HANOI, Feb 18 (NNN-VNA) – Vietnam will issue passports embedded with electronic microprocessor chips, containing biometric information from next month, so as to facilitate international travel for its citizens, local media reported yesterday.
The Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, cited a statement by the Immigration Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, as saying that, an electronic chip, which will be embedded in the booklet jacket of the paper passport, holds the holder’s personal information, including biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans.
The main advantage of the electronic passport is greater security, as the data digitally stored in the chip is more difficult to replicate than information printed on a traditional passport, making it harder for fraudsters and criminals to travel on false identity documents.
The authorities said, the new passports will be rolled out in compliance with stringent standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in terms of data security.
Having this new type of passport means the holder can enjoy a quicker and easier process at airports.
The introduction of the new type of passport is also expected to facilitate international travel for Vietnamese citizens, as many governments required travellers to hold biometric passports, to gain entry at the destination country.
More than 100 countries and territories currently issue electronic passports, according to the ICAO.– NNN-VNA
