The new Portuguese electronic passport is an advanced achievement, both in technical and artistic terms, and represents the beginning of a new generation of e-ID documents in Portugal. The new passport preserves the features of the current passport for the identification of its holder, but integrates a new generation of mechanisms ranging from facial recognition to the incorporation of a chip, with the same information as the one printed in the holder page.

• Name
• Height
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Place of Birth
• Issuing and expiration date of passport
• Photograph
• Digital signature

Policy Context

Portugal is one of the first countries in EU (and worldwide) to develop biometric passports.

Technology solution

Electronic passports for enhanced security features also contain a contact-less microchip. The microchip included all the biographic information printed in the passport as well as a digital version of the photograph suitable for use in digital facila recognition. While fingerprint information is obtained when applying for the passport, it is not included in the passport iteslef. The Portuguese Electronic Passport meets ICAO standards for electronic passports, and contains tha biometric passport symbol (a small eye-like image). The PEP meets all the requirenments for the United States Visa Waiver Program.

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Lessons learnt

Fast delivery, given the technical aspests involved. Delivery time is within 6 working days of an application's approval. In case of urgency - if requested by the holder - an expedited service is also available.

Scope: National