Articles

The New Canadian Passport’s “Dark” Secrets Revealed!

by . January 26th, 2015

Canadian passports have always been top of the line merely due to its innovation. Being a regular participant at the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), Canada is recognized as a front-runner  in technological development in passport design and processing systems. From aesthetics to innovation, they’re always one step ahead compared to other countries.

passport
Canadian ePassport issued on July 1, 2013.

When the newest version of the Canadian e -passports were made available on July 2013, it showcased impressive new security features like digitally embedded passport photos, electronic chips that contain certain information about the bearer, “see through register” which displays CAN when you hold the page up to the light, and some watermark images that can only be seen under a black light. Another impressive feature is being able to renew the said passport for a 10-year term instead of the usual 5-year term.

But what their officials didn’t mention was an additional, hidden security feature that was created to make it more difficult to counterfeit. As effective as it is, it was under the radar until just lately. A Redditor named chachichachichiken revealed his cool discovery that went viral. Inside the passport, you can see several images of some of the most iconic figures and landmarks of Canada. Little did we know that all of these 16 images turn into “party mode” when displayed under black light. Watch the video and see for yourself.

Using UV images on the Canadian passports is not new because the previous version also sported the said feature. But this time, they took it to another level in an aesthetically pleasing manner. They used optically variable ink the responds and changes colors depending on the light that is reflecting on its surface. So if you’re one of the lucky Canadian passport holders, do yourself a favor and get that passport placed under a black light for some entertainment. Feast your eyes and join the party!


e1cc56c0-83c5-0132-1dad-0a2c89e5f2f5e1cd2220-83c5-0132-43dd-0ebc4eccb42f

e1cc80d0-83c5-0132-1dac-0a2c89e5f2f5e1ccdf20-83c5-0132-43e3-0ebc4eccb42f

e1ba66b0-83c5-0132-43e2-0ebc4eccb42f e1ba4540-83c5-0132-1db2-0a2c89e5f2f5

e1b54540-83c5-0132-43dd-0ebc4eccb42f e1ba36d0-83c5-0132-43db-0ebc4eccb42f

e1d5fa30-83c5-0132-43e6-0ebc4eccb42fe1d56490-83c5-0132-1daa-0a2c89e5f2f5

e1d5a390-83c5-0132-1dae-0a2c89e5f2f5e1d626f0-83c5-0132-43da-0ebc4eccb42f

e1ccb710-83c5-0132-1daf-0a2c89e5f2f5 e1cd66b0-83c5-0132-43e0-0ebc4eccb42f

e1c2f0b0-83c5-0132-1da9-0a2c89e5f2f5 e1c33aa0-83c5-0132-43e4-0ebc4eccb42f

e1c3d160-83c5-0132-43e2-0ebc4eccb42f e1c320a0-83c5-0132-1db0-0a2c89e5f2f5

Images via: Reddit

Last year, the new Norwegian passport was also unveiled. It gained positive feedback mostly for its minimalist and functional approach. Maybe it is just a matter of time until we see other countries unveiling their own redesigned passports.  Share us your thoughts by hitting us in the comments below. Stick around for more creative stuffs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Manila-based multimedia designer specializing in graphic design, illustration and photo manipulations. Fascinated with vector illustrations, minimalist designs, and clever advertising ideas. Always on the lookout for creative stuff serving as his daily dose of inspiration.