More than just a passport between countries: 5 big secrets of passports revealed by foreign media

▲Passports may look simple, but to prevent personal information from being stolen, their designs incorporate meticulous security measures. (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu, same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A passport serves as an ID card between countries. To prevent personal information from being stolen, its design incorporates meticulous security measures—but how much do you know about this green booklet? Foreign mediaCondé Nast Travelerhas revealed five major secrets about passports. For example, the U.S. passport alone is printed using 60 different materials and includes 30 different security features.

1. Stamps
Passport stamps may seem insignificant, but in reality, they are one of the first ways to verify authenticity. Each country has its own exclusive stamps, which are embossed onto the passport using gold foil techniques. Without specialized knowledge, they are very difficult to forge.

2. Prints
Passports hide many printed elements. In 2011, security expert Robert Smith mentioned that these elements are invisible without a microscope.

3. Chip
The rectangular chip is hidden in the front or back cover of the passport. Though only about the size of a thumb, it stores your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. According to CityLab, around 135 countries (90% of the world) include them in their passports.

4. Holograms and Ink
Holograms typically use special inks and fine-line engravings. According to Gizmodo, they are very difficult to replicate.

▲Pages that appear blank instantly transform into a glowing, dazzling version under ultraviolet light. Taiwan’s passport features landmarks such as Taipei 101 and the Presidential Office, along with the large word “Taiwan.”

5. Hidden Designs
As long as they comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), passport designs are left to the creativity of each country. Pages that appear blank instantly transform into a glowing, dazzling version under ultraviolet light