The most curious picture in a valid passport
Curious picture valid passport
Until 1915, passports didn’t include photographs, and even in the initial stages of passport photos, there were no specific regulations regarding the photo’s content. The main requirement was that the photo fit on the passport page. During that era, we could come across rather peculiar passport photos, featuring individuals posing with their dogs, seated on park benches, or even atop horses.
I have a deep appreciation for these vintage passport photos and occasionally obtain old passports solely due to the intriguing images they contain. However, those times have long passed, and today, our passport photos adhere to strict standardization.
Meet Michael Afanasyev Curious picture valid passport
Well, Michael is the man with a colander on his head in his current and valid Israeli passport, issued in 2016 and expiring in 2026. Yes, you read correctly – a passport photo with a colander on his head!
Firstly, I thought this story in an Israeli newspaper was a joke or even “Fake News” but I wrote to Michael, and he answered me and confirmed the most unusual story. What happened?
Tom: “Michael, by random, I found your passport with the colander picture. I am a passport historian that would like to know if you indeed got an Israeli passport with a colander passport picture. Thank you. Tom”
Michael: “I did indeed get an Israeli passport with a colander. Apparently, a Dutch guy got a passport with a colander as well, although the authorities here have stopped the practice since. To my knowledge, no other passports with colanders have been issued so far.” Here is the link to the story. Curious picture valid passport
Tom: “Thank you, Michael. They granted you this privilege because you applied religious reasons? And is this a real (serious) thing for you, or was it a fun activity?”
Religious Aspect
Michael: “I indeed asserted that I am a believer in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and that the Colander is our religious headgear. It is serious, and a lot of fun, too. The thing is – unlike the Netherlands, for example, Israel does not have a set of rules for headgear on passport photos. So if they would refuse me, they’d have to make a set of rules, and that would be rather difficult. In Israel many men wear Jewish Kipa, religious women, both Jewish and Muslim wear head scarfs, and some Orthodox Jewish women shave their heads and wear wigs. I imagine designing a set of rules that would allow them to wear whatever they wear and exclude my colander would be too difficult.”
Tom: “What experience did you make by showing your “holy colander headgear”-passport? Curious picture valid passport
Michael: “I have a Dutch passport (without a colander yet), and I only use my Israeli passport when traveling to Israel. A few months ago, I traveled there for the first time. At the customs, I had my colander with me, although I admit I was not wearing it. Customs is a hassle, and in Israel can get tricky even without colanders, and I did not wish to make anyone more nervous than normal.
Border Experience
Having presented my passport, I was met with a blank stare, then surprise, then curiosity. The customs official simply asked, “why”? And I briefly explained (FSM, colander, religion). His reply was, “I don’t know how you pulled this off, but as long as you’re recognizable, I’m fine with it.” To which I replied, “That was my point exactly!” and went through. On the return trip, coming out of the country, my passport made the customs lady chuckle, and she shared it with her colleague. I explained that it was a religious thing, and was allowed through without any trouble.”
“How I got the passport is quite interesting as well, I think. The State of Israel keeps a statistical record of the citizen’s religion. I asked to change my record to “Pastafarian,” and applied for a passport with a colander. Initially denied, I persisted and was informed the matter would be reviewed. If allowed to register as “Pastafarian,” I can wear a colander in the photo.. Curious picture valid passport
The Passport Picture
Getting the picture was quite a hassle as well, as I was kicked out of a Photoshop, cursed, and told never to come back, but that’s beside the point. I said that the passport has no relation to the statistical record, but was told to wait nevertheless. Much to my surprise, the answer was that the colander passport was OK, but the registration was not.”
Tom: “Thank you for the interview, Michael. You definitely will have your place in modern passport history with this outstanding passport photo.”
Doctor Spaghetti, is the website of Michael Afanasyev, where you can read more about him and the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
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