Cost of Biometrics Spurs Run on Old-Style Passports
The demand for the older style of Finnish passports is increasing. The new biometric passports will be available beginning just over a month from now, on August 21.
However many Finns want to get the old type of passport before then because it is cheaper than the high-tech new documents.
However Minister of the Interior Kari Rajamäki says that "the new Finnish passport with improved security features will not be significantly more expensive than the existing passport."
Another disadvantage, as some see it, is that biometric passports are only valid for five years, whereas the current passports are good for 10 years. Furthermore, children can no longer be included on a parent's passport.
Biometric passports contain a microchip containing the bearer's facial image, personal data and passport data, along with security features aimed at thwarting passport fraud and forgery.
Several other EU member states have already begun issuing biometric passports, while others are trying to comply with the timetables set by the EU and the United States following the 2001 terrorist attacks.
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