Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) embedded in the back cover. The chip stores: A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry;

Securely stored biographical information and digital image that are identical to the information that is visually displayed in the passport; Contactless chip technology that allows the information stored in an Electronic Passport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance. Uses digital signature technology to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. This technology is commonly used in credit cards and other secure documents using integrated circuits or chips.

Several other nations have begun or will begin to issue e-passports. The Visa Waiver Program countries have already done so.

A biometric or biometric identifier is a measurable physical or behavioral characteristic of an individual, which can be used to verify the identity of that individual or to compare against other entries when stored in a database. Biometrics include face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans. The U.S. Electronic Passport uses the digital image of the passport photograph as the biometric identifier that is used with face recognition technology to verify the identity of the passport bearer.

The Electronic Passport is designed to function for the passport’s full validity period under normal use.

Any passport that is lost or stolen should be reported immediately. U.S. passports reported lost or stolen are invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. How to report and replace a lost or stolen U.S. passport.

The Electronic Passport logo (shown below) is the international symbol for an electronic passport. It signifies that the passport contains an integrated circuit or chip on which data about the passport and passport bearer is stored. The logo will be displayed at border inspection lanes at all airports and transit ports equipped with special data readers for Electronic Passports.

No. The new electronic passports cannot be amended. If you change your name, need to extend a limited passport, or need a correction in the descriptive information, you will have to get a new passport. Within the first year after issuance, the new passport will be issued without additional payment of the passport fee. After one year, fees will be assessed for the new passport.

The chip in the passport is just one of the many security features of the new passport. If the chip fails, the passport remains a valid travel document until its expiration date. The bearer will continue to processed by the port-of-entry officer as if he/she had a passport without a chip.

Obtain an application at your nearest passport office, courthouse, or post office. You will need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs measuring 2" x 2", taken within six months of application. (These are USA guidelines, please do check with your own government first if you are not a USA citizen.) Back to top

This is often referred to as an ATA carnet. Import drop shippers often use this to bring products to a trade show from abroad. The carnet is valid in about sixty countries and is valid for about a year.