The Republic of Uganda has today introduced an upgraded Polycarbonate e-passport. The current paper-based East African Community (EAC) Passport was first launched in Dec 2018 and they are known for being machine-readable. These are paper-based Passports that were presented in the following colors; Light Blue (ordinary passport). Green (service passport) and Red (diplomatic Passport). There was a two-year transitional period to allow for a gradual phase-out of the previous Machine-Readable Passports which ended on 4th April 2021 when Machine-Readable Passports validity ceased.
ALSO READ Huawei unveils ‘Non-Stop’ initiative for African Banking
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has completed an upgrade of the current Paper-based e-passports to Polycarbonate e-passports. The aim of this upgrade is to ensure enhanced security features, and durability as well as conform to the standard requirements as recommended by EAC and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This implies better quality, easy data verification at various airports of ICAO member states, better data protection, and minimal chances of damage.
The Ministry has so far issued over 1,008,401 (one million eight thousand four hundred and one) e-passports since the launch of December 2018. Both passports (e-paper-based and e-polycarbonate) shall continue to be used concurrently until expiry or leaflets run out.
The Polycarbonate e-passport
The upgraded Polycarbonate passports, just like the e-paper passports have electromagnetic chips. Polycarbonate e-passports however have polycarbonate (tough plastic) layers infused together, leading to a finished material where personal data is engraved inside the deeper layers of the document with a laser. This cannot be delaminated. This gives the new polycarbonate e-passport the resilience and robustness for data security and protection, with strong anti-fraud features.
These features make the EAC e-Passport suitable for use at e-gates for self-clearance; easy and automated issuance of boarding passes; quick passenger processing worldwide (for ICAO member states); and full compliance with international security standards, hence easing traveler experience. Travel, specifically document verification is going to be easier and more seamless than ever before, due to improved technology.
Cost of new e-Passport
The cost of the passports remains unchanged; An ordinary Passport costs UGX 250,000 while processing an express e-passport attracts a fee of UGX 150,000, which makes a total of UGX 400,000. Official and Diplomatic passports cost UGX 400,000 and UGX 500,000 respectively though these are for specific identified categories of Government officials. Ordinary passports take between 7-14 working days to be ready, while express Passports take 3-5 working days. All these lead times are subject to due diligence and other verification procedures. If there are queried cases, these times may change.
Since 2019, the country migrated to an online application. The system is user-friendly, as it prompts you on the steps to follow.
When will the current paper-based e-Passorts expire?
It is very important that the stakeholders understand that Paper based e-passports are not being invalidated. They are valid until their expiry date or until the leaflets are finished. The Polycarbonate e-passports merely present an upgrade akin to upgrading software that does not negate the upgraded software itself. So, holders of paper-based e-passports should not worry as they are as valid as the polycarbonate ones and they will be used concurrently. There is no need to replace paper-based e-passports. Going forward, new applicants will be issued with polycarbonate e-passports.
The ministry has requested the public not to be cheated by conmen and unscrupulous individuals, who charge extra and/or claim to offer much quicker services than the ministry’s standards. They do not work with agents or third parties.
){kind=link}