Passport Symbolism: Blue, Red, Green, and Black Hues Explained
In the world of travel, one item stands out as a crucial document - the passport. But have you ever wondered about the colour of your passport and what it represents? Let's delve into the fascinating history and significance of passport colours.
Contrary to popular belief, the US tourist passport hasn't always been blue. Its colour has undergone changes, from green to blue and back to green, before settling on blue in 1994. The colour of passports isn't set in stone; it can shift based on cultural, political, or religious factors.
Speaking of powerful passports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the top spot with a mobility score of 179. The US, along with Cyprus and the United Kingdom, shares the 8th position with a mobility score of 170. However, a passport's colour does not reflect its power. For instance, both the UAE and Afghanistan have blue passports.
Seven nations, including Angola, Congo, Malawi, New Zealand, Palestinian Territories, Tajikistan, and Trinidad & Tobago, use black passports. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia is one of these countries, but it's not the only one that uses a black passport.
The Passport Index ranks passports by their mobility score, calculated by subtracting the number of nations that require a visa for entry from the total number of nations. This ranking system provides an interesting perspective on the travel freedom offered by different passports.
Cultural significance can influence passport colour choices. New Zealand's black passports, for example, symbolise the country's Maori heritage. Regional ties can also lead to similar passport colours. Most North and South American nations are blue, European countries are red, and many West African nations are green.
Regional blocs like the EU, ECOWAS, and Mercosur share the same passport colour, with some exceptions. Religious or historical factors also play a role in passport colour choices. Green, for instance, is significant in Islam.
Adult US citizens can apply for their first passport at a passport acceptance facility, not by mail or online. US government and military personnel have additional passports: black (diplomatic), maroon (official), and gray (service).
On the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan holds the least powerful passport, with a mobility score of 40. This illustrates the vast differences in travel freedom that passports can offer.
In conclusion, the colour of a passport is more than just a design element; it carries cultural, historical, and political significance. The next time you hold your passport, remember the story it tells and the freedom it grants.
