Top

Electronic passports for Romanians as of 2009

January 1, 2009

Starting Dec. 31, 2008 Romania can issue electronic passports that will be personalized by the Single National Centre for Electronic Passports Personalization, informs a Wednesday release of the Ministry of Administration and the Interior (MAI) to Agerpres.

Electronic passports are issued based on Regulation No. 2.252/2004 of the Council of Europe of December 13, 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by member states.

Minister of Administration and the Interior Gabriel Oprea visited on Wednesday the National Centre for Electronic Passports Personalization (that is a part of the MAI General Passports Department), where the new passport type will be produced as of Dec. 31, 2008. Oprea voiced his opinion that the issue of electronic passports is just one of several steps taken by MAI towards fulfilling Romania’s goal of joining the Schengen Area in 2011.

‘The new passports are proof of Romania’s capability to meet its responsibilities as a EU member state. The introduction of extra supplementary security elements and the strict border control are aimed at hindering cross-border crime,’ underscored the Minister.

Compared to the current passports that incorporate 32 security elements, the electronic passport will have 50 such features, and a five-year effectiveness; for minors aged less than six the validity period is three years. AGERPRES

k

Comments

Got something to say?





Bottom