Starting from March 1, 2023, the Ministry of Public Security will begin issuing ordinary electronic chip-embedded passports for Vietnamese citizens in accordance with the Law on Immigration and Emigration of Vietnamese Citizens.
The electronic chip-embedded passport is a passport equipped with an electronic device that stores encrypted information of the passport holder and the issuer's signature. This is a new improvement aimed at facilitating Vietnamese citizens, enhancing the effectiveness of state management in immigration and emigration, and meeting the international integration requirements of the country.
The basic benefits of electronic chip-embedded passports are as follows:
(1) Electronic chip-embedded passports serve as a prerequisite and basis for automating border control operations, facilitating travel, and entry and exit procedures between countries (especially those using biometric identification technology to control electronic passports at certain international border checkpoints). By accurately and uniformly storing a passenger's information, immigration procedures in various countries can be expedited and simplified, with border control officers quickly verifying passport information as everything becomes readily accessible upon passport scanning. Electronic passports not only store information traditionally written on paper such as name, date of birth, nationality, etc., but also have the capability to store biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, facial recognition, blood type, etc. The more information stored, the more accurate the identification of an individual, allowing border control officers to promptly confirm passenger information during procedures.
(2) Holders of electronic chip-embedded passports will receive priority consideration for visa issuance by foreign countries. Currently, over 100 countries and territories worldwide utilize electronic passports, benefiting from the uniform storage of various information formats among nations. Due to this advantage, individuals holding electronic passports are often given priority for easier entry and exit procedures. For instance, the United States' Visa Waiver Program applies to 39 countries and territories worldwide under the condition that travelers must possess electronic passports.
(3) Electronic chip-embedded passports boast high information security as data is stored within the chip, making it difficult to replicate information. Therefore, electronic passports offer greater security than traditional paper passports, safeguarding passport holders from the risk of personal information theft and counterfeit activities. This helps combat the increasing use of fake passports, visas, and travel documents for illegal activities such as smuggling, illegal migration, terrorism, etc., which many countries, including Vietnam, are currently addressing, without the need for tracking or surveillance.
(4) The issuance of electronic passports not only facilitates the travel activities of citizens but also aligns with the development of e-government initiatives, marking a breakthrough in socio-economic development. It enhances Vietnam's passport standing, accelerates Vietnam's integration process in the region and the world, and contributes to the country's overall international integration efforts.
The format of the electronic chip-embedded passport is similar to that of the non-chip passport with a dark purple cover, featuring beautiful scenes of Vietnam's landscapes and cultural heritage on its pages. All content and images in the passport are produced using modern technology to meet security requirements, prevent counterfeiting, and comply with ICAO standards. To distinguish it from non-chip passports, the first page of the chip-embedded passport contains an electronic chip symbol. The electronic chip is placed on the back cover of the passport to store personal information and biometric data of the passport holder (including facial photo, fingerprints...) and the digital signature of the passport issuing authority.
The electronic chip-embedded passport
Both non-chip and chip-embedded passports are used concurrently. When applying for a passport, Vietnamese citizens aged 14 and above have the right to choose between a non-chip passport or a chip-embedded passport (the passport application form provides an option for citizens to select the passport type). Those who have been issued a non-chip passport will continue to use it until its expiration date without being required to switch to a chip-embedded passport.
Bui Nhung - Tuyen truyen
