Posted by 
You probably already know you need to have a passport to travel internationally. But what about biometric passports, also known as ePassports? Even if you don’t know what they are, chances are you already have one. Most countries, including the United Kingdom, currently issue biometric passports. Here’s how they work and how they can be really handy for your next trip.
What is a biometric passport?
A biometric passport, also known as an ePassport, is a passport book with an embedded computer chip that contains your personal data. The data matches the information found on your passport’s data page, including your photo.
What biometric data is stored on an ePassport?
In the UK, ePassports store your personal information (such as name and date of birth) and biometric facial image. The image can be used with facial recognition technology, which identifies individuals based on their facial features. UK biometric passports do not include fingerprint data.
Are biometric passports safe?
Yes, biometric passports are safe. UK ePassports have security features that prevent ‘skimming’ – a hacking technique for stealing data from magnetic stripes or data chips, such as the ones in biometric passports.
How do I know if I have an ePassport?
All biometric passports have an international biometric symbol on the cover. This symbol, usually embossed in gold, is a horizontal rectangle with a circle in the middle. If your passport has this symbol on the cover, then you have a biometric passport.
Do I need a biometric passport?
For most international travel, you do not need a biometric passport. (You still need a passport in general, though!) But there are some exceptions. For example, to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you need an ePassport. Always check the immigration policies of your destination country before travelling to ensure you have the proper documentation.
Even though biometric passports are not always necessary, they make international travel easier in many cases. Some international airports have automated border control systems, or electronic gates (e-gates). At e-gates, scanners use biometric technology to verify travellers’ identities and passport information. This is often faster than manual passport checks by humans, which means the queues are usually shorter!
If you’re travelling through an airport that has e-gates, read the signage or ask an airport employee to ensure your passport is compatible with the e-gates. In some places, only certain countries’ passports are permitted to use the e-gates.
How does a biometric passport work?
Biometric passports contain computer chips, which are usually located on the last page or within the cover. These chips can be read by electronic scanners at border crossings – this is usually much faster than a manual read by an immigration officer.
In the UK, if your chip malfunctions, you can still use your passport as a valid paper document. You just won’t be able to use an e-gate.
Which countries have a biometric passport?
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, more than 140 countries and non-state entities like the European Union currently issue ePassports. Some countries issue both biometric passports and ‘regular’ paper passports.
Is there an ePassport for the UK?
Yes, all British passports are biometric passports, or ePassports. The only exception is emergency passports issued by a British Embassy or Consulate. Because these passports need to be issued quickly, they are paper-only passports, not ePassports.
When did the UK start issuing biometric passports?
The UK started issuing biometric passports in 2006. Since passports expire after 10 years, that means that all currently valid British passports (excluding emergency passports) are ePassports.
How do I get an ePassport?
In the UK, all passports are ePassports. Simply follow the standard passport application process, and you’ll receive a biometric passport. If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, you may need to attend an interview at an HM Passport Office. You can submit your application online or at a Post Office using the Check and Send service. If you’re renewing a valid passport, you can do so online. If your passport expires, you can apply for a renewal as normal, unless it has been more than 10 years since it expired, in which case you’ll need to apply as if for a first-time passport.
Will the passport become completely virtual?
The future of international travel may indeed be paperless. Some countries are testing travel with digital documents, in which travellers do not need to use their physical passports. Instead, their information would be attached to their smartphones – or perhaps even to their faces via facial recognition technology.
While we might be moving towards a paperless future in international travel, it will likely take quite some time to implement the technology worldwide. So, for now, make sure you have a biometric passport!
The post What is a biometric passport? appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
