Colombia’s biometric, burgundy cover passport was the star attraction of the first eID Forum held in Tallinn, Estonia, in which security experts from around the world gathered to discuss digital identification initiatives and card security.
After studying passports from various nations for their security features and visual elements, the panel of international experts, including representatives from the United States, gave Colombia’s Foreign Ministry the top award for issuing the “Safest Passport in the World.”
The Colombian passport was nominated along with finalists Bolivia, Jordan, and Kuwait, with the final decision based on six criteria – from general innovation and renewal cycle (in technology years), to the speed of implementation among others.
Ambassador Margarita Manjarrez, Director of Migratory and Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, and in charge of passport issuance to Colombians at home and abroad, stated: “This recognition represents the acknowledgment of the work of the Colombian government in the implementation of a travel document that meets the highest standards of quality and safety […] and facilitates travel outside the country for our citizens.”
The special security features include tonal variety in its pages, polycarbonate with embedded holographic images, and fluorescent threads. Images of the country’s most visited attractions and cultural expressions make the passport also a visually appealing document.
