You might think your passport is pretty run-of-the-mill, but every country is different, and places are increasingly using passport design to showcase a little flair.
Norway is the latest nation to give its passport a revamp, joining the ranks of some of the coolest identification documents in the world.
Norway
Oslo-based Neue Design Studio designed Norway’s new passports. While the main aim of the new passport – which has been six years in the making – was to increase security, it was also an opportunity for a facelift.
The new designs come in red, pale blue and white, and inside, the pages reveal scenes of Norwegian nature, which brilliantly shift from day to night when you shine a UV light on them.
Japan
Japan’s minimalist passport designs feature a chrysanthemum, also known as the imperial seal – an important symbol in Japanese culture that represents the imperial family. Some Japanese coins also have the chrysanthemum engraved on them, and there’s a major festival dedicated to the delicate flower in Tokyo every year.
Read: Check your passport’s expiry date before booking
New Zealand
The Kiwi passport is bold and black – one of the country’s national colours; the national rugby team is of course known as the All Blacks. Emblazoned with New Zealand’s crest, everything else about this passport would look pretty classic, if it weren’t for the silver ferns down one side. Silver ferns are endemic to New Zealand, and a significant national symbol.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s passport style is quite subtle, embossed with an image of the Lebanese cedar. The tree is also found on the Lebanese flag, and is said to symbolise happiness, eternity and prosperity.
Read: Why is your passport that colour?
Switzerland
The bright red Swiss passport has a particularly thick cover and oozes luxury. It’s embossed, and tiny pluses – the Swiss cross – are indented into the fabric.
Finland
Sometimes it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The Finnish passport can be transformed into a fun flip book – older versions show a moose walking when you flick through the pages, and newer designs depict a swan flying through the air.
Read: We hold one of the world’s best passports, for what it’s worth
Botswana
Botswana’s sleek navy passport has a particularly cool gold crest, featuring a pair of zebras – a nod to the country’s thriving wildlife.
Which do you think is the chicest passport? Do you hold dual citizenship? Let us know in the comments section below.
– With PA
