Passport Colors: What They Mean

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 13, 2024 15:30 PMNews
Share:
Different colors of the British Passports
Different colors of the British Passports. Source: Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash

In recent years, UK passports have switched from red to blue. But did you know passport colors actually have meanings?

 

In 2020, the UK government reverted to issuing blue passports, replacing the red ones used for the past 30 years as part of the European Union. This change is not merely aesthetic but also has deeper significance.

 

Passports come in various colors, most commonly blue, red, green, or black. Each color represents something specific, and the choice is up to the issuing country.

 

An Instagram post by @weroad explains that the color of your passport signifies two main things. First, it conveys a theme or feeling typically associated with that color. Second, it indicates the level of mobility the passport holder has, meaning how freely they can travel without needing visas.

 

Blue passports, like the new British ones, are also used by countries such as Canada, the USA, and Brazil. They symbolize "freedom and stability" and are often high mobility, allowing for easier travel.

 

Red passports, including the burgundy ones used by Brits in the EU, are found in countries like China, Russia, and Japan. This color is associated with "power and authority" and generally indicates high mobility.

 

Green passports are common in Middle Eastern and African countries, and also used in places like Pakistan and Mexico. Black passports are used by some African nations and New Zealand.

 

The color choice is influenced by the issuing country's government and can be based on historical precedents, national identity, regional agreements, and practical considerations. While most passport colors follow these general rules, there are exceptions. Some countries with "high mobility" colors face travel restrictions and vice versa.

 

Many people are surprised by these revelations, as they often don't consider the significance of passport colors. As one person noted, "Very interesting! Had never thought of this before."

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Two Wizz Air aircraft parked at the gate at an airport, with one jet engine visible in the foreground

Direct Flights from Varna Open Doors to New European and Middle Eastern Destinations

Apr 2, 2025 08:28 AM
Night view of RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka along the river in the Nakanoshima district

Historic Osaka Hotel Reopens with Cultural Twist for Modern Travelers

Apr 2, 2025 06:32 AM

AirAsia Launches Low-Fare Offer Ahead of Peak Travel Season

Apr 1, 2025 22:47 PM

Vibrant Pride Celebrations Set to Reshape UK Travel in Summer 2025

Apr 1, 2025 20:34 PM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft taking off on a runway

Direct Faro–Madeira Flights Simplify Travel Across Portugal This Summer

Apr 1, 2025 18:23 PM
Hikers walking across grassy hills in a remote countryside landscape under a partly cloudy sky

Rural Escapes Gain Popularity Among Spring Travelers

Apr 1, 2025 16:49 PM
EasyJet airplane wing flying over a coastal landscape with clear skies

New Flight Route Connects Gatwick to the Shores of Cape Verde

Apr 1, 2025 14:36 PM
Condor airplane with colorful heart design being towed at Frankfurt Airport

Condor Launches Vienna-Frankfurt Link to Boost Travel Access

Mar 31, 2025 23:39 PM
Woman enjoying breakfast in hotel bed

Global Hotel Recovery Transforms Traveler Expectations

Mar 31, 2025 21:44 PM

Cathay and Zurich Insurance Team Up to Enhance Travel Experience in Hong Kong

Mar 31, 2025 19:21 PM

Spring Travel at Risk as Scottish Bus Strike Looms

Mar 31, 2025 17:37 PM
Japan Airlines aircraft mid-flight against a cloudy sky

Japan Airlines Expands Inflight Options With Paramount+

Mar 31, 2025 15:46 PM
Close-up of pillows on a neatly made hotel bed

New Hotel Openings Unlock More Affordable Stays Across Europe

Mar 31, 2025 13:23 PM
Air traffic control tower at Gatwick Airport with a plane landing at sunset

New Gatwick Scanners Ease Airport Security for Travellers

Mar 31, 2025 11:38 AM
Open suitcase with travel essentials, camera, summer clothes, and accessories laid out on a wooden floor

Fewer Tourists Choose U.S. Amid Policy Backlash

Mar 30, 2025 22:47 PM

ITA Airways Relocates at Frankfurt and Munich Airports Simplifying Transfers

Mar 30, 2025 20:32 PM

Hotels Adopt Smart Systems to Modernize Guest Services

Mar 29, 2025 23:24 PM
China Airlines aircraft preparing to land with landing gear deployed

China Airlines Adjusts Rules After Southeast Asia Earthquake

Mar 29, 2025 21:30 PM
Two LNER Azuma trains at King's Cross Station

Azuma Train Trial Hints at New London Arrival Option for Travellers

Mar 29, 2025 19:42 PM
Lufthansa aircraft at airport gate viewed from empty terminal seating area

Lufthansa Adds New Tools to Tackle Travel Disruptions This Summer

Mar 29, 2025 17:28 PM
Scenic view of the Andalusian coastline with historic architecture and Mediterranean Sea in the background

New Luxury Hotel Project Enhances Estepona’s Appeal

Mar 29, 2025 15:35 PM
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM
Empty Italian train platform with distant Trenitalia carriage

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM