This Is World's Rarest Passport With Only 500 Holders

Credits: Order of Malta/Website

1. Exclusive Membership

[{"selector":"#anim-538a86a7-4c83-4f6c-8cf0-6f884f645411","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7b001259-7f66-4017-9ad9-2ab9bc92ecbb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 164.54109%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Canva The SMOM passport is issued exclusively to members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a historic chivalric order that dates back to the Crusades. It's a sovereign entity with its own passports.

2. Limited Issuance

[{"selector":"#anim-3faf280f-8796-4f61-9c07-152f2cc38892","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-722c51c7-da2b-4010-ae8d-7c3bfb8bef48","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 164.54109%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Canva Only around 500 of these passports are estimated to be in circulation at any given time. The Order restricts issuance to high-ranking officials, diplomats, and select individuals associated with the Order.

3. Diplomatic Recognition

[{"selector":"#anim-c1d98ed3-4a8b-422e-a2ce-74386e7946d6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4829591f-31eb-45b6-8d92-0b4db2e12321","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Despite not being recognised as a state by the United Nations, the Order of Malta maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

4. Travel Benefits

[{"selector":"#anim-9356df9e-45c3-470a-b28a-36254640fc6d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-06cafd84-8d7d-4ee6-a92e-a04cdf4e274e","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] While the SMOM passport is rare, its holders might enjoy certain diplomatic courtesies and exemptions in countries where the Order has diplomatic relations. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

5. Historical Significance

[{"selector":"#anim-1335e59c-eec1-4c0b-a726-68a34aff054b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-151d8d48-5ae6-4602-b2f0-90cb953462f0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Order of Malta has a rich history that dates back nearly a thousand years, adding to the prestige and allure of possessing its passport. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

6. Distinctive Features

[{"selector":"#anim-8b2829e0-2dfa-4bec-af84-4e0acbfaa615","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-04e997e9-89d6-4e98-9a4e-cb90a60082a5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 205.55549%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The passport itself is often recognised for its distinct design, featuring the emblem of the Order, which includes a Maltese cross and various other symbols. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

7. Symbolic Value

[{"selector":"#anim-7090dc9f-7e6a-4379-9715-25e63f12e251","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8434b0ec-9ef8-4c74-86ee-7751751f8154","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Owning one of these passports signifies a deep affiliation with the Order's humanitarian, charitable, and religious endeavours. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

8. Coveted Collectibles

[{"selector":"#anim-4543be92-f6ed-472f-b549-50d95ccd2f99","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e06ee031-b284-466c-9452-8f8678dbdd09","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Due to their extreme rarity, SMOM passports are highly sought after by collectors of passports, historical documents, and rare items. Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram

[{"selector":"#anim-e467f22a-b11a-4dd1-bccb-4cc4f8e30656","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-699712a7-70ff-49d5-96b2-28964000d8a4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 343.36410%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Order of Malta/Instagram These passports are limited in number and highly coveted by those who are fortunate enough to hold one.