E-Passport is becoming a trend in the modern world. Paper-based passports have resulted in security risks over the years due to counterfeiting.
Additionally, they can be altered easily, leading to false identities and unauthorized access. Thus, to address these concerns, digital passports were introduced. Curious to learn more about e-passports, their pros, and the process to obtain one? Stick around till the end of this article.
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Meaning Of E-Passport
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An e-passport is a digital passport that has an electronic chip IP. The chip houses your biometric information on the passport holder which includes fingerprints, facial information, iris, etc. Additionally, it stores more information about the passport holder like name, birth date, present address, photograph, etc.
The first electronic passport came into existence in the year 1988 in Malaysia. The US Government later introduced their own in 2006.
What’s The Difference Between An E-Passport And Regular Passport
From my perspective, the main difference between an e-passport and a regular passport lies in technology.
While a regular passport contains only printed information, an e-passport features an embedded electronic chip that stores biometric data which enhances security and facilitates automated border control processes for smoother travel experiences.
The Features Of This Passport
In my experience, an electronic passport is a great alternative to traditional paper-based passports, boasting a set of 41 security features. Notably, these features encompass:
- Collection of biometric data upon issuance.
- Authentication of your database through your digital signature.
- Integration of a chip within the passport, equipped with ample 64kb storage capacity.
How To Apply For This Passport
In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to successfully apply for an e-Passport. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
1. Step 1: Visit the passport website in other to apply. US applicants can apply here
2. Step 2: Tap on the new user registration if you haven’t registered anything yet. But if you have an account with them before you can easily log in with your credentials.
3. Step 3: Through the redirect, you can easily complete the registration process.
4. Step 4: Then you can choose between “Apply for a fresh passport” and “Re-issuance of passport.”
5. Step 5: Fill in your details, then upload your documents, after that, you have to submit them.
6. Step 6: Make sure you pay the necessary fee and schedule your appointment for the passport.
7. Step 7: Take the print of the acknowledgment or use the SMS that is sent on your phone for verification in the passport office.
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Pros Of Having An Electronic Passport
The various benefits of this passport include the following:
- Saves Time
The passengers who are making use of the electronic passport will not have to wait for a long time because their passports will be reviewed within a few seconds.
- Easy To Track
It easily tracks the user information after doing the biometric. So those data that are breached and the production of fake passports will be prohibited during the result.
- Reveals Authentication
When the electronic passport authentication is been tampered with, it will automatically fail. To avoid redundancy, the procedure has different levels of protection.
- Safety
You can not wipe information from the electronic passport information, that is why the safety is sure. Using this passport will reduce the high rate of fake passports on the street.
Cons Of Using An Electronic Passport
The following are the limitations and drawbacks of the electronic passport which include:
- The contactless RFID-embedded chips could be read using the radio frequency from a distance of centimeters away. The unprotected chips are subject to clandestine scanning.
- For you to generate the unique chip ID you will use the standard ISO 14443 during the protocol initiation. When using this chip can make unauthorized parties track the passport easily.
- When you use the digital signature in your passport don’t bind the data to any particular chip that is used on the passport. There is no defense for this passport cloning.
- This passport-to-reader communication will be authenticated and encrypted which is an optional mechanism as per ICAO guidelines.
When it is not implemented it can lead to cryptographic weaknesses between the reader and the passport.
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What Are The Data Stored On An Electronic Passport?
This passport stores the biometric data of the user’s passport. The important data include the following :
- Your name is the owner of the passport.
- Your date of birth.
- Your demographic details.
- Your scanned iris.
- Your ten fingers fingerprints.
- Your digital signature.
- A passport-sized photograph of you.
Where You Can Use The Electronic Passport?
You can make use of this passport as a means of identification while travelling just like the regular passport. Additionally, you can use it during domestic travel to avoid long queues and make the security check fast.
Conclusion
The introduction of these electronic passports with embedded chips brought development for the track and tourism industry. Those who own this new passport will find it easy to cross the international border and make travel a less stressful affair for people from all walks of life.
