New e-Passports for Dominica will feature electronic chips that store a digital security system and biographical information of the traveler.
The Government of Dominica launched the new system Monday morning in collaboration with the Canadian Bank Note Company Ltd.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Tourism Minister Denise Charles said the new passport features will add a “layer of security” to the island’s travel process.
According to the Minister, e-passports will ease the immigration checkpoint process by speeding up traveler identity, a benefit that will provide increased protection against identity theft and fraud.
“It shall be an integral component of the upgrade of our border management system, at our ports at Douglas Charles Airport and Roseau Ferry terminal,” Charles said.
She also highlighted the new system as a means to improve linkages with CARICOM’s Joint Regional Communication Center (JCC).
Meantime, Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominicans have until 2O23 to access the new E passport.
According to Blackmoore, the 2-year period will allow for the phasing out of current machine- readable passports, with special consideration for persons who just had their passports renewed.
The window for applying for e-passports opened July 26, 2021 and will end on July 30, 2023.
