Why stamps are disappearing
- Automated border gates — many airports now let you through with your passport and a face or fingerprint check, and these gates generally do not stamp.
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) — for non-EU travelers on short stays in the Schengen area, passport stamps are being replaced by an electronic record with fingerprints and a facial image. It went live on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026.
Stamps were always a border-control tool, not a souvenir, so the move to electronic records is likely to continue.
When you need an official record
No stamp does not mean no record. Some governments let you look up your own crossings. For example, the US CBP I-94 website lets visitors check their recent US arrival and departure history, and Korean nationals can request an entry/exit certificate through Gov24. Check what your own government or the country you visited offers. These records show dates, not always every country in between, so fill the gaps from tickets and photos.
What to keep instead
- E-tickets and boarding passes — move them into one email folder per trip and you keep dates and cities together.
- Souvenir stamps — tourist offices, museums and stations in many places have ink stamps for visitors. Collect them in a small notebook; they are often prettier than border stamps.
- One photo per country — take the same kind of shot on arrival day, at the airport or your first street. It adds up to a nice series.
- A record per country — even just dates, city and companions tell more than a stamp ever did.
Digital stamps in the app
The Android app "Travel Map" can show your countries as stamps.
Log dates for each country
Tap a country and add the visit date, city and companions. You can attach a photo and a note too, which fits the one-photo-per-country habit.
See them as passport stamps
The passport stamp view shows the countries you have visited as stamps. It unlocks for good after one short ad.
World travel certificate (PDF)
Create a one-page A4 world travel certificate with your country and continent count. Print it and keep it in your passport cover or travel album.
FAQ
Who does the EES apply to?
Non-EU nationals on short stays in the Schengen area, including many visa-exempt travelers. Check the official EU information before you travel for the exact process.
Can I use the app’s stamps or certificate as official proof?
No. They are personal records. For an official record of your border crossings, use your government’s services.
Travel Map: Visited Countries
No sign-up, and your records stay on your phone. Free on Android.