Passport Bros: The Growing Trend of Men Seeking Love Abroad 

Doublelist Team

December 16, 2024 8 minutes read
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The dating scene continues to change and evolve, and one of the latest trends is passport bros. Never heard of it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But it’s important to understand it. Luckily for you, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about this new phenomenon. 

We’re delving into the world of passport bros to figure out exactly what it means to be one. Is it simply a term for men looking for love abroad? Or is there more going on? We’ll be looking at it from a balanced perspective, showing how and why this trend has become so popular. So, let’s get into it. 

What Are Passport Bros? 

A passport bro is a man who travels abroad in hopes of meeting a romantic partner. These men are usually from Western countries and are dissatisfied with the dating pool in their area. So, they seek women who are looking for men in America who share the same values. 

It’s an unconventional approach to dating and a viral movement said to have originated in 2004. However, it has been revived recently by TikTok. It even has its own hashtag #PassportBros, so you can go search for the content yourself. 

In terms of motivation, this can differ for passport bros. Some have a more wholesome point of view as they search for a meaningful connection while experiencing different cultures. In this case, many are looking to find a wife or something more serious.  

On the other hand, some are simply looking for casual encounters as they feel frustrated with the dating dynamics of their home country and believe they can find something better elsewhere. Whatever the motivation, the trend is growing, so let’s find out why. 

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Why Are Men Seeking Love Abroad?

It’s natural to want to explore beyond your own borders. It can give you more appreciation for the world and expose you to more experiences and cultures. So, it makes sense that people seek to date outside their own country too. 

When it comes to passport bros, there are several reasons why we’re seeing this societal shift. Here’s a quick rundown of the reasoning behind this growing trend. 

  • Cultural exchange: Some men are simply looking to experience other cultures and expand their horizons when finding love. 
  • Romantic idealism: The grass is always greener, right? Many of these bros may idealize women and relationships in other countries.
  • Social media influence/FOMO: Social media and influencers have a massive impact on the choices we make. It’s only a given that the same can be said for passport bros. Men see other men traveling to find casual encounters and want the same thing. 
  • Dissatisfaction with local dating pool: Some men may feel that the local dating pool isn’t for them. As such, they try to find their perfect match elsewhere. 

These are just some of the more positive reasons for choosing to become a passport bro. However, you should keep in mind that there are some negative connotations to contend with, too. 

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The Controversial Side of Passport Bros 

Although there may be innocent reasoning behind becoming a passport bro, we can’t ignore the controversy surrounding this movement.

For example, some find the search for more “traditional wives” to be a direct criticism of Western feminism. Combined with the rising popularity of the “trad wife” movement, it’s a topic of hot debate. 

Others question the desire to match with foreign women from countries where relationships are formed under significantly different conditions. There are criticisms about intent and unequal power dynamics within these relationships. There are also concerns that the movement perpetuates stereotypes. 

It’s thought that some passport bros specifically choose countries with inequality to take advantage of outdated gender norms. There’s also discussion about finding transactional arrangements rather than mutual agreements with foreign women. 

Despite these controversies, passport bro dating continues to increase in popularity. And as long as these relationships are built on mutual trust and agreements, they can flourish. If anything, the passport bros trend highlights the complexities of modern dating. 

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Passport Bros Countries: Where Do Passport Bros Go?

Wondering where passport bros go? Since many of them come from Western countries, most notably the USA, they tend to look toward more exotic locations. 

The most popular passport bro countries are Thailand, Brazil, Barcelona, and Tokyo. 

These countries have mass appeal for a number of reasons. Firstly, they’re Instagram-friendly. Passport bros are usually avid users of social media, so finding a picturesque spot is essential. These locations also have cultural appeal, with greater opportunities to learn and grow. They’re also more likely to have women with more perceived traditional values. 

These locations are so popular that some of them are already getting wise to the passport bro phenomenon. Places like Brazil are even warning women about them. So, if you’re looking to travel abroad for romance, make sure you have good intentions when choosing the destination. 

How Passport Bro Dating Is Changing the Game

Passport bros are shaking up the way dating is done. This growing trend is encouraging men to broaden their horizons and accept love from different cultures. And some of the most romantic stories can come from traveling abroad. But there’s more to it than that.

Men now have access to tools that make connecting with women worldwide easier than ever. They no longer have to stick with what they know. Instead, these men are finding new opportunities for romance while breaking down barriers of distance, language, and culture. 

The rise of the passport bro is also creating discourse around intention when it comes to dating. It’s disturbing the status quo, whether for good or bad, and challenging perceptions of romance.  

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Are Foreign Women Looking for Men in America?

So, if there’s a rise in passport bros, is there also a rise in the number of women looking for men in America? We’d say yes. 

After all, these men must be finding women who are interested in order to create an entire movement. And again, this could be for a number of reasons.

Many foreign women actively seek relationships with American men due to a perception of greater economic stability. They may be hoping to explore better opportunities, or they may simply be looking for love overseas. In fact, many of these women can be found on passport bro dating apps. 

Top Passport Bros Apps To Try 

Whether looking for your next date or to catch up with like-minded people, there is already a range of apps to try. 

Social Networking Apps 

The official social networking app for passport bros can be found on Google Play and the App Store. It’s called Passport Bros, and it lets you connect with the community, seek advice, and get geopolitical updates. 

International Dating Apps 

While not strictly set up solely for passport bros, international dating apps do allow you to date across borders. Some of the top apps include eHarmony, Tinder, and Match.com. You may be able to find the occasional dedicated dating app, such as Findmate, but be careful when choosing to use these. 

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No Passport? No Problem. Find Your Perfect Match at Home With Doublelist

The passport bros movement sheds light on the growing trend of men seeking love abroad. It also shows how the modern dating landscape is changing. Whether driven by adventure or frustration with the local dating pool, this movement doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

However, if you’re not quite ready to start your search overseas yet, why not give Doublelist a try? We promise you can still find love on home soil! Or set up a casual encounter without scrambling for your passport. Doublelist connects you to people within your local community, to simplify the dating process. 

Join Doublelist today and find like-minded singles through your own online personals ad. 


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FAQs

Are passport bros dangerous?

It depends. Many passport bros are completely harmless as they are simply looking for love abroad. However, you should watch out for passport bros with the wrong motivation. Some may claim to be travelers looking for a romantic connection when in reality they’re engaging in exploitative behavior. 

Watch out for those trying to take advantage of cultural or social inequalities. Be cautious and remember to focus on healthy relationships built on trust. 

Are there a lot of passport bros in real life?

It’s hard to say how many passport bros exist in real life. You can see the growing trend on TikTok and other social media apps. This tends to amplify their presence. But we’d say there’s only a small percentage of them at the moment. And remember, trends come and go quickly online. 

What is the passport bro movement in dating?

The passport bro movement is when men, usually from the USA, look to make romantic connections in other locations. These men tend to be unhappy with the dating scene within their own countries. 

So, they travel abroad to find women who more closely align with their values. It has seen some criticism and controversy but often gets defended as men looking for adventure overseas. 

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