E-Passport Query

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cssaus

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I've noticed that since I've started to use my new E-Passport, going thru Australian Immigration they don't seem to be stamping the passport anymore with details of my departure and arrival dates.

Has anyone else noticed this?
 
For the last 3 years everytime I go through immigration in Australia my normal passport is always returned to me without a stamp. I have to open up a page where I want the stamp to go and ask them to kindly stamp passport. This is the same for exit and entry into Australia.

I would assume that an e-passport would receive the same treatment unless you ask the immigration officer for a stamp.
 
I have found the same, although I wonder if it depends where you are going?

The last couple of trips (over the past couple of years) to the LOTFAP I have had my passport stamped on exit, but when going to Asia and NZ - nothing.
 
The only time I've had my passport stamped is when I've asked for it to be stamped.

Maybe it does depend on where you are travelling / the mood of the customs agent??
 
I think the reason why they don't stamp it is to save you from getting a new passport so quickly, saving you money. Some countries' visas take up the whole page.
 
I would have thought that the reason for not stamping is that there is no point to it. An Australian passport holder has unrestricted rights to remain in Australia so there is no reason to record the date of entry to Australia

Same as when travelling within EU, they never stamp my UK passport

Dave
 
Doesn't having say an Australian Immigration exit stamp assist the countries that you are visiting in determining where you've come from and when?
 
cssaus said:
Doesn't having say an Australian Immigration exit stamp assist the countries that you are visiting in determining where you've come from and when?

Most countries I visit do not use exit stamps at all and Australia seems to only do it to Au passports for those desperate to have one, so why would a country use exit stamps to determine where you have been. It would only work in a v limited number of places. I find it strange that Australia uses exit stamps and operate immigration points on departure

Daveb
 
cssaus said:
Doesn't having say an Australian Immigration exit stamp assist the countries that you are visiting in determining where you've come from and when?

Unless you're on the 'wanted' list I guess.
 
Dave Noble said:
Most countries I visit do not use exit stamps at all
Would this be in Europe and US?

Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia issue entry and exit stamps on your passport and you have no choice. I would guess other Asian countries do so as well.
 
I take it from this thread that aussie immigration used to stamp australians on entry and exit. Thankfully NZ doesnt stamp for NZers (unless you specifically ask for one) - as it is my passport is struggling to last 3 years, if NZ stamped as well it would already be full.

JohnK said:
Dave Noble said:
Most countries I visit do not use exit stamps at all
Would this be in Europe and US?

For europe depends on where and how you exit. For us, no exit stamp.
 
Since 1998 Customs officers no longer stamp Australian passports as a matter of course but should you require evidence of travel you may ask the officer to do so.
 
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I like to always have my passport stamped when I leave and arrive in Australia. I always ask and it is always done for me. I like to have my own written (well stamped really) record of my comings and goings just in case I need to prove to someone at a later time when I was in or out of the country. Its a quick and simple reference to me to be able to identify my movements without needing to seek a report from the Department of immigration.
 
No stamps at all in any of my last 10 Trans-Tasman Trips from Oz / NZ immigration. For other destinations the only recent stamp ex Oz was from PER in Jan.

I normally do not ask as my PP is filling up.
 
So NZ immigration doesnt stamp Aust passports? Would be nice if Aust immigration reciprocated - they seem to take great care to find a blank page to stamp :evil:
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
So NZ immigration doesnt stamp Aust passports? Would be nice if Aust immigration reciprocated - they seem to take great care to find a blank page to stamp :evil:

It's a covert plot to stamp-out Kiwis :wink:
 
serfty said:
No stamps at all in any of my last 10 Trans-Tasman Trips from Oz / NZ immigration.
Sydney stamps my AU passport one way (arrival, I think), and my wife's NZ passport both ways. Neither get stamped in NZ.
 
I just flew to NZ from Melb and had to ask for stamp after passport was handed back, and was told gruffly I should have asked before handing over passport.

NZ wouldn't stamp in or out. On return via Brisbane remembered to ask as I handed over passport, no problems.
 
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