First British ePassport
The UK Passport Service confirmed its place as one of the frontrunners in the international race to combat fraud and forgery when it issued the first British biometric ePassport today.
The new passports have a new design with additional security features, including a chip with the holder´s facial biometric. They will be introduced gradually throughout 2006 and will be issued to all applicants by the end of August.
These technological advances are being adopted across the world to improve the security of travel documents and border controls, with over 40 countries in the process of introducing ePassports. Countries such as the UK, which are part of the US visa waiver scheme, must comply with new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and begin issuing biometric passports incorporating a facial image to remain in the scheme by October 2006.
Home Office Minister Andy Burnham said:
"ePassports are the first step in secure biometric identity documentation. Not only will they improve the integrity and security of British passports, they will also help in the detection of forged or manipulated documents while confirming the identity of the individual.
"Biometric technology makes use of the unique features we all have and there is no doubt that the use of biometric information to link a person to a passport will enhance security. In step with our European partners we will also be considering the inclusion of fingerprints as well as facial data in due course.
"Around the world, more and more countries are taking action to ensure the security of their travel documents. British citizens deserve first class passports and we are making every effort to ensure the UK is leading the way."
Posted on 6 March 2006
