East German Passport 1993 to Ukraine
East German Passport Ukraine
This East German passport with a border stamp of an independent Ukraine is fascinating because the passport was issued in 1989 when the dissolution of East Germany, the USSR, and the entire Warsaw Pact was still entirely unimaginable to the people living on either side of the Iron Curtain.
It is doubtful that many analysts could have imagined the events that unfolded in the summer of 1989.
The bearer of this passport had initially received the particular “AB” Service Visa for travel to the USSR in May 1989. Obtaining a Service Visa did not necessarily mean that someone was a government member. Anyone traveling for reasons other than tourism (including sporting events and cultural associations) could be given a Service Visa for travel abroad. East German Passport Ukraine
Interestingly, even though this passport was issued in 1989 for travel to the USSR, the bearer continued to travel to Russia and the newly independent Ukraine as late as 1993. When this passport was issued in 1989, the idea of an independent Ukraine was as far-fetched as was the idea of German reunification. It is incredible to see multiple 1993 entry stamps of an independent Ukraine inside an East German passport; this is undoubtedly a unique if not a very rare example.
Ukraine after 1989 East German Passport Ukraine
By January 1990, an estimated 300,000 Ukrainians had gathered to collectively form a human chain between Kyiv and Lviv, asking for Ukrainian independence. By July, the newly elected Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, calling for self-determination and national independence. In October 1990, the Ukrainian “Revolution on Granite” was ignited by students seeking to sever all remaining ties with the USSR. Finally, after multiple months, the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Independence on 24 August 1991. The Ukrainian President and the President of the Russian Federation signed the Belavezha Accords, which de-jure dissolved the Soviet Union on 8 December 1991. In December 1991, a referendum was held whereby more than 92% of Ukrainians approved the Act of Independence.
An article from Cold War expert – Mat Louis.
FAQ Passport History
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1. What are the earliest known examples of passports, and how have they evolved?
The word "passport" came up only in the mid 15th Century. Before that, such documents were safe conducts, recommendations or protection letters. On a practical aspect, the earliest passport I have seen was from the mid 16th Century. Read more...
2. Are there any notable historical figures or personalities whose passports are highly sought after by collectors?
Every collector is doing well to define his collection focus, and yes, there are collectors looking for Celebrity passports and travel documents of historical figures like Winston Churchill, Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Read more...
3. How did passport designs and security features change throughout different periods in history, and what impact did these changes have on forgery prevention?
"Passports" before the 18th Century had a pure functional character. Security features were, in the best case, a watermark and a wax seal. Forgery, back then, was not an issue like it is nowadays. Only from the 1980s on, security features became a thing. A state-of-the-art passport nowadays has dozens of security features - visible and invisible. Some are known only by the security document printer itself. Read more...
4. What are some of the rarest and most valuable historical passports that have ever been sold or auctioned?
Lou Gehrig, Victor Tsoi, Marilyn Monroe, James Joyce, and Albert Einstein when it comes to the most expensive ones. Read more...
5. How do diplomatic passports differ from regular passports, and what makes them significant to collectors?
Such documents were often held by officials in high ranks, like ambassadors, consuls or special envoys. Furthermore, these travel documents are often frequently traveled. Hence, they hold a tapestry of stamps or visas. Partly from unusual places.
6. Can you provide insights into the stories behind specific historical passports that offer unique insights into past travel and migration trends?
A passport tells the story of its bearer and these stories can be everything - surprising, sad, vivid. Isabella Bird and her travels (1831-1904) or Mary Kingsley, a fearless Lady explorer.
7. What role did passports play during significant historical events, such as wartime travel restrictions or international treaties?
During war, a passport could have been a matter of life or death. Especially, when we are looking into WWII and the Holocaust. And yes, during that time, passports and similar documents were often forged to escape and save lives. Example...
8. How has the emergence of digital passports and biometric identification impacted the world of passport collecting?
Current modern passports having now often a sparkling, flashy design. This has mainly two reasons. 1. Improved security and 2. Displaying a countries' heritage, icons, and important figures or achievements. I can fully understand that those modern documents are wanted, especially by younger collectors.
9. Are there any specialized collections of passports, such as those from a specific country, era, or distinguished individuals?
Yes, the University of Western Sidney Library has e.g. a passport collection of the former prime minister Hon Edward Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret. They are all diplomatic passports and I had the pleasure to apprise them. I hold e.g. a collection of almost all types of the German Empire passports (only 2 types are still missing). Also, my East German passport collection is quite extensive with pretty rare passport types.
10. Where can passport collectors find reliable resources and reputable sellers to expand their collection and learn more about passport history?
A good start is eBay, Delcampe, flea markets, garage or estate sales. The more significant travel documents you probably find at the classic auction houses. Sometimes I also offer documents from my archive/collection. See offers... As you are already here, you surely found a great source on the topic 😉
Other great sources are: Scottish Passports, The Nansen passport, The secret lives of diplomatic couriers
11. Is vintage passport collecting legal? What are the regulations and considerations collectors should know when acquiring historical passports?
First, it's important to stress that each country has its own laws when it comes to passports. Collecting old vintage passports for historical or educational reasons is safe and legal, or at least tolerated. More details on the legal aspects are here...
Does this article spark your curiosity about passport collecting and the history of passports? With this valuable information, you have a good basis to start your own passport collection.
Question? Contact me...