It is well known that some passports are more powerful than others. For example, the German passport is considered the most powerful global entry tool on Earth - people with German passports can visit 177 countries around the world without a visa.
And although being able to visit more countries is great, what can be even more great is having the most exclusive passport in the world: the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
The Catholic order, which has its sovereignty recognized by Pope Paschal since 1113, is the home of the world's rarest passport. In fact, only 500 of these passports are in circulation around the world at this time.
Diplomatic passports, according to the Sovereign Order of Malta, are granted only to "the members of the Sovereign Council (the government), the heads and members of their Diplomatic Missions (as well as their consort and their minor children) With very few exceptions, to senior posts in charge of special missions within the Order of Malta. "
Passports are only valid for a maximum of four years and are strictly linked to the duration of an assignment given by the Order.
The Sovereign Order of Malta maintains diplomatic relations with 106 states, which means that all these states accept diplomatic passports as a valid form of identification. Passports also include biometric features and comply with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Currently, the Sovereign Order of Malta is active in 120 countries, where it helps care for people in need through their medical, social and humanitarian works. The Order is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflict and natural disasters. He is also a permanent observer at the United Nations.
Moreover, as the Order stated on its site, "it is neutral, impartial and apolitical." Currently the Order is composed of more than 13,500 knights, ladies and chaplains along with 80,000 permanent volunteers and 25,000 employees. Obtaining one of those 500 coveted passports is even rare among this limited crowd.