What is an ePassport?

An ePassport is also known as a biometric passport. It looks like a traditional passport book, but it contains an electronic chip that is encoded with the same information found on page 2 of the passport (surname, given name, date of birth, place of birth and gender). It also includes a digital picture of the bearer's face.

The addition of the electronic chip to the Canadian passport will increase security, provide greater protection against tampering and reduce the risk of fraud. The chip will enhance the current security features of the Canadian passport, which include holographic images and a hidden photo of the bearer that can only be viewed under ultraviolet light.

You may also be interested in...

• Will the ePassport contain biometric information such as an iris scan or fingerprints?
• How does the ePassport work?
• Can someone read the information on my ePassport without my knowledge?
• Will the ePassport contain any kind of tracking device?
• I have a valid passport. Will I still be able to use it even though it's not an ePassport?
• What will happen if the chip in my ePassport doesn't work?
• Will children's ePassports also be valid for 10 years?
• Will the ePassport make border crossings faster?

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