The Swiss passport, a stalwart symbol of national identity and a bastion of security, has been reimagined. Designed by Geneva-based studio RETINAA, in collaboration with Thales and Orell Füssli, the new passport, issued in fall 2022 by the Federal Office of Police, is more than just a travel document; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative of Switzerland itself.
Building on the country’s long-standing reputation for both graphic innovation and cutting-edge security, RETINAA was tasked with creating a design that resonated with the essence of Swiss identity while incorporating the latest anti-counterfeiting measures. The challenge was to revitalize the iconic red passport, a document synonymous with sophistication and security since 1959.
“The Swiss passport is more than a formal administrative document,” explains the RETINAA team. “It is the expression of Helvetic identity and a brand ambassador for Switzerland abroad. It is a celebration of Swissness and a showcase of technological know-how.” This mandate demanded a design that not only increased security but also fostered trust, identification, and pride among its holders.
The studio’s solution is a masterstroke of cartographic artistry, interwoven with the nation’s defining natural feature: water. Often called the “water tower of Europe,” Switzerland boasts an abundance of lakes, rivers, and glaciers, a resource that shapes its landscape and powers its renewable energy sector. It’s this fluid, dynamic element that RETINAA has harnessed as the central theme, symbolizing connection, exchange, and national heritage.
The passport’s pages unfold as an imagined journey along Switzerland’s waterways, a visual narrative that flows from the majestic Alpine peaks down through the valleys, traversing the 26 cantons and extending beyond the nation’s borders. This journey begins on the first page with a depiction of Pizzo Rotondo, a summit in the Saint-Gotthard Massif, strategically located at the crossroads of the country’s linguistic regions.
The artistry doesn’t stop at the surface. Under ultraviolet light, the passport reveals its hidden depths. Contour lines emerge, revealing the topography of the landscape, enhanced with architectural landmarks that reflect Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage and history. These subtle details, visible only under specific conditions, underscore the document’s advanced security features, making it incredibly difficult to counterfeit.
RETINAA’s design seamlessly blends artistic expression with technological prowess. The 3D-modeled landscapes, rendered with meticulous detail, pay homage to Switzerland’s natural and built landmarks, while the integrated security features ensure the passport’s integrity. This fusion of art and technology creates a document that is both visually stunning and functionally robust.
The new Swiss passport is a clear illustration of the power of design to encapsulate a nation’s identity. It’s a document that not only facilitates travel but also serves as a tangible representation of Switzerland’s unique landscape, heritage, and innovative spirit. By drawing inspiration from the country’s cartographic traditions and its life-giving waters, RETINAA has created a passport that is truly a journey in itself, a fluid narrative that reflects the heart of Switzerland.