Section A: What is a Biometric Passport?
A biometric passport, often referred to as an e-passport, is a travel document that contains an embedded electronic microchip. The microchip stores key identity information about the passport holder and, in the UK, it includes the holder’s facial image in a format that supports automated identity checks. The main purpose of a biometric passport is to help confirm that the person presenting the passport is the rightful holder and to support faster, more secure processing at border control.
In UK terms, a biometric passport is a British passport with an embedded electronic chip that stores the holder’s facial image and personal details for automated border checks.
1. At a glance
A biometric passport is sometimes described in very technical terms, but in practical UK travel terms it is straightforward. It is a passport with a chip that can be read by border systems and matched to the passport holder’s face at an eGate or by an officer. Biometric passports are now the standard format for UK passports issued by HM Passport Office.
- a. What it is: a passport with an embedded chip containing identity data and a facial image.
- b. How to spot it: the front cover has a small rectangular chip symbol.
- c. Why it matters: it supports faster automated checks at borders and helps protect against document fraud.
2. How to check if your passport is biometric
You can tell if a passport is biometric by checking for the small rectangular chip symbol on the front cover.
The easiest way to check is to look for the chip symbol on the front cover. If the symbol is present, the passport is an ePassport. Most UK passports in circulation are biometric, although older passports remained valid until their expiry date. A passport being biometric does not change its validity period, it changes how it can be read and checked at borders.
3. Embedded microchip
The key feature of a biometric passport is its embedded microchip, which is typically located within the cover of the passport. The chip stores the passport holder’s details in a way that can be read by compatible scanners at border control points.
When the passport is scanned, the chip data can be checked against the printed details in the passport and used to support identity verification. At eGates and at some border control desks, the facial image stored on the chip is used to support a comparison against the traveller’s live image to help confirm identity.
4. Biometric data
UK passports use facial recognition only as the biometric identifier stored on the passport chip.
For UK passports, the biometric element is the high-resolution digital facial image stored on the chip. Border control systems can use facial recognition technology to compare the image stored on the passport chip with the person presenting the passport, supporting identity verification in automated and manual processes.
Some countries also use additional biometrics within their own travel and border systems, such as fingerprints, but UK passports are not issued with fingerprint or iris biometric data stored on the passport chip as a standard feature. If a traveller is concerned about what checks may be used at a particular destination, it is sensible to check the entry requirements and border processes of the country they are travelling to, as procedures vary internationally.
5. Security features
The data on the microchip is protected by security controls that help to prevent tampering and to help systems detect if chip data has been altered. Biometric passports also include physical security features within the document itself, which work alongside the chip to reduce the risk of fraud.
In practice, the combination of the chip, the machine-readable data and the document’s physical security features is intended to make it harder for a counterfeit passport to pass routine checks.
6. Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ)
In addition to the microchip, biometric passports contain a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) on the identity page. The MRZ includes the passport holder’s details in a format that can be quickly scanned and processed by border control systems. The MRZ complements the data stored on the chip, supporting quick and efficient verification of the traveller’s identity and passport validity.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
One common misconception to flag is what biometric data is actually stored on the passport: UK passports use facial recognition only. They don’t contain fingerprints or other biometric data on the passport chip.
So in UK terms, a biometric passport only proves the holder’s nationality. It doesn’t relate to, or verify, immigration permission or residence rights. This is an important clarification, as relying on a passport for more than it can evidence can lead to incorrect assumptions in applications, travel or verification processes.
Section B: How Does a Biometric Passport Work?
Biometric passports work by allowing border systems to read information stored on the passport chip and compare it with the person presenting the document. In the UK context, the process is primarily focused on confirming that the facial image stored on the passport chip matches the traveller at the border, either through automated systems or an immigration officer’s checks.
In the UK, biometric passport checks are primarily carried out at the border rather than by airlines.
1. Biometric verification at the UK border
When a biometric passport is presented at the UK border, the passport is scanned so that the chip and the machine-readable zone can be read. The system checks that the passport is genuine and that the chip data is consistent with the printed details in the document.
At automated border control points, commonly known in the UK as ePassport gates or eGates, the system captures a live facial image of the traveller. That image is compared with the facial image stored on the passport chip. If the system is satisfied that the images match and there are no other issues, the gates open and the traveller can proceed.
Where automated gates are not available, or where additional checks are required, a Border Force officer will inspect the passport and may use facial comparison as part of the manual examination process.
2. Use of biometric passports during travel
Biometric passports are used at different stages of international travel, but it is important to distinguish between airline checks and border control checks. Airlines are responsible for checking that passengers hold valid travel documents for their destination. This usually involves scanning the passport and checking its validity, rather than carrying out biometric matching against the passport chip.
The biometric element of the passport becomes most relevant at border control. In the UK, eGates and manual immigration checks rely on the passport chip and facial image to support identity verification. The passport itself does not continuously track the traveller’s movements, and biometric checks are only carried out when the document is presented to an authorised system.
3. International variation in biometric checks
While biometric passports follow international standards, how they are used in practice varies by country. Some countries use fingerprints or other biometric checks as part of their border control processes, even if that data is not stored on the passport chip itself.
Travellers should be aware that the presence of a biometric passport does not mean that border procedures are identical everywhere. Entry processes, biometric checks and automation levels differ between countries, and travellers remain subject to the local immigration rules and border controls of the destination they are entering.
4. Privacy and data handling at the border
Biometric passport data is accessed only when the passport is presented for inspection to authorised systems. In the UK, the use of biometric data for passport and border control purposes is governed by domestic data protection law and Home Office policies.
The biometric information stored on the passport chip is used to support identity verification and document security. It is not intended for general monitoring or tracking and is handled within the scope of lawful border control and travel document functions.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Practically speaking, biometrics can provide a high degree of certainty because the checks are automated and based on system data. However, this also means the outcomes are binary, so you either pass or fail. If the source data is incorrect or flawed, you’re likely to have a problem when it comes to relying on it. What this means in practice is that you have minimal influence over the decision once the check is carried out.
It’s also important to remember that different organisations perform different checks for different purposes. A pass in one context doesn’t mean a pass in all situations. So, a passport that scans correctly for an airline does not necessarily guarantee a smooth entry at the border.
Section C: Benefits of Biometric Passports
Biometric passports are designed to support more reliable identity checks and more efficient border processes. In practice, the benefits are most visible at border control, where automated systems and officers can confirm identity more quickly and with greater confidence than would be possible using visual inspection alone.
1. Enhanced document security
Biometric passports reduce the risk of passport fraud by linking the document more closely to the individual holder. The facial image stored on the passport chip can be checked against the person presenting the passport, making it harder for a genuine passport to be used by someone else.
The embedded chip and the machine-readable features of the passport also make it more difficult to alter or counterfeit the document without detection. Border systems can identify inconsistencies between the chip data and the printed passport details, which helps authorities detect tampering.
2. Faster processing at border control
One of the most noticeable benefits for travellers is the ability to use automated border control systems. In the UK, biometric passports allow eligible travellers to use ePassport gates, which can significantly reduce waiting times compared with manual checks during busy periods.
Automated systems are designed to process large volumes of passengers efficiently while still carrying out identity verification. Where a biometric check is successful, travellers can pass through the border without needing to speak to an officer.
3. More consistent identity verification
Biometric passports support more consistent identity checks by reducing reliance on subjective visual assessment alone. Facial comparison using the passport chip provides an additional layer of verification, supporting more uniform decision-making across different border control points.
This consistency benefits both travellers and border authorities by reducing the scope for error and helping officers focus attention on cases that require closer scrutiny.
4. International recognition and standards
Biometric passports are issued in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. This common framework allows passports issued by different countries to be read and verified by compatible systems around the world.
For travellers, this means that a UK biometric passport can be used reliably across international borders, even though the exact border procedures and checks applied may differ between countries.
5. Support for future border systems
Biometric passports are designed to work with evolving border technologies. As countries continue to invest in automation and digital border systems, the passport chip and facial biometric provide a foundation for future developments in border control processes.
For UK passport holders, this means that the document remains compatible with modern entry systems and is likely to remain usable as border controls continue to change.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
You’ll only be able to take advantage of biometric passports if everything works as it should. Faster border processing depends on the passport being readable, the holder being recognisable from the stored image and the system having no reason to flag the case for review. If any of those stages fail, the benefit disappears right there and then.
Section D: How to Apply for a Biometric Passport in the UK
Applying for a biometric passport in the UK follows the standard British passport application process. All British passports issued today are biometric, so applicants do not apply for a separate or different document. Provided the eligibility criteria are met and the application is completed correctly, the process is generally straightforward.
1. Step-by-step guide to applying for a British passport
Step 1: Check eligibility
The core requirement for a British passport is holding British nationality. This may be acquired through birth, descent, registration or naturalisation.
a. If you were born in the UK before 1 January 1983, you are usually a British citizen.
b. If you were born outside the UK to a British parent, you may be a British citizen by descent, depending on the circumstances.
c. Registration applies in specific scenarios, often involving children or people who have acquired citizenship through a formal registration route.
d. Naturalisation applies to adults who have completed the qualifying residence period and met the legal requirements for British citizenship.
Holding indefinite leave to remain, EU Settlement Scheme status or another form of UK immigration permission does not in itself entitle someone to a British passport.
Step 2: Gather supporting documents
Your application needs supporting documents to confirm your identity and nationality. The exact documents required depend on your circumstances.
Common documents include a birth certificate, registration or naturalisation certificate, or a previous British passport. If your name has changed, you will need to provide evidence such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. Applications for children require parental responsibility documentation.
If you are renewing a passport, you will usually need to submit your current or most recent passport as part of the process.
Step 3: Provide a passport photo
For online applications, you upload a digital passport photo that meets HM Passport Office requirements. For paper applications, you need to supply two printed passport photographs.
Digital photos need to meet specific technical standards. The image must be clear, in colour and unaltered. It must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels high, with a file size between 50KB and 10MB. The background should be plain and light-coloured, with no shadows or reflections.
Your expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed and eyes open and visible. Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons.
Step 4: Complete the application
Most applicants apply online through the GOV.UK passport service. You will be asked to provide personal details such as your full name, date and place of birth, contact details and, where relevant, previous passport information.
Paper application forms are available from Post Offices that offer passport application services. The form should be completed carefully, as errors can delay processing.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Passport fees depend on the type of application and whether you apply online or using a paper form. For adults aged 16 or over, the standard online application fee is £94.50, while paper applications cost £107. Fees are subject to change, so applicants should always check the current rates on GOV.UK before applying.
Step 6: Submit the application
Once you have reviewed your information and paid the fee, submit the application. Supporting documents may need to be posted separately using a secure delivery service, depending on the application type.
Step 7: Track the application
After submission, you can track the progress of your application online using the reference number provided. HM Passport Office may contact you if further information or documents are required.
Step 8: Receive your passport
If the application is approved, your new biometric passport will be sent to you by secure delivery. Any supporting documents and previous passports are normally returned separately.
2. Identity confirmation and countersignatures
Some passport applications require identity confirmation or a countersignature, depending on the applicant and the type of application being made. This is more common for first adult passport applications, child applications, replacements for lost or stolen passports, or cases where the applicant’s appearance has changed significantly.
For certain online applications, applicants may be asked to provide the name and email address of someone who can confirm their identity digitally. In other cases, particularly paper applications, a countersignature may be required on one of the passport photos.
The person confirming your identity needs to be over 18, live in the UK and hold a current UK passport. They must have known you for at least two years and cannot be a family member or someone living at the same address. HM Passport Office sets out detailed rules on who can act in this role, and applicants should always check the current guidance.
3. UK passport application costs
British passport application fees vary depending on the applicant’s age, the size of the passport and whether the application is made online or on paper. For most adult applicants, the online fee is lower than the paper application fee.
| Passport Type | Apply Online | Apply by Paper Form |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport | £94.50 | £107 |
| Adult (16 and over) 54-page frequent traveller passport | £107.50 | £120 |
| Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport | £61.50 | £74 |
| Child (under 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport | £74.50 | £87 |
| Passport for people born on or before 2 September 1929 | Free | Free |
Additional fees may apply for premium or fast-track services and for optional Post Office services such as Check and Send.
4. British passport application times
HM Passport Office states that you will usually receive a passport within around three weeks. This timeframe applies to many standard online applications where no additional checks are required.
Processing can take longer where identity interviews are needed, where documents are missing or unclear, or during peak travel periods. First adult passport applications and replacement passports can also take longer. Applicants should allow extra time where travel is planned and avoid booking travel until the passport has been received.
Processing times are targets rather than guarantees and delays commonly arise where additional identity or document checks are required.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Timing is a common challenge with passport applications. The published processing times are targets rather than guarantees or commitments, but in practice applications are often made against pressing deadlines. But application fees are non-refundable and travel arrangements aren’t protected. If delays happen, for example due to identity checks, document queries or interview requests, timescales are going to slip and there ’s no option to fast-track the application once it has been submitted.
Passport eligibility issues often arise from confusion between nationality and immigration status. These are separate concepts and involve separate applications and interactions with the Home Office. Get this wrong or confused and you risk wasting time and money, so eligibility should be checked before proceeding.
Section E: Summary
Biometric passports are now the standard form of travel document issued in the UK and in most countries worldwide. They combine traditional passport features with an embedded electronic chip that supports secure, automated identity checks at border control.
For UK passport holders, the biometric element primarily supports facial comparison at the border, particularly when using ePassport gates. It does not change who is entitled to a passport or how long it is valid, but it does affect how the document is read and verified during travel.
Applying for a British passport today means applying for a biometric passport as standard. Applications are made through the UK Government’s passport service or via participating Post Offices, with fees and processing times set by HM Passport Office and subject to change.
Understanding what a biometric passport is, what data it contains and how it is used in practice helps travellers avoid confusion at borders and plan travel and applications with realistic expectations.
Section F: Need Assistance?
Questions and issues with biometric passports often overlap with wider queries around British nationality, travel eligibility, passport entitlement and timing, particularly where applications are urgent or circumstances are not straightforward.
If you would like tailored advice on your situation, including passport eligibility, supporting documents or timing concerns, you can speak directly with one of our immigration advisers. Book a fixed-fee
telephone consultation to discuss your circumstances and get practical guidance before you apply.
Section G: FAQs About Biometric Passports
What is a biometric passport?
A biometric passport, also known as an e-passport, is a travel document that contains an embedded electronic microchip. In a UK passport, the chip stores the holder’s facial image and key personal details, allowing border systems to verify identity more securely and efficiently.
How can I tell if my passport is biometric?
You can check by looking at the front cover of your passport. If it has a small rectangular chip symbol, it is a biometric passport. Most UK passports currently in circulation are biometric, although older non-biometric passports remained valid until their expiry date.
What biometric data is stored in a UK passport?
UK biometric passports store a high-quality digital facial image on the passport chip, along with the biographical details printed on the identity page. UK passports do not store fingerprint or iris biometric data on the chip.
Why do biometric passports matter for travel?
Biometric passports allow border systems to carry out more reliable identity checks by comparing the facial image stored on the chip with the person presenting the passport. In the UK, this enables eligible travellers to use ePassport gates and supports faster processing at the border.
Do I need a biometric passport to travel internationally?
Biometric passports are now the standard format issued by many countries, including the UK. While some older passports may still be valid until expiry, a biometric passport is more likely to be compatible with modern border control systems and automated gates.
How do I apply for a biometric passport in the UK?
You apply through the standard British passport application process, either online via GOV.UK or using a paper form from a participating Post Office. All British passports issued today are biometric, so there is no separate application for an e-passport.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need evidence of British nationality, such as a birth certificate, registration or naturalisation certificate, or a previous British passport. Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances, for example proof of a name change or parental responsibility for a child application.
How long does it take to get a UK biometric passport?
HM Passport Office states that you will usually receive a passport within around three weeks. Processing can take longer where additional checks are needed, for first adult passport applications or during busy periods.
How is my biometric data protected?
The data stored on a UK passport chip is protected by security features designed to prevent tampering and unauthorised access. Use of biometric data for passport and border purposes is governed by UK data protection law and Home Office policies.
Can children have biometric passports?
Yes. Children can be issued biometric passports, and all UK passports issued to children are biometric. The application process is similar to that for adults, but additional evidence of parental responsibility is required.
What should I do if my biometric passport is lost or stolen?
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report it as soon as possible and apply for a replacement passport. Additional identity checks are often required for replacement applications, which can extend processing times.
Do I need to update my biometric passport if my appearance changes?
If your appearance has changed significantly and you can no longer be recognised from your passport photo, you should apply for a new passport. This ensures that the facial image stored on the chip remains suitable for identity verification at the border.
Does a biometric passport prove British citizenship?
A biometric passport is evidence of British nationality. Other UK immigration statuses, such as settled status or indefinite leave to remain, do not entitle someone to a British passport.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biometric passport | A passport that contains an embedded electronic microchip storing identity information and a digital facial image to support secure identity checks at borders. |
| ePassport | Another term for a biometric passport, identified by the chip symbol on the front cover. |
| Biometric data | Personal data derived from physical characteristics, such as a facial image, used to verify a person’s identity. |
| Microchip | An embedded electronic chip within a passport that stores biometric and biographical information in a machine-readable format. |
| Facial recognition | A technology used at border control to compare a live image of a traveller’s face with the facial image stored on their passport chip. |
| Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) | The two lines of characters on the passport identity page that can be scanned quickly by border systems to read passport details. |
| eGate | An automated border control gate used in the UK that reads biometric passports and carries out facial comparison checks. |
| HM Passport Office | The UK government body responsible for issuing British passports and managing passport applications. |
| Border control | The process carried out at a country’s entry point to check a traveller’s identity and travel document before allowing entry. |
| ICAO | The International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets global standards for passports and machine-readable travel documents. |
Section I: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | What it covers | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for or renew a British passport | Official HM Passport Office guidance on applying for, renewing or replacing a British passport, including online and paper applications. | https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport |
| UK passport fees | Current British passport application fees, including online and paper application costs and premium services. | https://www.gov.uk/passport-fees |
| UK passport processing times | Published service standards and guidance on how long passport applications usually take. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-processing-times |
| Passport photo requirements | Detailed rules for digital and printed passport photos, including size, quality and technical specifications. | https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports |
| Lost or stolen passports | Steps to report a lost or stolen British passport and apply for a replacement. | https://www.gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport |
| British citizenship | Guidance on British citizenship, including naturalisation, registration and eligibility routes. | https://www.gov.uk/british-citizenship |
| Using ePassport gates (eGates) | Information on who can use UK eGates and how automated border control works. | https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control |
| UK data protection and privacy | Overview of UK data protection law relevant to the handling of personal and biometric data. | https://www.gov.uk/data-protection |
