Did you know the color of your passport can offer clues about the country that issued it?
Passports, essential for international travel, come in four primary colors, each with distinct meanings.
Red
Red is the most common passport color, often used by countries with a communist history or those in Europe. Nations like Serbia, Russia, China, and Poland have red passports. The European Union and the Andean Community of Nations prefer burgundy or other red shades. Recently, Turkey, Macedonia, and Albania switched to red covers. Generally, red symbolizes power and authority.
Blue
Blue passports represent the “new world.” The United States switched to blue passports in 1976, a change from their previous green. This color is also popular in 15 Caribbean nations and South American countries like Brazil and Argentina. Blue passports are known for offering high mobility and fewer visa restrictions.
Green
Green passport covers are prevalent in Muslim-majority countries like Morocco, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, as green is said to be the Prophet Muhammad’s favorite color. West African countries such as Nigeria and Senegal also use green passports, symbolizing their membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Green signifies nature and eternal life but can sometimes face travel restrictions.
Black
Black passport covers are rare and are used by countries like Angola, Chad, and New Zealand, where black is the national color. African nations such as Botswana and Zambia also have black passports.
Next time you see a passport, take a moment to consider what its color might say about its country of origin!
