suzyq

Taken from the British Consulate in Turkey page

What is a biometric passport?
A biometric passport carries biometric information linking a person to their passport. Biometric verification can be used at border controls and to check that the image on a passport renewal application matches the images we hold on record.

We can also use biometric information to:

Allow automated immigration checks in the future
Make sure British citizens can still travel to the USA visa-free
Make sure British passport holders are not at a disadvantage as other countries switch to biometric passports.
Why biometrics?
Because of the increasing threat of identity fraud we need to strengthen security features in passports. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which sets international standards, chose facial recognition as the main biometric measure. Iris and fingerprint recognition are a back-up, but they are not compulsory.


How do facial biometrics work?
Facial recognition maps the various features on the face - for example, the distances between eyes, nose, mouth and ears. These measurements are digitally coded and can then be used for comparison and verification purposes. Biometric technology is perfectly safe because facial biometrics can be taken from a good quality passport photo.



The first generation of biometric passports is being developed as part of the international community's response to the threat of terrorism. Biometric identifiers in passports are being introduced to enhance the security of travel identity documents, and prevent fraud. As part of this process the UK Passport Service (UKPS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have agreed to adopt International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for the first phase of UK biometric passports. This means that the first UK biometric passports will have facial recognition (photo) as the biometric identifier.

Passports will be in book form (as now) and incorporate a chip under a thick laminate on the observations page. Biometric data will be gathered from the photographs submitted by applicants, by mapping the distance between eyes, nose mouth and ears. The measurements will be digitally coded and held on an electronic chip secured in the passport page. The photographs will have to be high resolution and meet certain standard criteria as listed below:-

THE PHOTOGRAPHS MUST BE:
- identical;
- recent (taken within the last six months);
- 45 millimeters(mm) X 35 millimeters;
- printed on photo quality paper;
- a close-up of your head and shoulders so that your face covers 70 to 80% of the photograph;
- taken against a white cream or light gray plain background so that your features are clearly distinguishable against the background;
- be in sharp focus and clear;
be printed at 1200dpi resolution or better if they are digital or scanned photographs.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS MUST SHOW:
- your full face, looking straight at the camera;
- a neutral expression, with your mouth closed;
- your eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or heavily tinted glasses, and no hair across your eyes)
- no reflection on your spectacles, if you wear them and the frames should not cover your eyes;
- no shadows
- your full head, without any head covering, unless worn for religious beliefs; and
- your face uncovered.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF BABIES AND CHILDREN:
It is very important that, the full face of the baby or child can be seen; and the child is photographed alone. No toys, other people, adult's hands, or baby soothers should be visible. For children over six months old, the photograph must show the colour of their eyes.

Passport photographs which do not meet these criteria cannot be accepted and will delay the processing of your application. It is in everyone's best interest to submit photographs which meet the laid down criteria.

DO I NEED TO UPGRADE MY CURRENT PASSPORT?
Your current passport will remain valid until its expiry date. You will not need to change your passport for a biometric passport.

BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS FEES:
The new 32 page biometric passport will cost £119.00 for adults and £76 for children. The new 48 page biometric passport will cost £144.00. All fees are paid in local currency, i.e. Turkish Lira at the current Consular Rate of Exchange.

WHAT’S THE LINK BETWEEN BIOMETRICS AND THE US VISA WAIVER PROGRAMME?
The United States introduced legislation in 2003 that requires countries wishing to continue to benefit from the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) which includes the UK to begin issuing biometric passports by October 2004. An extension until October 2005 was signed off by the US President in August 2004, but travelers arriving after 26 October 2005 are required to have a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) otherwise they will need to have a visa. The technical standards for biometric and machine readable travel documents are set by the ICAO. The UK has played an active role in this process


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Guz1

Here you go, Cicero. Hope the lin works.
http://ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk/en/our...con-bod/3660311

carolgriffiths

we renewed our passports last month.
I wear spectacles and previously have had them on in photos,however this time,I had to send pics without them on.
The powers that be said they should be removed for pics to avoid shadows and reflections.our new passports came and on the back of the details/photo page theres a little chip like thing-is this to do with the biomet thingy?

carolk

Hi Shirley

I had my photos rejected because of my fringe, it was slightly over my eyes. Apparemtly your whole face must be clearly seen. I had to move it back and then they were accepted. Could that be what it means?

carolk

Hi Shirley

I had my photos rejected because of my fringe, it was slightly over my eyes. Apparently your whole face must be clearly seen. I had to move it back and then they were accepted. Could that be what it means?

carolk

Sorry for the double post, cant get it off

Cicero

Thanks for the information it is greatly appreciated

Cicero

Thanks for the information it is greatly appreciated