Ever noticed how passports don’t all look the same? Sure, they’re mostly little books that fit right in your pocket, but their colours can be as varied as the countries of the world. So, why the rainbow of passports? DHIE unpacks the colourful secrets behind these little travel books!Passports mainly come in shades of blue, red, green, and black. But there’s no international rule about passport colours. Each country picks its colour for various reasons—some traditional, some practical, and some purely aesthetic.Red: A popular choiceRed is one of the most common passport colours, especially among countries with a historical or current connection to communism. Many European Union countries also sport a burgundy passport, which shows their unity. Additionally, nations interested in joining the EU might switch to a red passport as a nod to their aspirations.Blue: The New World colourBlue passports are often used by "New World" countries. The United States, for example, switched to blue in 1976 to match its national colour scheme. Countries in South America, like Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela, also use blue, reflecting their vast skies and open seas.Green: The colour of IslamGreen is a significant colour in Islam, representing peace and nature. Many Muslim-majority countries choose green passports, which symbolises their faith and the importance of nature in their cultures. Think of Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, where green passports echo their national beliefs and values.Black: Rare but regalBlack is the rarest passport colour. It’s often chosen for practical reasons—it’s the most formal colour and can look authoritative and dignified. Some African countries, like Botswana and Zambia, opt for black passports, reflecting their rich, dark soils and elegant, powerful identity.Colour and functionColours aren’t just for looks; they can have practical implications too. Darker passports might be more practical in countries where they might be handled roughly, hiding dirt and wear better than lighter shades. Meanwhile, brighter colours can be easy to spot in a deep bag at the last minute during your travel hustle.So next time you pack your passport, take a second to appreciate its hue. It’s not just a gateway to new adventures—it’s a part of your country’s identity and story. .Passport for petsDid you know pets need passports too? In the EU, dogs, cats, and ferrets must have their own pet passports to cross borders. These documents record their microchip number, vaccinations, and health status, ensuring they’re ready for travel just like their human companions. It’s a paw-some necessity for jet-setting pets!
Ever noticed how passports don’t all look the same? Sure, they’re mostly little books that fit right in your pocket, but their colours can be as varied as the countries of the world. So, why the rainbow of passports? DHIE unpacks the colourful secrets behind these little travel books!Passports mainly come in shades of blue, red, green, and black. But there’s no international rule about passport colours. Each country picks its colour for various reasons—some traditional, some practical, and some purely aesthetic.Red: A popular choiceRed is one of the most common passport colours, especially among countries with a historical or current connection to communism. Many European Union countries also sport a burgundy passport, which shows their unity. Additionally, nations interested in joining the EU might switch to a red passport as a nod to their aspirations.Blue: The New World colourBlue passports are often used by "New World" countries. The United States, for example, switched to blue in 1976 to match its national colour scheme. Countries in South America, like Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela, also use blue, reflecting their vast skies and open seas.Green: The colour of IslamGreen is a significant colour in Islam, representing peace and nature. Many Muslim-majority countries choose green passports, which symbolises their faith and the importance of nature in their cultures. Think of Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, where green passports echo their national beliefs and values.Black: Rare but regalBlack is the rarest passport colour. It’s often chosen for practical reasons—it’s the most formal colour and can look authoritative and dignified. Some African countries, like Botswana and Zambia, opt for black passports, reflecting their rich, dark soils and elegant, powerful identity.Colour and functionColours aren’t just for looks; they can have practical implications too. Darker passports might be more practical in countries where they might be handled roughly, hiding dirt and wear better than lighter shades. Meanwhile, brighter colours can be easy to spot in a deep bag at the last minute during your travel hustle.So next time you pack your passport, take a second to appreciate its hue. It’s not just a gateway to new adventures—it’s a part of your country’s identity and story. .Passport for petsDid you know pets need passports too? In the EU, dogs, cats, and ferrets must have their own pet passports to cross borders. These documents record their microchip number, vaccinations, and health status, ensuring they’re ready for travel just like their human companions. It’s a paw-some necessity for jet-setting pets!