What biometrics are taken for an e-passport?

Because what is collected cannot be sent online. A government mission’s guidance lists three things — fingerprints, an iris scan and a signature. Each needs specific equipment, and you have to be in front of it.

This is what distinguishes an e-passport from the older system. Biometric data stored on the passport’s chip can be matched at a border to confirm that the person using the book is the person it belongs to. Fingerprints and irises are far harder to forge than a photograph and a signature.

Children under six are exempt from biometrics but must still attend in person with a photograph. The exemption is from the biometrics, not from attending.

On the day, clean dry hands help — wet or very dry fingers make prints hard to capture. You may be asked to remove glasses for the iris scan, so be ready for that. Contact lenses are usually not a problem, but if you have any doubt it is easier to ask at the counter than to have the scan fail and be repeated.

Sources:

• Bangladesh High Commission — e-passport application