When it comes to passport design, several countries have taken unique approaches to blend aesthetics with functionality. Here’s a look at the ten most beautiful passports around the world, ranked in ascending order.
10. Hungary
Hungary's passport is notable for its distinctive design revealed only under UV light. It features a scoresheet with Szózat, a Hungarian patriotic song, alongside landmarks and the European Union's 12-star flag. As of August 2024, Hungarian passport holders can travel visa-free to 155 countries, making it the 3rd strongest passport globally.
9. Macau
Macau's passport is characterized by its vibrant blue hues and holographic images that merge Chinese and Portuguese influences. It showcases significant attractions like the Guia Lighthouse. Macanese passport holders can visit 109 countries without a visa, ranking it as the 59th strongest passport.
8. Norway
Norway’s passport stands out for its depiction of the Northern Lights. Its design is simple yet striking, with fluorescent text under a night scene. The passport comes in non-traditional colors: salmon, turquoise, and white. Norwegian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 157 countries, making it a top contender.
7. Finland
The Finnish passport features an optically variable device (OVD) that transforms it into a flip book displaying a flying swan. Previously, it showed a walking moose. Finland's passport allows visa-free entry to 105 countries, ranking 14th in strength.
6. Canada
Canada's passport is noted for its vibrant designs visible under UV light, including maple leaves and various national landmarks. It uses thermochromatic ink to reveal historical figures and natural sights. Canadian passport holders can travel to 152 countries without a visa.
5. Indonesia
The Indonesian passport highlights local wonders, flora, and fauna with warm colors and unique designs on each page. Notable features include the Komodo dragon. Indonesian passport holders can enter 50 countries visa-free, making it the 114th strongest passport.
4. The Philippines
Featuring a purple hue, the Philippines passport includes landmarks and parts of the national anthem written in Tagalog. Under UV light, sites like Mayon Volcano and the Underground River are visible. Filipino passport holders can visit 39 countries without a visa.
3. Japan
Japan's passport boasts fine-detailed images under UV light, including depictions of Mount Fuji and works by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The design was updated in 2020 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Japanese passport holders can travel visa-free to 142 countries.
2. Australia
Australia’s passport showcases 17 iconic landmarks and native species, including the kangaroo. The central thread changes colors under fluorescent light, inspired by Indigenous artwork. Australian passport holders can visit 146 countries without a visa.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand’s passport ranks highest for its aesthetic appeal. It features a black cover and the Cyathea dealbata fern. The design includes themes of navigation and travel, reflecting New Zealand's island heritage. As of August 2024, New Zealand passport holders can travel visa-free to 148 countries.