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When it comes to travel, there are just three individuals in the world who can cross international borders without ever needing a passport. They are King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and his wife, Empress Masako. Even world leaders, such as Prime Ministers and Presidents, require diplomatic passports for international travel. But these three royals enjoy a unique privilege: visa-free entry across the globe, without holding any passport at all. The British Rule: A Matter Of Sovereignty In the UK, this rule is particularly fascinating. All British passports are issued in the name of the King. The wording ‘His Majesty’s Passport’ is printed on them. Therefore, King Charles III himself doesn’t require one — he is the issuer. This same privilege applied to Queen Elizabeth II, who never carried a passport during her reign. Following King Charles’ coronation in 2023, the tradition continues. Japan’s Royals: Diplomacy Without Documentation In Japan, a similar protocol exists. As symbolic sovereigns under the Japanese Constitution, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are not issued passports by the Japanese government. Instead, their overseas travel is handled under diplomatic protocol. When Emperor Naruhito made his first foreign visit after his coronation in 2019, it was to Britain — and he was welcomed without any documentation. These three figures can enter over 190 countries through bilateral agreements and diplomatic arrangements. However, their travel is strictly for official purposes, such as state visits, international ceremonies, or diplomatic engagements and not personal holidays. Privileges Beyond Borders Their exceptional privilege extends far beyond just passport-free travel. These royals also benefit from diplomatic immunity, meaning they cannot be arrested or investigated in any country. Of course, such protections are rarely, if ever, abused. For instance, during Empress Masako’s European visit in 2024, France provided high-level security and entry without any visa procedures. Similarly, King Charles was welcomed in Australia with full honours and a red carpet at the airport. In Japan, the Emperor, known as the Tenno. is regarded as a descendant of the gods, a status that elevates him above ordinary law. In the UK, the monarch is the Head of State, and is recognised in several Commonwealth nations, further extending his ceremonial reach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DIPLOMACY | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | WOMEN (@nadiatalksdiplomacy) Are They The Only Ones? You might wonder whether any other individuals enjoy such freedom. Some sources mention that the UN Secretary-General holds a laissez-passer, a special travel document issued by the United Nations. However, this is still functionally equivalent to a passport and doesn’t exempt the holder from visa requirements. True passport-free privilege remains exclusive to these three royals. What About India? In India, even the President, currently Droupadi Murmu, travels on a diplomatic passport and still requires visas for most countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite his extensive travel history of over 100 international trips, must go through standard diplomatic formalities. In contrast, the travel of Emperor Naruhito is meticulously coordinated by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, while King Charles’ trips are managed by the British Foreign Office. There is speculation about a potential visit by Emperor Naruhito to India in 2025 — and if it happens, he will land in Delhi without a passport. Tourism experts believe that such special arrangements play a subtle yet significant role in international diplomacy, reinforcing soft power. For the ordinary citizen, however, such freedom remains nothing more than a dream.
