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  Transportation Security
  e-Passports

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      e-Passportse-Passports
Depiction of e-Passport symbol on front of passport

An e-Passport contains an electronic chip. The chip holds the same information that is printed on the passport's data page: the holder's name, date of birth, and other biographic information. An e-Passport also contains a biometric identifier. The United States requires that the chip contain a digital photograph of the holder. All e-Passports issued by Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries and the United States have security features to prevent the unauthorized reading or "skimming" of data stored on the e-Passport chip.
      
      U.S. e-Passport Requirements
      The United States requires that travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006. Additional information on VWP e-Passport requirements.
              Entering the U.S. with an e-Passport
      The inspection process for an e-Passport holder is the same as that for a non-e-Passport holder. When arriving at U.S. ports of entry, e-Passport holders will be directed by signage or personnel on the appropriate U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth to use.
              Benefits of an e-Passport
      E-Passports help to

securely identify the traveler,
	provide protection against identity theft,
	protect privacy and
	make it difficult to alter a document for use in gaining admission to the United States.The biographic and biometric data contained in the electronic chip can be compared to both the traveler and the travel document being presented. There are multiple layers of security in the e-Passport process that prevent duplication.
              International Cooperation
      The United States and its VWP partners have worked together through extensive testing to identify a technology solution to support the production of e-Passports and e-Passport readers. Successful testing in the United States and overseas has been an important step forward in a larger, thorough effort to improve security and facilitate legitimate travel and trade through international cooperation.
              Learn More
      Getting a Visa
	Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries
	Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements Timeline
	OBIM Privacy Information
  
    
    TopicsBorder SecurityKeywordsVisa Waiver Program (VWP)

    Last Updated: 06/01/2023
  
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