Understanding the biometric enrollment process

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that in 2016, 3.7 billion passengers flew to various destinations, a 6.7 percent hike in international air traffic from 2015 figures. But these international passengers, whether first-time travelers or seasoned globetrotters, would not be reaching their destination if they did not have the necessary travel documents.

It is, thus, important that for those who dream of seeing the world to fully understand what they need to accomplish before booking their flights and accommodations. For new travelers, a passport, an official document issued by a government bearing the holder’s identification and citizenship and right to travel to and from foreign countries, is essential. And for some countries, a visa or an endorsement that the passport holder can stay in the territory for a particular period is also required.

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Apart from the usual documents that need to be submitted when applying for a passport or visa, almost all countries these days require applicants to enroll their biometric data. After the 9/11 attacks, governments saw the need to improve security policies, particularly those that concern international travel, to prevent similar disastrous incidents. Since then, countries started improving their passport and visa application processes, with biometrics at the forefront of their revamped initiatives.

Briefly defined, biometric identifiers are distinctive, measurable characteristics that identify an individual. These physiological characteristics include but are not limited to face recognition, fingerprint, DNA, palm print, and iris recognition.

For passport and visa applications, biometric enrollment calls for the collection of a digital photograph and electronic fingerprints. When collecting biometric data, government institutions, including diplomatic missions and their outsourced service providers, must follow the international standards for capturing and storing of information. As biometric enrollment is a mandatory requirement in passport and visa processing in most countries, applicants who refuse to provide their data will have their application denied.

Visit this website to learn more about biometric enrollment service CKGS provides to the diplomatic missions it serves worldwide.

Say cheese: Tips on taking the best biometric passport photo

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Biometric passports rely on information unique to the person. This includes not only fingerprints and iris scans but also facial features. The passport holder’s facial features would be measured against that of the photograph used in the passport to confirm their identity.

Because of the sensitivity of the software used, passport photographs must be accomplished a certain way to ensure that the correct facial features are captured. Any defects in the photographs themselves, such as distortion, can become a significant cause for delay in processing a new passport.

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Thus, guidelines exist in countries that use facial recognition biometrics to ensure that the photographs taken of each passport holders portray the face correctly. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, provide a template for photographers as a guideline to take pictures ideal for biometrics. Often, these photos should be well-lit to prevent shadow distortion and on white backgrounds to maximize the contrast of the face.

Although it is sometimes possible for individuals to take their own passport photographs, it is generally recommended that they seek professional passport photo services.

And because facial recognition software cannot always account for changes caused by the movement of facial muscles, rules must be put in place to limit facial distortion through expressions. In the United States, this meant that facial expressions must be kept neutral in passport photographs. Smiles are discouraged, and only closed-jaw smiles are permitted.

Cox & Kings Global Services provides consular and diplomatic offices with a range of services covering all aspects of visas, passports, and consular application processing. Learn more about the company’s biometric services from this page.