What is an E-Passport?
An Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or electronic chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip stores: • The same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport; • A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry; • The unique chip identification number; and • A digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration. For more information see the U.S. Electronic Passport.
E-Passports feature an embedded Radio Frequency Identification computer chip, which can store and retrieve data, providing for a more secure passport which allows customs agents to electronically access personal data usually found on the inside of previous versions of passports. All Estonian travelers wishing to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must travel with a valid e-Passport. The Republic of Estonia began issuing e-Passports May 22, 2007.
