Finland introduces new biometric passports today

Old passports remain valid until their expiry date

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Finland is introducing new biometric passports today - August 21st. The first applications were filed today at 8.00 a.m.
      With this reform, the maximum period of validity of a passport will be reduced to five years. Moreover, children will need a passport of their own, as their data can no longer be included in the passport of a parent.
     
In order to apply for a biometric passport, the applicant needs a valid ID card, and one photo. There is no need to fill in any forms as such, as the data required can be printed directly from the Population Information System maintained by the Population Register Centre. Hence it is important that the applicant’s personal data are up-to-date in the register.
      Furthermore, a new passport can be applied for at any police station in Finland or at a Finnish embassy or consulate abroad.
      The new document costs EUR 46.00, and the average processing time for passport applications is one week from the date of submitting the application. For an additional fee, it is even possible to obtain a passport within 24 hours through fast track or express service.
     
The new biometric passport will contain a microchip storing a digital facial image, as well as personal and passport data. The chip will also contain security features that are to prevent frauds and forgeries of passports as well as the misuse of the data stored on the chip. Photos attached to passport applications must meet the mandatory requirements set for biometric passports.
      Later on, even fingerprint information will be recorded onto the microchip.
      On the other hand, passports of the current type will be valid travel documents until the date of their expiry.
     
The introduction of biometric passports is included as one requirement to maintain the visa waiver program with the United States.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Dutch company to manufacture Finnish biometric passports (3.11.2005)

Links:
  Finnish Police: Passport photo guidelines
  Ministry of the Interior
  Population Register Centre

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