United Nations

Basic Information

Definition: A special travel document issued by the United Nations under Article 7 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations adopted in 1946, which only the United Nations and the International Labour Organization have the authority to issue.

Purpose: Primarily used for United Nations officials, staff, and other personnel to cross borders while on official duties, providing them with international travel convenience.

Types

Red Passport: Generally issued to senior officials of the United Nations and specialized agencies, and under special circumstances, to other members who have made outstanding contributions to global public welfare, akin to a diplomatic visa.

Blue Passport: Available to all United Nations staff and officials, considered as an official visa.

Design

Size: Length of 12.5 cm and width of 8.8 cm.

Data Page: The left side features a laser-printed photo of the holder with the UN emblem in the upper right corner, and a machine-readable passport zone below. The right side includes information such as document type, country code, passport number, holder's name, date of birth, issue date, issuing authority, holder's signature, and gender.

Others: Contains ultraviolet features and page numbering rules to prevent forgery. Since the adoption of electronic passports in 2012, the cover includes an electronic passport symbol, with visa pages being paper-based, using offset and inkjet printing, watermarks, and holographic lamination.

Application

Location: Apart from the International Labour Organization, UN passports are issued at the UN Headquarters in New York, the UN Office in Geneva, and the UN Office in Vienna.

Materials: Requires submission of supporting documents, completed application forms, passport copies, etc.

Time: The general processing time is five working days, starting from the submission of the form to the office.

Functionality

Travel Convenience: In countries with visa-free agreements with the UN, presenting materials for UN official business allows for visa acquisition and travel expediency.

Diplomatic Privileges: Holders of certain ranks receive treatment akin to embassy personnel, such as diplomatic immunity in non-nationality countries, and benefits like visa exemption, fast-track customs clearance, and security checks.

Limitations

Usage Purpose: By regulation, it is only for official use and not for personal tourism or business travel.

Partial Restrictions: Some countries and regions do not recognize it, and entry into these areas requires an application. According to Chinese law, the UN passport usually needs to be used in conjunction with a national passport, except under special circumstances.

Historical Development

Originated from the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, passed by UN Resolution 22/1 on February 13, 1946, and effective from September 17, 1946. In 2003, the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services conducted audits and supervision of the Geneva and Vienna offices. In September 2012, the UN Office in Geneva introduced a new electronic passport valid for 5 years, and in December, the scope of holders was expanded.

1. Diplomatic Privileges

Holders of United Nations passports enjoy diplomatic privileges when performing UN missions. This means they cannot be arrested or detained in the host country, and their persons and property are granted special protection. These privileges ensure they can focus on their UN-assigned duties without interference from local legal procedures. For instance, in some unstable regions, UN passport holders can carry out humanitarian aid and peacekeeping operations in a relatively safe environment.

2. Customs Exemption and Fast Track Clearance

Holders of United Nations passports usually enjoy customs exemption and fast track clearance when passing through customs in various countries. This significantly enhances the efficiency of UN staff who frequently travel between nations, as they do not need to wait in long queues for customs inspections, saving valuable time. Additionally, this ensures that urgent UN missions can be executed promptly, such as delivering relief supplies and personnel swiftly to areas affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

3. Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Treatment

United Nations passports grant holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries. This makes it more convenient for passport holders to travel for UN missions, as they do not need to apply for visas in advance or can obtain visas quickly upon arrival, simplifying the visa application process. This convenience not only optimizes travel for UN personnel but also facilitates international cooperation and exchange.

4. Unique Security Protection

Holders of United Nations passports typically receive special security protection while on missions. The UN implements various measures to ensure their safety. For example, in certain high-risk areas, the UN may deploy security personnel or provide specific safety equipment and protective measures. Such security provisions are crucial for personnel working in dangerous regions, allowing them to carry out their duties with greater peace of mind.

5. Priority Access to Transportation and Communication Facilities

In emergencies, United Nations passport holders are granted priority access to transportation and communication facilities. This includes priority boarding for flights, trains, vehicles, and priority use of satellite phones and radio communication equipment. This priority ensures they can reach the scene quickly and initiate rescue and coordination efforts promptly, enhancing the UN's response speed and efficiency in handling emergencies.