Individual passports, in which the visa page watermarks are the wrong way around, have been brought to the attention of the police. The police advises passport holders to check the passport pages for errors.
The error is easy to spot by examining the visa pages against the light. On some visa pages, the watermark is upside-down and the page numbers of the watermark do not correspond with the printed page numbers. In passports issued in 2012–2016, the watermark features a swan, and in passports issued from 2017 onwards, the watermark is a bear. Pictures of the watermarks are appended to the bulletin and available for viewing on the police website.
The printing or other security features of the passports are not defective. This defect only appears in the watermark that can be viewed against the light.
Even if your passport has the aforementioned production error, it is a genuine and valid travel document. Finnish border officials are aware of the passport production error and the National Police Board has informed border officials around the world extensively about the issue. However, problems could arise with border checks abroad, due to the error.
If you notice that your passport is flawed, you should take it to a Police Department which processes passport matters. You will be granted a new passport free of charge for the duration of the flawed passport’s remaining period of validity. Police Departments will provide further instructions on how to make a complaint, if necessary, and give advice on how to act if your case is urgent.
Passports issued in 2012–2016
Passport - watermarks ok jpg, 1,2 MB
Passport - watermarks wrong way jpg, 1,2 MB
Passports issued from 2017 onwards
Passport - watermarks ok jpg, 1,3 MB
Passport - watermarks wrong way jpg, 1,4 MB
