KAMPALA, UGANDA: Government of Uganda has announced an upgrade from paper-based electronic passports to polycarbonate e-passports.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the new features give the new polycarbonate passports an edge of data protection and anti-fraud features which make it desirable and easy for use at electronic gates for self-clearance at airports for automated issuance of boarding passes for passengers and full compliance with international security standards and requirement.
Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita Gowa, the Director of Citizenship and Immigration Control at the Ministry said that the new upgrade comes with enhanced security features, and durability as well as conforming to the standard requirements as recommended by EAC and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“The aim of the upgrade is to ensure enhanced security features, durability as well as conforming to requirements as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) and EAC,” said Maj Gen Gowa in a press briefing on Thursday.
“This implies better quality, easy data verification at various airports of ICAO member states, better data protection and minimal chances of damage,” he added.
He explained that both the paper-based and polycarbonate electronic passports will continue to be used but noted that the former will gradually be phased out.
“Both will continue in operation. The paper-based e-passports will continue in use until expiry or when leaflets run out. The upgraded polycarbonate e-passports just like paper-based e-passports have an electromagnetic chip, but the polycarbonate passports have polycarbonate which are tough plastic layers infused together leading to a finished material where personal data is engraved inside the deeper layers of the document with laser.”
The ministry said it is very important that the stakeholders understand that Paper based e-passports are not being invalidated.
“They are valid until the expiry date or until the leaflets are finished. The Polycarbonate e-passports merely present an upgrade akin to upgrading software that does not negate the upgraded software itself. So, holders of the paper-based e-passports should not worry as they are as valid as the polycarbonate ones and they will be used concurrently,” he said.
“There is no need to replace paper-based e-passports. Going forward, new applicants will be issued with polycarbonate e-passports.”
When asked how much the upgraded passport will cost, the ministry explained that the cost of the passports remains unchanged with an ordinary Passport costs Shs250, 000, while an express Passport attracts a fee of Shs150, 000, which makes a total of Shs400, 000.
Official and Diplomatic passports cost Shs400, 000 and Shs500, 000 respectively though these are for specifically identified categories of Government officials.
Ordinary passports take between 7-14 working days to be ready, while express Passports take 3-5 working days.
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