Have you ever visited the airport and observed that not everyone possesses a passport of the same hue as yours?
Well, the hue of a passport signifies more than just an aesthetic preference; it frequently embodies a nation’s cultural heritage, political associations, and even regional and economic connections.
As per IOTA-Group, the diverse hues, spanning from rich crimson and azure to verdant and ebony, can symbolize membership in regional blocs, historical influences, or religious convictions.
For instance, nations within the European Union commonly employ maroon passports, while Caribbean nations often opt for azure to represent their affiliation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Nonetheless, this vital document is available in an array of tints, not to overlook the “special ones” designated for diplomats.
Therefore, comprehending the hue of your passport may unveil intriguing insights into your nation’s global standing and its engagements with other nations. Explore them below, arranged in no particular sequence:
The Blue Passport
Blue passports are said to symbolize freedom and stability. They are high-mobility passports, meaning they do not require visas for entry into numerous countries.
About 84 countries use this type of travel document, making it the second most common in the world. Countries in the Americas, such as the United States, Canada, Venezuela, and Brazil, often use this passport colour.
The Green Passport
Green passports are associated with decreased mobility. Holders often encounter greater visa issues and restrictions. Approximately 40 countries use this passport, with most Muslim and West African countries opting for this colour. In the Muslim religion, green is also a symbol of eternity, and it is said to be the favourite colour of the Prophet Muhammad. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Morocco, as well as West African nations like Ghana and Nigeria, are holders of this passport.
Meanwhile, Mexico is the only country in Latin America that uses a green passport.
In the United States, the green passport is used for refugees.
The Black Passport
According to passportindex.org, seven countries have this rare type of passport. They include Angola, Congo, New Zealand (due to the country’s colour), Palestinian Territories, Tajikistan, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Black passports are associated with power and sophistication but are also linked to limited global mobility. Holders are likely to face mobility restrictions.
The Red Passport
Red often symbolizes power and authority. Holders of red passports enjoy greater worldwide mobility and face fewer visa restrictions when traveling. This type of passport is the most popular, with about 68 countries opting for the colour. Except for Croatia, European Union countries chose a bordeaux red to introduce a common passport model for EU countries.
Historically, communist regimes like China or Russia have also chosen this colourful option. In some countries like India, red passports are allocated to individuals holding diplomatic or official positions representing their governments.
Countries like Albania, Denmark, Bolivia, Finland, France, and Monaco use red passports.