06/08/2004

Smiles and grins banned from passport photos

Banning smiles and toothy grins from passport photographs are some of the security measures incorporated into a new set of guidelines issued today.

Future passport photos will carry an image of the full face, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression, and with the mouth closed.

The changes to the passport system will see people's images built into a chip to create an 'ePassport'. The chip will be read by border control equipment, speeding up the process. The technology can also protect against identity fraud.

From now on, photos will have to be taken against a white, cream or light grey plain background so the person can be clearly seen. Two identical images, taken in the last six months, must be included with passport applications.

The Passport Service will exercise some flexibility until early 2005, while photographers become accustomed to the new restrictions.

Existing passport holders will not need to have their current passports updated, but they will have to comply with the new guidelines when they renew their passports.

The new standards are available in a leaflet from the Passport Service.

(gmcg)

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