Norwegian travelers are officially branding what it means to travel with style with the redesign of their national passport. Stamped chic.
Designed by Neue Design Studio, after winning a national design competition, the new passports are based on the overall theme “The Norwegian Landscape” and feature pretty new colors and nature-focused illustrations.
The Neue designers said their concept was in response to instructions from Norway’s National Police Directorate; officials said to come up with “a unique concept with excellent design qualities” that simultaneously increased the security of Norwegian passports and ID cards.
The cover will showcase a Norwegian crest and a clean line pattern, and will be uniquely finished in pale grey, turquoise, or red. The color of the cover varies depending on whether the owner is a Norwegian citizen (red), immigrant (pale grey), or diplomat (turquoise).
“It both illustrates the Norwegian identity and makes sure the passport will be viewed as document of high value,” the judges of the contest explained.
“The design is attractive and stylish, the colours are subtle and the abstraction of the landscapes are exciting…The jury appreciates the simplicity of the solution.”
Passport pages will now boast minimalist depictions of the country’s vast and remarkable scenery, including one of its most entrancing phenomena – the Northern Lights. But there’s a catch: The opalescent haze of the aurora borealis will only appear under UV light.
Photo Courtesy of neue.no
“Nature has always been an essential part of the Norwegian identity and tradition, as well as being a key fundament for our welfare,” Neue Design Studio said, regarding the firm’s inspiration for the passports design.
“The landscape with its vast variation from the south to the north, is the starting point for the design concept.”
Gørill Kvamme of Neu added, “All Norwegians are so connected to nature, it’s a very strong part of our history and defines us as a country,”
“It represents the vast variety of nature and landscapes you find in Norway… which makes it relevant to all of us whether you have always lived there or just received your citizenship.”
Norwegians should expect to get their hands on the new passport in about two years. For now though, they’re stuck with what they’ve got.
Should the U.S. expect to be next?
