What are those pages in the back of a pastport for, anyway!?

Question

I've always wanted to know why there are so many blank pages in the back of a passport. It says on the side

"Endorsements/Mentions Speciales/Anotaciones"

Are these for like, official stamps of approval from the places you go, or are they just for..taking notes?

I can't figure it out. Just curious. Thanks!

Answer 1

They are for visa stamps and visa stickers. I have had to have additional pages sewn into my passport and now those are almost full. When I first moved to China, I only had a single entry visa. Every time I left the country, I had to get a new visa, which takes an entire page. After about three years, we were able to get multiple entry visas,but still, I probably have about 12 pages of full-page visas from China alone, not to mention the exit and entry stamps on the other pages.

Answer 2

Every time you go through an international border - immigration and customs may want to see your passport and stamp the date you arrive (entry visa) and again when you leave.

Answer 3

Keep the passport and the pages in it for official use and safely with out any damage or deformation .

Answer 4

apparently you've never traveled very far.  Go to Asia, the UK, or the EU and you'll get a lovely stamp.