Austrian Passport Placement in Henley Index: Occupies 4th Position
In a significant stride towards enhancing the security and mobility of its citizens, Austria has introduced a new generation of passports, officially launched on December 1, 2023. The new passports, a product of the OeSD group, a high-security producer of passports and IDs, are designed to provide full protection for personal identity and enable freedom of movement across borders.
The new Austrian passport ranks among the most modern and secure passports worldwide. Helmut Lackner, CEO of the Austrian website, emphasises the top priority of security and quality in their products. Lackner, who strives daily to ensure that the passports and IDs meet the highest security standards, underscores that high-security products 'made in Austria' continue to be among the best in the world.
The new Austrian passport is a symbol of Austrian identity, consistently building on the highest security with appealing aesthetics. It is no surprise that the passport ranks 4th in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, allowing its holders to enter 191 countries visa-free, according to the index. This places Austria just behind the Finnish passport, which ranks second, and the Singapore passport, which ranks first in the index.
The new passports incorporate state-of-the-art biometric chips, enhanced data protection measures, robust anti-forgery elements, and full compliance with international standards. While the exact design details and specific innovations of Austria's December 2023 passports are not documented, it is reasonable to conclude that they feature advanced security features such as Active Authentication (AA), Extended Access Control (EAC), and Supplemental Access Control (SAC). These features protect against cloning and unauthorized reading, complying with ICAO standards for interoperability and security.
Many modern passports include a thin metal mesh integrated into the cover to prevent unauthorized reading of the embedded chip when the passport is closed, enhancing privacy and security against skimming. New passports often incorporate innovative printing technologies, security laminates, and microprinting to make counterfeiting very difficult. While specific Austrian design features for 2023 are not stated, European passports generally use layered plastic ID pages and incorporate visible and invisible security elements.
As part of the EU, Austria ensures its new passport meets mandatory biometric and security requirements established by ICAO and the EU, including mandatory Extended Access Control for sensitive biometrics. The new Austrian passport is a symbol of Austrian identity, providing full protection for personal identity and enabling its holders to travel visa-free to 191 countries.
The Austrian passport, with its high ranking in the Henley Passport Index and its cutting-edge security features, continues to be a testament to Austria's commitment to security and innovation. The OeSD group, a high-security producer of passports and IDs, contributes to Austria's security and independence, ensuring that Austrians can travel the world with confidence and ease.
The new Austrian passport, integrating state-of-the-art technology in biometric chips and data protection measures, mirrors Austria's dedication to technological advancement in securing its citizens' identities. It ranks 4th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, further showcasing Austria's commitment to innovation and security.
