In most countries, holding a passport means you are a citizen. But there are 18 documented exceptions worldwide where you can hold a passport or travel document without being a full citizen of that state.
The United Kingdom has multiple nationality categories below full British citizenship. British National (Overseas) — BN(O) — is held by Hong Kong residents and their descendants. BN(O) holders can live and work in the UK for 5 years and apply for citizenship, but the BN(O) passport itself does not confer citizenship. Other tiers include British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC), British Overseas Citizen (BOC), British Subject, and British Protected Person.
American Samoa and Swains Island residents are US nationals but not US citizens. They hold US passports marked "non-citizen national" and can live and work in the US without restriction, but cannot vote in federal elections. This is the only remaining US territory that produces non-citizen nationals by birth.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is a sovereign entity recognized by 110+ countries. It issues its own passports to senior officials — but SMOM is not a country and has no territory. SMOM passport holders are not citizens of SMOM in any conventional sense; the document is a diplomatic travel credential for the Order's senior members.
Vatican citizenship is not based on birth or ancestry — it is granted by the Pope to those who work and reside in Vatican City. When the role ends, Vatican citizenship is revoked. Vatican passport holders are not permanent citizens; the document is a functional credential tied to employment in the Holy See.
The 1954 Convention on Stateless Persons and the 1951 Refugee Convention require signatory states to issue travel documents to stateless persons and recognized refugees. These documents — often called "Nansen passports" historically — allow international travel without conferring citizenship of any state.
Yes — in 18 documented cases worldwide. The most common are British National (Overseas) passports for Hong Kong residents, US non-citizen national passports for American Samoa residents, SMOM diplomatic passports, Vatican City passports, and stateless travel documents issued under the 1954 Convention.
A BN(O) passport is issued to Hong Kong residents and their descendants who registered before 1997. It allows the holder to live and work in the UK for 5 years and apply for citizenship, but does not itself confer British citizenship.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) issues diplomatic passports to its senior officials. SMOM is recognized as a sovereign entity by 110+ countries but has no territory. The passport is a diplomatic credential, not a citizenship document.