Biometric travel documents
10 March 2008
From 17 March 2008 the Home Office will be issuing biometric travel documents. The process of applying for a Home Office travel document will not change. All applications must be made by post by completing a travel document application form (TD112 Revision 12) and enclosing the correct fee and supporting documents. The applying page provides further information on applying for a travel document.
What is a biometric travel document?
The biometric travel document has a new design and security features including a biometric chip. The chip contains the holder's details as shown on page 31 of the document. Only personal information shown on this page (name, nationality, sex, place and date of birth and signature) is included on the chip .The applicants scanned photograph is the biometric element of the document. No other information is included on the chip.
How secure is the biometric travel document - who will have access to my biometric details?
The biometric travel document contains the holders details on a tamper proof biometric chip. All United Kingdom immigration ports and European Union (EU) member states have the capability to read the data on the bio-chip.
How long are the biometric travel documents valid for?
There will be no change to validity of Home Office travel documents as a result of the introduction of biometrics.
Will my current document still be valid?
You can still use your current travel document until it expires. If you apply for and are issued with a new document after 17 March 2008 you will receive a biometric travel document. For further details see the changing or replacing your document page.
How much will it cost?
Fees for Home Office travel documents will not change with the introduction of the new biometric documents . They will however be subject to yearly review as with the current travel document. The cost page for travel documents lists the current fees.
Changes to the certificate of identity.
From 17 March 2008 the certificate of identity will change its name to the certificate of travel. The colour of the document will change from brown to black. The validity and criteria for issuing the document will not change. If you currently hold a brown certificate of identity document, you can still use it until it expires. The applying page gives further information on how to apply for a certificate of travel.
Application forms
Home Office travel document
- Form TD112 (version 04/2008)PDF 929K opens in a new window
- Checklist TD112 (version 04/2008)PDF 78K opens in a new window
- Guide TD112 (version 04/2008)PDF 83K opens in a new window
See also
Terms explained
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European Union
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Contact
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Immigration enquiry bureau
0870 606 7766
UK Border Agency Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2BY