When terrorists began targeting individuals carrying U.S., British, or Israeli passports in the 1970s, entrepreneurs responded by offering international travelers "camouflage passports." These are passports issued in the name of a non-existent country that look like a real country’s passport.
I've always been a nervous about camouflage passports because of the potential legal implications. Even if you don't try to cross an international border with your camouflage passport—an act that could land you in prison—what if a customs official finds it during a routine search of your belongings? Your explanation that you're carrying it "just in case" may or may not be accepted. In some countries, you may be subject to arrest for the mere possession of a camouflage passport.
However, despite my misgivings, I never explicitly recommended that travelers not carry a camouflage passport. Until now. Thinking the matter through a little further, I don't think it's a good idea to use camouflage passports at all.
Here's why:
First, if you find yourself in a terrorist situation and present your passport from non-existent countries such as British Honduras (now Belize) or Burma (now Myanmar) what are you supposed to do with your "real" passport? If the terrorists find it and conclude you tried to disguise your identity, you may be targeted for reprisals.
Second, even if the terrorists accept your camouflage passport, they may ask you questions about that country. What's the capital of British Honduras? Where in Burma did you grow up? Can you carry on even a simple conversation in Burmese?
Third, assuming you've never used the camouflage passport to cross an international border, it will bear no passport stamps. That would be highly suspicious to anyone to whom you present the document. And while it's sometimes possible to purchase a camouflage passport with real country stamps in it, you're much more likely to be arrested if customs official find it, because it will now appear you've used it fraudulently.
If you want a passport from a neutral country to present in a terrorist situation—or at international borders—you're much better off using a legitimate second passport. You may qualify for a second passport based on your ancestry, marital status, religion, or a period of prolonged residence in another country. If you don't qualify on any of these grounds, a handful of countries offer "instant" citizenship in return for an economic contribution. The Commonwealth of Dominica, the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, and Austria are the only countries with an official, legally mandated, citizenship-through-investment program.
The least expensive option is to obtain economic citizenship from Dominica. Under this country's program, you may acquire citizenship and passport in return for a cash contribution. Total costs including all fees for a single applicant come to about US$103,000. Add US$25,000 if you need a passport for your spouse and up to two children under 18. Dominican passport holders can travel without a visa, or obtain a visa upon entry, to nearly 90 countries and territories.
In the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, there are two ways to obtain economic citizenship. The most practical strategy is to make a direct contribution. Total costs including all fees for a single applicant under this option come to about US$220,000, or US$270,000 for an applicant with up to three dependents. St. Kitts & Nevis passport holders will be able to travel without a visa, or obtain a visa upon entry, to nearly 130 countries.
Finally, you may be able to obtain Austrian citizenship and passport after making a substantial investment in that country. Unlike the programs in Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis, in Austria, you must make your investment first and then apply for citizenship. You don't get your money back if you're not approved. Generally, you must invest several million dollars to have a reasonable chance at qualifying, and pay legal fees of US$30,000 or more. Austrian passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries visa-free and live and work in any of the 27 members of the European Union.
In all three of these economic citizenship programs, applicants must pass a strict vetting process that includes a comprehensive criminal background check.
The Nestmann Group, Ltd. can assist individuals seeking alternative citizenship and tax-advantaged residence. Please contact us for more information at info@nestmann.com.
Copyright © 2009 by Mark Nestmann
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