Dominica changes e-passport deadline to August 31, 2022

Roseau, Dominica: The government of Dominica has reduced its deadline of adopting E-passports from July 30 2023, to August 31, 2022. As per authorities, the changes have been made because the Dominica government comprehended the need for Dominica to join global actions in providing more safe and secure travel. The new e-passports, which were launched in July 2021, replaces the ordinary machine-readable one and includes both overt and covert security elements.

Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore declared the new date details during a press conference on Wednesday. He said the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, which designed and created the new e-passports of Dominica, has assured that privacy and security are placed the highest.

"Given the speed at which the world moves and the need for better security systems around the world, as well as the desire for safer and more secure systems, there's also a strong requirement for more efficient and secure travel documents that everyone can use and that are in line with relevant international standards and protocols," added the Minister during conferencing.

He said to help Dominicans process the transition, the Ministry for National Security and Home Affairs has developed plans to guide the public.

In an effort to keep people from panicking about the new date, he said that his ministry has made plans to help Dominicans through the change in the next few months.

The technically advanced passports include a microchip that helps authenticate the passport holder's identity, sticking to the most elevated international standard.

Minister Blackmoore also added that the new e-passports would reflect Dominica's aesthetics and contain a unique, modern design. These are embedded with a chip and also hold biometric capabilities to ensure multi-tier security. It also contains around 50 laser engraved pages which is more than the 42 pages on the regular Dominican passport.