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Dominica Biometric Passports Officially Launched: Replacement Deadline July 2023

26 June 2021 | Tags:
Dominica Biometric Passports to be issued from July 19, 2021

Dominica Biometric Passports

The Government of Dominica announced the launch of its new biometric passport from July 19, 2021. The official ceremony for the issuance of biometric passports to Dominica citizens took place on July 26, 2021. The first to receive new passports were Dominica’s President, His Excellency Charles Savarin, and his wife Clara Savarin. Dominica became the first country among the members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to launch the issuance of biometric passports. The deadline of July 30, 2023, was given to all Dominica citizens to obtain a modern biometric passport.

What is a biometric passport?

A biometric passport (e-passport, ePassport or digital passport) is a government document proving the identity and citizenship of the owner when crossing state borders and travel abroad. An e-passport looks like a traditional passport but has an international biometric symbol at the footer of the front cover.

The main difference between a biometric passport and a regular one is an embedded electronic microprocessor chip containing data about the owner of the document:

  • Passport number, date of issue and expiration date;
  • Photo, surname, name, patronymic, date of birth of a person;
  • Biometric data can be added with information that can be used to authenticate the identity of the passport holder: iris recognition, fingerprints, etc.

Biometric passport benefits

Dominica’s transition to biometric passports is primarily aimed at improving the security of Dominica’s borders and the safety of personal data of its citizens.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is used to authenticate data stored electronically in the passport chip, making it costly and difficult to counterfeit when all security mechanisms are fully and correctly implemented.

Information from e-passports is read instantly, allowing the passport holder to be quickly checked at border crossings, and the state receives the necessary information about passengers and goods imported into the country.

How to obtain a Dominica biometric passport

Dominica citizens can obtain a biometric passport by contacting Dominica embassies abroad or directly the Dominica Immigration Division.

The application process for a change of passport remains the same. Applicants can download the passport application form from the Government website. Along with the application, Dominica citizens are required to provide: two passport photos, the original birth certificate, marriage certificate, an expired or valid passport, and a certificate of naturalization if citizenship was obtained as part of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Acquiring Dominica citizenship

Since 1993, Dominica’s world renown Citizenship by Investment Programme has enabled dignified people around the world to secure a reliable future for themselves and their families. Dominica citizens travel freely to over 130 countries and territories and can choose where to vacation, study or do business.

With an investment of USD 220,000 in the flagship real estate project Anichi Resort & Spa, you can apply and obtain Dominica citizenship in 3-4 months. Do not miss this opportunity. Contact us now for further assistance.