Passports are one valid document that proves an individual’s nationality. It is extensively recognised that certain passports carry more influence than others like the Japanese passport. It is renowned as one of the most powerful global entry tools on Earth. Holders of Japanese passports can travel to 194 countries worldwide without requiring a visa. What might be even more exceptional is being a legal member of the world’s most exclusive passport – the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
According to a CNN report, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta – also known as the Knights of Malta is a sovereign nation, with United Nations observer status and its constitution, but without any land. It issues car license plates – without having any roads to drive them on – and its stamps, currency and passports.
When Order of Malta issued the first passport:
The report suggests that the Order of Malta issued the first passports during the 1300s, as its diplomats ventured to foreign states with documents verifying their status as ambassadors. Post-World War II, the diplomatic passport evolved to incorporate features found in passports from various nations. Presently, there are approximately only 500 diplomatic passports in circulation, making it the rarest passport globally.
About the passport design and holders:
The Order’s crimson passport, possibly symbolising the blood of Christ, is exclusively designated for members of the Sovereign Council and leaders of diplomatic missions, along with their families. It features gold lettering denoting the organisation’s name in French, “Ordre Souverain Militaire de Malte,” accompanied by a crest, CNN report suggests. “The Order grants passports to members of their government for the duration of their mandate,” de Petri Testaferrata says. These passports consist of 44 pages, featuring a watermark of the Maltese cross, without additional embellishments such as images or quotes.
Validity of the passport:
The passports of Grand Masters are valid for the longest period, spanning 10 years, as they are elected for two terms and are required to retire by the age of 85. On the other hand, other passports remain valid for four years and are exclusively utilised for diplomatic missions. As per De Petri Testaferrata, the diplomatic passport is acknowledged by two-thirds of Schengen members, and the Order collaborates closely with several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
“We provide rapid medical and humanitarian supplies to victims of conflict or natural disasters. We run hospitals, ambulance corps, medical centres, homes for the elderly and the disabled, soup kitchens and first aid posts,” de Petri Testaferrata explained as quoted by CNN. Currently, the Sovereign Order of Malta is active in 120 countries, the outlet reported.
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