Summary

  • Biometric passports have additional security features, such as encryption and active authentication, to prevent forgery.
  • The RFID chip in e-passports stores biometric data like facial mapping and fingerprints.
  • While e-passports offer convenience and security benefits, critics raise concerns about the potential misuse of data stored on the chip.

First introduced over two decades ago, biometric or electronic passports (e-passports) have been adopted by many countries worldwide. While they still look like ordinary passports, they are fitted with a microprocessor chip that stores additional information about the passport holder.

E-passports add extra layers of security and have several advantages compared to the old ones. The chip must be authenticated by public key infrastructure (PKI) to ensure the passport is valid, making it complicated and expensive to forge. This means that if all security protocols are followed correctly, it is easy to detect a forged document. Now, let's explore the features of a biometric passport and how it works.

Biometric identity data is stored on the chip

A biometric passport can be identified by the small gold biometric sign on the bottom of the cover. It uses contactless smart card technology, including a microprocessor chip and an antenna for power and communication. The chip's components are so small that you can't feel any bumps or ridges on your passport.

A passenger holding a US Passport while standing next to a suitcase.
Photo: Atstock Productions | Shutterstock

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip in your passport includes all your biometric data, such as facial mapping to match facial recognition technology, fingerprints, and an iris scan. These were adopted after consideration of several other biometric security features, including retinal scans.

All biometric passports issued by the United States of America and countries that are a part of the USA Visa Waiver Program (VWP) have security features built into them to prevent the unauthorized reading of any data stored on the chip. Security features in biometric passports allow for the following:

  • Basic Access Control (BAC): Adds a layer of safety when the chip communicates with the reader by encrypting transmitted information.
  • Extended Access Control (EAC): Provides additional safety for the holder's data, including fingerprints and iris scans, and also verifies the authenticity of the chip and the reader.
  • Active Authentication (AA): Protects the passport's data from being copied or cloned.
  • Passive Authentication (PA): Identifies when the data on the chip is altered or modified.
  • Metallic Mesh: Shields the chip, protecting it from unauthorized reading.
  • Random identification: Random chip identifiers respond to each request with a unique chip number, preventing it from being traced.

One of the significant advantages of an e-passport is security, as someone can't steal your identity. While the chips on e-passports can be detected from several feet away, the data on the chip can only be accessed if the passport is within four inches of the scanner.

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Advantages and risks of a biometric passport

Having an e-passport means that in many instances, such as returning to your home country, there is no need to wait in a long line. Instead of waiting for a border patrol agent, you hold your passport over a scanner. The machine then matches your data with facial technology while recording that you are back in the country.

While the security benefits and convenience of biometric passports are easy to see, many opponents question how they affect civil liberties. They point out that one of the main problems of biometric passports is that the data on the chip can be transferred wirelessly using RFID technology. They say that the information stored on the chip is not encrypted and could easily be used by criminals. Since the technology's launch, several experimental attacks have been carried out, demonstrating some of the flaws of the biometric passports.

However, many countries continue to move towards issuing e-passports to their citizens. Malaysia was the first country to introduce the electronic document in 1998. As of July 2023, over 150 countries were issuing biometric passports, as seen on the map above. In the US, they were introduced in 2006, while most EU countries started rolling them out between 2005 and 2009.

Some of the latest countries to start issuing e-passports include Iraq (since July 2023), Vietnam (March 2023), Syria (August 2023), and Benin (since 2022). While some countries may not be issuing them yet, they are still accepted upon entry.

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What do you do if you lose your passport?

Despite the new technology and features, biometric passports have nothing built into them that allows you to find your passport if it is lost or stolen. When traveling, have all your information stored on your phone, including a photo of your passport information page.

A traveler holding a US Passport and Condor boarding pass.
Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

If you have lost your passport or suspect it has been stolen, you first need to report it to the local police. Ask them to give you an incident report or affidavit, as you may need this to show your embassy or consulate before obtaining a new passport or temporary travel document. The next step is to report the loss of your passport to your embassy or consulate with the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date and place of birth
  • How you lost your passport/visa (theft, loss, etc.)
  • Copy of your passport, if you have one, together with a copy of the police report

Your embassy or consulate will then tell you what steps you need to take next.

What do you think of this story? For how long have you been using an e-passport? Please let us know in the comments!