedly, it is intended only for members of the Sovereign Council and heads of foreign missions, as well as their families. Its owners are members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, one of the oldest institutions of Christian civilization, whose sovereignty was confirmed by Pope Paschal in 1113, as reported by Firstpost.

It is noteworthy that the Sovereign Order of Malta currently operates in 120 countries, providing medical, social, and humanitarian services, and it has its own constitution in addition to observer status at the UN. The Order employs 25,000 health care workers, 80,000 volunteers, and approximately 13,500 knights, ladies, and chaplains.

The very first passports were issued by the Order of Malta in the 1300s, when its ambassadors traveled to other countries with official credentials attesting to their position. Today, the crimson passport of the Order bears a coat of arms and gold text that reads "Ordre Souverain Militaire de Malta". These 44-page passports have a watermark in the form of a Maltese cross, but no other decorations.

Currently, there are only about 500 diplomatic passports of the Order in use worldwide, making them the rarest type of passport. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Chancellor of the Order are among the select few who possess this valuable passport.

Grand Masters have the longest passport validity, ten years, as they are elected for two terms and must retire at the age of 85. Other passports are used only for diplomatic missions and have a four-year validity.

Two-thirds of Schengen members recognize the diplomatic passport, and the Order maintains close ties with a number of countries even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, such as France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Members of the Order provide medical and humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict and natural disasters. They also run hospitals, emergency rooms, medical centers, homes for the elderly and disabled, canteens, and first aid stations.

However, it is important to note that the Order's passport is not recognized in several countries. Some countries do not recognize it as a legal form of identification for travel, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

On the other hand, a number of other countries do recognize the passport of the Order. Among them are Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Malta, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM