Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is redesigning passports with updated security features while facing complaints over the national motto included in the documents.
Passport Redesign Planned
Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration is preparing new passport designs with updated security features. The ministry explains that technical and visual security features should be updated approximately every decade to counter forgers who increasingly develop more sophisticated counterfeits as technology advances.
Potential Changes
Among proposed changes is the possibility for each voivodeship to have its own dedicated passport graphic design. Another modification under consideration is reducing the number of pages in the document, as many current passport pages go unused.
Controversy Over National Motto
Over 1,500 people have filed a complaint with the Ombudsman for Citizens’ Rights regarding the inclusion of “God, Honor, Homeland” in passports, citing a violation of freedom of conscience and religion. A ministerial team will decide whether this motto will ultimately remain in the passport design.
Polish Passport Ranking
In the January “most powerful passports” ranking by the London-based Henley Passport Index, Poland shares 6th place with Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, and New Zealand. Polish citizens can currently travel visa-free to 183 countries, down from 189 in 2024 and one position lower than last year’s ranking.
