A passport is one of the most important identification documents for citizens and serves as a key to entering other countries. If you pay close attention, you may notice that this type of travel document typically comes in a limited number of colors. Specifically, passport colors generally revolve around four basic hues: green, red, blue, and black. So, what do the colors of these passports signify?
You might think that this is due to mandatory regulations, but in reality, there are no strict rules regarding the choice of passport color. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) only issues requirements concerning size, font style, and typography for use with passport reading machines. Additionally, there are certain guidelines that all countries must adhere to, such as using materials that are flexible, wrinkle-resistant, and capable of withstanding chemicals, extreme temperatures, humidity, and light.
Countries are free to choose any color they wish, and there are many variations of shades of blue, black, green, and red used for passports. A nation’s color choice may also be influenced by its culture and historical significance. According to The Sun, the four commonly used color groups are all dark shades, which can help conceal dirt and give a more formal appearance.
Moreover, according to Pickvisa, the selection among these four colors is often made based on the politics, religion, history, and culture of the country.
Red Passports
This color is used by countries in the European Union (EU). Aspiring member countries also change their passport color to match this standard. According to The Economist, this is a “branding exercise.”
If you pay attention, you’ll notice that countries in the Andean Community such as Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador also have red passport covers.
Blue Passports
Boghossian told Business Insider that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) typically uses blue passport covers. It implies a new world.
The customs union of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, known as Mercosur, proudly carries blue passports. Except for Venezuela, which still retains its red passport from its time in the Andean Community.
There are no real regulations regarding passport color. (Photo: SCMP).
The American passport is blue, inspired by the background of the stars on their national flag. According to Boghossian, the first travel documents in the U.S. were red. The green passport was used in the 1930s, followed by maroon and black passports in the 1970s. The U.S. passport has been blue since 1976.
Green Passports
This is common among countries where Islam is the predominant religion. The reason is that green holds special significance in their religion. In the Quran, green symbolizes paradise. Additionally, it is considered the favorite color of the Prophet Mohammed.
Furthermore, members of ECOWAS – the Economic Community of West African States – also use this color for their passports.
Black Passports
In fact, black and other dark colors (including blue or red) are less prone to showing dirt and appear somewhat “more official.” Some countries that use black include Botswana, Zambia, and New Zealand.
Regarding passport colors, everyone may have their own thoughts. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, a passport represents something far greater than geopolitical and economic relationships.
Both have dark-colored passports, but the “power” of the Syrian passport is much less than that of the U.S. (Photo: Multco).
Both the U.S. and Syria use blue passports. However, the Syrian passport ranks at the bottom of the passport power index. Syrian citizens can enter 32 countries visa-free. In contrast, the U.S. consistently ranks among the most valuable passports.
“Governments around the world have the freedom to choose colors and designs. Only a few understand the importance of this for national brand identity,” Boghossian emphasized.
