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Biometric Passport: All You Need To Know

With the rave about the biometric passport and the speed at which more countries are adopting it, it is only normal to be curious about it.

One intriguing feature of the biometric passport is that it has a microchip on the cover that stores an individual’s personal information.

As a result of this, it becomes extremely difficult to forge or manipulate.

The benefits of using a biometric passport are huge. Hence, the reason more countries are incorporating it.

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In light of this, this article contains all you need to know about the fingerprinting passport. Have a good read!

What is a Biometric Passport?

Also known as an e-passport or a digital passport, a biometric passport is a standard passport with an electronic microprocessor chip inserted that contains biometric information that can be used to confirm the passport holder’s identity.

Advantages of Biometric Passport

The following are the advantages of a e-passport to the holder and the country of travel:

  • Authentication that can be trusted
  • Passport control at ePassport gates is automated, eliminating the requirement for border police personnel
  • Added privacy and security features like intricate watermarks or expertly crafted pages
  • Reduced likelihood of fraud

Which Countries Need Biometrics?

The following countries need biometrics:

  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • China
  • Croatia
  • France
  • The Gambia
  • Germany
  • India
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • South Korea
  • Tanzania
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
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How Many Countries have Biometric Passports?

There are over 160 countries issuing biometric passports around the globe. That’s way more than a handful of them. This figure shows just how much more countries understand the benefits of an e-passport. 

What is the Difference Between Biometric and Non-biometric Passports?

Is an American Passport Biometric?

Yes. The American passport is biometric. Reports indicate that at the end of 2021, there were over 145 million valid US electronic passports in use.

In addition, the State Department further issued 15.5 million e-Passports in 2021.

How do I know if my passport is electronic?

Looking at the cover of your passport will reveal whether or not it is electronic. If the bottom has a tiny, gold camera logo, it is biometric.

Since the technology used in creating an electronic passport has progressed and the components have gotten smaller, there are no ridges or bumps to be found.

Are all UK passports biometric?

Yes, all UK passports are biometric. The United Kingdom has been issuing an e-passport since 2006. The e-passports were slowly introduced through 2006.

Can I Get a Visa Without Biometrics?

Without biometrics, it is impossible to get a visa. As a result of the information that can be gotten via biometrics to process your visa, the absence of biometrics implies that your visa won’t be processed.

 

READ MORE: What Documents Do I Need For a Passport?

 

Conclusion

From all indications, the introduction and use of the biometric passport is a good step in beefing up security in countries that recognize the value it offers.

We hope you found this article useful. Kindly hit the comment button; we would love to hear from you.

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