Biometric documents appeared in our life not so long ago. For many people, they initially raised a lot of questions, but over time, most of them got used to them. However, some still don’t know what the difference between a foreign passport of a new model and an old one is. We will talk about this in the article.
Cost and quality
These are the first two differences of the passport of the new sample from the old, directly related to each other. The fact is that before the document was made of paper. But a special chip is sewn into the biometric passport. Accordingly, the price of materials used in its manufacture is higher than the cost of paper.
Therefore, the state duty on the new passport is set accordingly. If for the production of an old-style document they take 2,000 rubles, then for the biometric “foreign” you will have to pay 3,500 rubles.
Validity
This is the second difference between a new passport and an old one. The biometric document is valid for 10 years. The validity of a regular passport is 5 years. But in any case, if a person travels a lot, the document will have to be drawn up again, as sooner or later the place for customs seals will end.
A few words should be said about the biometric passport for children under the age of 14 years. In their case, this is a travel document that differs from the passport only in name. It can be issued even for babies. But only its validity is 4 years. Because at a young age, a person’s appearance is changing rapidly. And at 5 years old the child will look completely different than at 1 year old.
Waiting time
It should be noted attention and this difference. An old passport is issued several times easier because it is made of paper and does not have biometric components. So for two to three weeks after filing the documents, he is in the hands of his owner.
Biometric “foreign” is done about a month and a half. Because all the data is sent to the central authority (Moscow), where it is processed. Then, based on them, the document itself is prepared, which is then sent back to the department of the FMS, where the citizen applied.
If the person did not issue a passport at the place of residence, then the process will take even more time. Because after submitting documents to them, the FMS sends verification requests regarding his data to the relevant authorities located in the region where the citizen is registered.
Why do I need a biometric document?
This question is asked by the same people who are also interested in the differences between the new passport and the old one. Well, a biometric document is one of the methods of liberalizing the visa regime, implying the prospect of its cancellation in the future.
The EU insisted on the introduction of passports of this format in order to protect countries from illegal migration, terrorism and crime. After all, a biometric document does not allow you to pass control under someone else's name. Even in the case of a change of name and appearance, since fingerprints cannot be faked.
Also, the new passport has enhanced protection against other fakes. Previously, scammers peeled off the laminated film and changed photos, corrected the details of the document, and even put a fake visa stamp. Now it will not work, since all pages are protected by watermarks with historical themes and a national emblem.
Protection methods
In addition to the above, document protection is carried out in a number of other ways. Which, by the way, also distinguishes a biometric passport from an ordinary one. Here is what we are talking about:
- On the second page, the document number is printed in red.
- Used special fibers of yellow-blue color.
- Page numbers are duplicated by watermarks.
- It is impossible to fake a photo for a passport, as it is taken when submitting documents, and the picture goes directly to the biometric database.
- The chip has such a design that when you try to detach it, it simply stops working.
- The citizen’s data page contains tiny holographic copies of his photograph, which are visible only from a certain angle.
An impressive list. Based on the foregoing, we can make sure that the price and validity period are not the most significant differences in the biometric document. And also, that issuing a new passport is a really advisable solution.
Registration
If a person has decided to submit documents for the manufacture of a biometric passport, he needs to familiarize himself with all the requirements for the applicant. There are not so many of them.
First of all, you need to fill out a new passport application form. It is printed in one copy and on both sides. It is recommended to focus on examples available in any department of the FMS.
Fill out the application form for a new passport only with blue or black ink. However, you can enter all the necessary data online, and then print it. Here, by the way, what needs to be specified in the form:
- all passport data;
- valid phone numbers (mobile required, home - if available);
- information from the completed pages of a civil passport;
- registration index of a citizen or region of residence;
- previous surname (if it was changed);
- information on the employment of a citizen in chronological order over the past ten years (information about places of study / work, positions, etc.);
- if there is no labor activity, then indicate the address of residence.
In addition to the questionnaire, you will also need a copy of the civil passport (and its original). Men should have a military ID with them. And, of course, you will need to present a receipt on payment of state duty.
The old-style passport blank is not much different from the new one. The only thing - you need to provide not one instance, but two. In addition, there is an appendix to the old-style passport form - information about labor activity over the past ten years. In the case of an application for registration of a biometric document, they are already on the application form. And you have to do the photos yourself (3 pieces).
In general, it is more expedient to issue a passport for 10 years. The benefits are obvious. In addition, not far off is the time when old-style documents are canceled.