Singapore unveils biometric passport

From August, all passport holders in Singapore can apply for new travel documents with additional security features designed for international standards.

The biometric passport, called BioPass, was unveiled on Friday by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng.

Each e-passport contains a polycarbonate page that is embedded with a contactless chip, carrying the owner's facial and fingerprint biometric identifiers.

According to Singapore's Immigration and CheckPoints Authority (ICA), the BioPass carries enhanced security features that are difficult to tamper with, such as multiple laser images (MRIs). The MRI has been incorporated into Singapore identity cards since 1991. In addition, the cover of the BioPass carries the International Civil Aviation Organization's e-passport logo.

Wong noted that the BioPass has achieved Level II certification under the United States' Visa Waiver Program, which requires participating countries to issue e-passports by 26 October 2006. "This means that tests conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security have shown the BioPass to be in full compatibility with its passport readers," he pointed out.

Singapore, along with Australia, New Zealand and the US, have been involved in an International Live Test since January. These trials are expected to be completed by 15 April.

The BioPass will be issued to government officials and Singapore Airlines crew members from 29 April, as part of a "careful and calibrated approach" in implementing the new e-passports, said Wong.

Traditional passports will continue to be issued in Singapore until August, and according to ICA, can be used until they are due for renewal.

The ICA added that the price of the BioPass has yet to be confirmed but a spokesperson did not deny that the cost could increase. Currently, citizens need to fork out 50 Singaporean dollars (£17) for a new passport if they submit an application via the internet, or 60 Singaporean dollars (£21) when they apply directly at ICA's office.

Tan Boon Chin, senior vice president and executive director of systems integration group, NEC Solutions Asia-Pacific, said the chip and enhanced features "cost money".

Therefore, he added that a BioPass cannot be offered at the same price as a traditional passport. E-passports with basic features cost about 20 per cent to 30 per cent more than traditional passports, Tan noted.

In the UK the cost of passports was reported to have increased by 18 per cent after the country made the switch to biometrics.

Singapore is the second country in Asia after Thailand to introduce e-passports, Tan said, though the Thai government's initiative was not designed to meet the requirements of the US Visa Waiver Program.

Thailand went live with its e-passport initiative on 1 August 2005.

Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India are in various stages of their e-passport initiative, NEC's Tan noted. Japan is working toward meeting the October deadline set by the US, while India is currently conducting a feasibility study.

Vivian Yeo writes for ZDNet Asia