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What do EU passports have in common?
Passports issued by the 27 member states of the
European Union
(EU) share a common design and confer EU citizenship rights upon their holders. Although the EU itself does not issue ordinary passports, its member states follow a recommended layout aimed at visual uniformity.
The standard cover colour is burgundy, which has been adopted by all except Croatia, and features the title 'European Union' in the issuing country's official language(s), sometimes also in English and French. Then the name of the member state appears below, its heraldic arms, the word 'PASSPORT,' along with the biometric passport symbol at the bottom center.
Some member states issue non-EU passports to individuals whose nationality does not grant EU citizenship, such as Danish nationals living in the Faroe Islands.
Additionally, the European Commission issues European Union Laissez-Passers to certain officials and civil servants.
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A valid passport gives EU citizens the right of free movement within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as Switzerland. This means they do not require a visa, proof of funds, or a reason for travel, nor a residence permit to settle.
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Until 31 December 2020, this right also applied to the United Kingdom.
Within the Schengen Area, EU passports are not stamped upon entry or exit. Many holders of biometric passports can use automated ePassport gates at certain borders, such as in UK airports for travelers aged 12 and over. Those with non-biometric passports, national ID cards, or accompanying young children must use standard immigration counters.
EU citizens can also travel within the EEA, Switzerland, and, until 1 October 2021, the UK using a valid national identity card instead of a passport. In theory, even without these documents, proof of nationality through other means, such as an expired passport or citizenship certificate, permits entry. Border officials must allow reasonable time for documents to be obtained if a traveler cannot initially present them.
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While key elements of the passport cover are harmonized, there are design variations across member states, such as the placement of the data page at the front or back. Some types, like diplomatic, service, emergency passports, or Ireland's passport card, remain outside harmonization rules.
Since February 28, 2008, EU member states have been required to include fingerprint information in passports, except Ireland. Croatian passports, despite the country's EU membership, retain a dark blue cover rather than burgundy. The push for uniformity stems from a series of non-binding Council resolutions adopted between 1981 and 2004.
