Belgium
Traveling with Tintin and the Smurfs – there are comics in the new passport
Sophie Wilmès, Foreign Minister of Belgium, presents the new passport
© Belga / Imago Images
Belgium introduces a new passport and brings entertainment along with it. The country with its proud comic tradition prints Tintin, the Smurfs and Co. in the new passport.
This pass takes you straight to the moon. At least that’s what you might think when you open your new Belgian passport. Right on the first page is the rocket that takes Tintin to the moon. The comics by Georges Prosper Remi aka Hergé are cult in Belgium, as well as in many other countries. Now they can also be found in the new Belgian passport.
Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès assures that it is even safer in a short video in which she presents the new passport. It was shot – of course – in the comic museum in the heart of Brussels. “Comics are typically Belgian, they are part of our culture and contribute to our image abroad,” says Wilmès, while the legs of a giant Smurf can be seen in the background.
The Smurfs were also penned by a Belgian. Pierre Culliford aka Peyo invented the blue figures. Lucky Luke and the Marsupilami, both Belgian comic classics, can also be found in the new passport along with other popular characters.
With a passport from Belgium to 110 countries without a visa
You have another positive message, Wilmès said in the announcement from the Comic Museum. And suddenly, amidst all the fanciful details surrounding the new document, things get quite bureaucratic when the foreign minister says: “The price of the passport will not be increased.” It will cost 65 euros for adults and 35 for minors. It will be available from February 7th.
The passport currently opens the door for Belgians to 149 countries, 110 without a visa. And if you want to travel to the moon, it’s best to take a look at the “Tim and Struppi” volumes “Travel Destination Moon” and “Steps on the Moon”.
Sources: Twitter, diplomatie.belgium.be