On January 27, the Belgian government launched its new passports that have comic characters as part of the design theme. 

From February onwards, the Gothic and baroque buildings in the pages of its passport will make way for its popular cartoon characters, something for which the country is known. The updated passports will showcase Tintin, his famous moon rocket and the Moulinsart mansion of his friend Captain Haddock, cowboy Lucky Luke and the blue Smurfs.

While important documents like license and passports are designed in an usual monotonous, straightforward and no-nonsense manner, the Belgian government has decided to jazz up the internationally accepted travel document. 

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Belgians can request the new passports from February 7, which despite its creative addition will be of the same price as the previous ones. By referencing the infamous characters of its comic books like the Smurfs, Tintin, Willy and Wanda and others in its passport, the European nation seeks to honour its heritage. The Belgian government said in a  statement, “The new Belgian passport will be recognizable thanks to its original design, which honors one of the jewels of our culture: the heroines and heroes of comic strips.”

The government also stated that the new passports will be safer than the previous ones since they were developed with the help of anti-fraud specialists. According to Design TAXI, the complex illustration might make it difficult for fraudsters to duplicate the 32 page document.

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The authorities claim that security has been improved with the security elements doubled to 48, despite its cartoon book appearance. 

The announcement has thrilled comic lovers around the world. Appreciating this move, a person tweeted, ”The Belgians are known for their love of comics. And while Tintin and Milou may display some questionable attitudes… the option of having your passport in comic-book design is appealing.”