Embedded Microchip in Passports: The Integral Role of Passport Photos

A chip or microchip is a combination of various electronic components, also known as integrated circuits (ICs). For larger ICs, the term chip or microchip is used.

Nowadays, ICs can be found in almost all electronic devices of some complexity, including computers, smartphones, washing machines, and cars. Microchips are also present in payment cards, public transport cards, and transponders used to identify pets.

The passport photo on a Microchip

Every travel document issued by the government contains a microchip on which the passport photo is stored. The photo is used in black and white on the document, and stored in color on the chip.

This chip is located in the Identity Card and in the passport on the data page, which contains the personal information and passport photo. The chip contains the following information:

• The passport photo (in color)
• The document type
• The issuing country
• Prefixes, names, and first names
• The document number
• The nationality
• The date of birth
• The gender
• The validity period of the document
• The citizen service number

Two Fingerprints

Additionally, two fingerprints are stored on the chip in the passport. This technology provides an extra level of security to help prevent identity theft or fraudulent use of the document.