In Fall 2022, the Swiss Federal Office of Police partnered with the innovative team at Geneva’s RETINAA studio to redesign Switzerland’s passport. This collaboration, which also included Thales and Orell Füssli, produced a passport that uniquely combines security, artistry, and functionality. The finished product features dynamic, UV-sensitive elements that showcase the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, turning what was once merely a functional document into a true artwork.
At first sight, the passport’s plain red cover may appear to embody a minimalist design. Yet, once opened, the intricate complexity of the design unfolds. The interior pages exhibit a horror vacui style—an intense visual strategy that saturates every inch with vibrant technicolor watermarks, detailed geometric shapes, and a mix of naturalistic and map-like illustrations. This contrasts sharply with the uncomplicated design one anticipates from a conventional passport.
A highlight of the design is the ID page, which focuses on the Pizzo Rotondo summit in the Saint-Gotthard Massif. This page presents the Swiss landscape with exquisite detail. When exposed to UV light, curvilinear topographical lines become visible, enhancing depth and security. Additionally, the passport features a two-page aerial map of the Swiss Alps, marked with Swiss crosses at the center of each page. As UV light reveals hidden elements, Swiss architectural landmarks and more topographical lines come to life, showcasing the harmonious blend of Switzerland’s natural beauty and architectural excellence.
In a social media post, RETINAA explained that the new passport was designed with the highest level of security in mind. With the inclusion of biometric data, the design needed to go beyond aesthetics. The UV-sensitive isolines on the pages symbolize and physically safeguard the holder’s personal data, ensuring that the passport is visually stunning and extremely secure. These intricate elements make the passport a marvel of both design and technology, creating a perfect balance between style and protection.
The inside covers of the passport are also carefully crafted, featuring hydrological maps. The front cover showcases Switzerland’s water systems, while the back cover displays a world hydrological map. This theme of water—depicting major bodies of water, ocean currents, and flowing rivers—serves as a metaphor for global movement. It’s an especially fitting motif for a document that ranks highly for global mobility, allowing Swiss citizens to travel to some of the most coveted destinations around the world with ease.
The updated Swiss passport is more than just a travel document; it’s a fusion of art, security, and cutting-edge design. RETINAA’s collaboration with Thales and Orell Füssli has resulted in a passport that is as visually captivating as it is secure, a perfect reflection of Switzerland’s rich cultural and natural heritage. For a deeper dive into this innovative redesign, check out the gallery above and experience how the Swiss passport has evolved into a sophisticated and futuristic masterpiece.
