British frequent flyers now have the option of a 48-page e-passport known as the eJumbo.
Following the introduction of 32-page biometric e-passports last year, the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) felt UK travellers were in need of the extra 16 pages for visa stamps. ”We are a nation of seasoned travellers, issuing more passports than any other country in the world bar the United States,” said Home Office minister Joan Ryan.
”80% of the UK population now holds a passport and a record 6.6m were issued last year alone. The eJumbo will provide a popular alternative to the standard e-passport for Brits regularly travelling abroad, be it for work or pleasure.”
Biometric passports contain a secure chip with information about the holder, such as their personal information and a scanned photo. These passports are harder to forge, as the chips contain security features to highlight if they are genuine or have been tampered with in any way. Facial biometrics on the chip also link the information to the owner, lowering the chances of passport fraud.
Four million biometric passports have been issued to UK citizens so far. The IPS is continuing its drive to lower identity fraud in 2007 by introducing face-to-face interviews with all first-time adult applicants. Interviews are expected to begin mid-year.
Picture shows BBC Holiday presenter Craig Doyle at Heathrow airport launching the new eJumbo.