Do you like Tintin or the Smurfs? This Country’s New Passport Will Feature Comic Book Heroes
Important documents such as passports are usually designed in a plain and simple way, but the Belgian government has decided to brighten up this travel document.
On January 27, Belgium launched the new passport which has comic book character design theme. The European nation seeks to honor its heritage by referencing comics like The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, Willy and Wanda and others in its passport. Belgians can apply for the new passports from February 7.
In a statement, the Belgian government said: “The new Belgian passport will be recognizable thanks to its original design, which honors one of the jewels of our culture: the heroines and heroes of the comic strip”. The statement also said that the new passports, which were developed with the help of anti-fraud specialists, will be more secure than the previous ones.
According to Design TAXI, the intricate illustrations could make it difficult to fraudulently duplicate the 32-page document. Despite its novelties, the price of the new passport will remain unchanged.
Het nieuwe paspoort kan vanaf 7 februari 2022 worden aangevraagd bij uw gemeente in België of, bij de consulaire post in het buitenland. De prijs die Buitenlandse Zaken aanrekent, blijft ongewijzigd.
ℹ️ More info on the paspoort: https://t.co/CzWTdvkX71 pic.twitter.com/bSqaObgvZE
— 🇧🇪 Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) January 27, 2022
🗓️ Ter gelegenheid van de lancering van het nieuwe paspoort loopt een tijdelijke tentoonstelling over de geschiedenis van het Belgische paspoort in het Stripmuseum (Zandstraat 20, 1000 Brussel) from January 28 to March 6, 2022. pic.twitter.com/ScBXiyRgdL
— 🇧🇪 Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) January 27, 2022
This announcement delighted not only Belgians, but also comic book lovers around the world. Appreciating the decision, one person tweeted: “Belgians are known for their love of comics. And while Tintin & Snowy may display questionable attitudes… the option of having your passport in the comic design is appealing.
I hereby officially apply for Belgian nationality. @BelgiumMFA https://t.co/dbWbkaXOfd
— Fred vom Jupiter, no PhD (@bugix13) January 28, 2022
It’s cool ! The Belgian passport now contains images of Belgium’s beloved comics. India can also present its great historical monuments. My top 6 are Konark Sun temple, Kailasha Ellora temple, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Hampi and Mahabalipuram monuments. What is your? https://t.co/v5vaLWc9FY
— Simanta Mohanty (@OdishaSimanta) January 30, 2022
Belgians are known for their love of comics. And if Tintin & Milou can display dubious attitudes… the option of having your passport in cartoon drawing is attractive. 😉 https://t.co/rjkhs7GiAj
— Vera Mark (@VeraMark2010) January 29, 2022
In a related development, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted: “On the occasion of the launch of the new passport, a temporary exhibition on the history of the Belgian passport will take place at the Comic Strip Museum (Zandstraat 20, 1000 Brussels) from January 28 to March 6, 2022.”
