Liechtenstein's New Biometric e-Passport Wins 'Best New Passport 2026' Award

Liechtenstein's New e-Passport Recognized for Excellence

The Principality of Liechtenstein's new biometric e-passport, officially launched on February 3, 2026, has garnered international acclaim, receiving the HSP Award 'Best New Passport 2026'. The prestigious award was presented at the High Security Printing (HSP) EMEA Conference held in Rabat, Morocco, where leading security printers, government representatives, and identity document specialists convened.

The award acknowledges the document's outstanding achievements in design, security technology, and functionality, highlighting its role as a modern and user-friendly identity document. The passport was produced by the Austrian State Printing Company (OSD) following an international tender.

Advanced Security Features Combat Forgery

The new e-passport incorporates a range of advanced security features designed to significantly strengthen protection against forgery, misuse, and identity fraud. Key security elements include:

• A polycarbonate data page, replacing the previous paper-cotton blend, which integrates state-of-the-art features.
• Embedded UV imagery, embossing, and transparent windows.
• Microtext and a repeated facial image, appearing both in full color and as a letter-screen rendering composed of personal data.
• Cross-page motifs and transparent elements that further complicate counterfeiting attempts.
• Optically variable elements and micro-technical printing techniques.

These features ensure a high level of document integrity and align with international standards.

Innovative Design Reflects Cultural Heritage

Beyond its robust security, the passport's design has been lauded for its innovation and cultural relevance. The new document features an exceptional design inspired by Liechtenstein's rich cultural heritage. The individually illustrated inner pages showcase scenic motifs of all municipalities, blending cultural elements with advanced security measures.

Claudia Schwendimann, CEO of OSD International GmbH, stated, 'OSD is proud to have been selected by the Principality of Liechtenstein to supply a turn-key solution for the new generation of highly secure e-Passports. Our goal was to seamlessly combine the unique identity and cultural values of our customer Liechtenstein with the most advanced high-security features, resulting in an innovative and visually recognizable passport for all Liechtenstein citizens.'

Alignment with European Standards and Official Statements

Functional updates to the passport include replacing the 'Size' entry with 'Place of birth,' aligning the document with European standards and interoperability requirements. Citizens can apply for the new document at the Migration and Passport Office in Vaduz, with existing passports remaining valid until expiry.

Minister Hubert Büchel of the Principality of Liechtenstein commented, 'The new passport is an expression of a Liechtenstein that is both tradition-conscious and modern – secure, efficient and internationally networked. It combines innovation with national identity and is symbolic of a country that is aware of its values and at the same time looks to the future with an open mind.' Markus Biedermann, Head of the Migration and Passport Office, also presented the successful modernization of the passport personalization and issuance process at the HSP Summit.