China issues e-Passports

China has introduced the issuance of e-passports to better protect citizens’ personal data and national security.

The issuance of the 49-page travel document began on15 May.

The e-passport will be fitted with a chip on the last page, which only police and customs authorities will have access to the information stored in the chip. Each page of the e-passport will also have an anti-forgery label. Beijing Public Security Bureau Head of e-Passport Management Tang Lei was quoted in Chinadaily.com.cn as having said that the e-passport will be effective in protecting national security and convenient for residents when passing through customs checkpoints.

Beginning May 15, new applicants will obtain e-passports after storing thumb fingerprints and signatures, while old passports can still be used, if valid.