An e-Passport is a passport which features microchip technology. An integrated circuit (chip) within its pages contains the data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These data include the personal data found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip.

The chip technology allows the information stored in an e-Passport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

Biometrics are the unique and measurable physical characteristics of an individual that include face recognition, fingerprints and its scans. The Philippine Electronic Passport (or Philippine e-Passport) uses the digital image of the passport photograph that can be used with face recognition technology to verify the identity of the passport holder.

It captures the fingerprints of the passport holder, for Identification using the Automated Fingerprint Verification System (AFIS).

The Philippine e-Passport allows information stored on the chip to be verified with the information visually displayed on the passport.

It uses contactless microchip technology that allows the information stored on the chip to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

It contains an integrated photograph of the holder, a digitized secondary photo and an electronic print of the holder’s signature.

It contains overt and hidden security features such as invisible Personal Information (IP), letterscreen, microprinting, and UV reactive ink, among others.

An MRP is a passport that contains a machine-readable zone (MRZ) printed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard. It is capable of being read manually and with the use of a machine.

An e-Passport has an embedded IC chip where the photograph and personal information of the bearer are stored in accordance with ICAO specifications. This information can be read by chip readers at close distance. An e-Passport also contains a machine-readable zone.

The e-Passport is highly secure, hence avoids passport reproduction and tampering. The e-Passport database is enhanced with AFIS that guards against multiple passport issuances to the same person and enhances imposter detection.

It facilitates fast clearance of travelers at Immigration checks.

E-passports provide travelers benefits such as use of automated border clearance or “E-gates”, automated Issuance of boarding passes, and faster travel arrangements with airlines.

For countries, the use of electronic passport also provides better border protection and security.

The MRP has the minimum ICAO standards in travel documents. The e-Passport is the world standard in travel documents. As member of ICAO, the Philippines has an international obligation to enhance the security of its travel documents.

The issuance of e-Passports will allow the Philippines to offer world-class consular services to its nationals.

Countries have greater confidence and acceptance of the e-Passport since it is enhanced with biometric technology.

The e-Passport is available for P950.

The added security features of the e-Passport are factored into the production cost. Comparative prices of e-Passports from different countries, however, show that the cost of the Philippine e-Passport is among the lowest in the world.

E-Passports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In ASEAN, five countries have already issued e-Passports (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia). In the future, all countries are seen to switch to the e-Passport due to increasing need for efficient and better border security.

The e-Passport logo which appears on the cover of the e-Passport is the international symbol for an electronic passport. It means that the passport has an integrated circuit or chip on which data about the passport and passport holder is stored. The logo will alert border inspection lanes at all airports and transit ports equipped with special data readers for e-Passports that the passport is an e-Passport.

Yes. Previously issued passports (MRP and non-MRP) are valid until their expiry. It is a good practice to make sure your passport is valid at least six months before intended date of travel to avoid any inconvenience.

None. Essentially, the requirements for Passport processing will remain the same that for the MRP, although personal appearance is required for the taking of biometrics (i.e., fingerprints, photo, and signature).