New validity period for biometric passports

The new validity period for the biometric passports for adults will be reduced to 5 years. Earlier, such documents were valid for 10 years. These changes were made in order to comply with the new rules of the EU which were accepted by Cyprus.

The new rule will enter into force today.

The biometric passports have a built-in microchip which stores the information about the fingerprints, photo and digital signature.

The introduction of the biometric microchips in the passports of the EU citizens also guarantees that the identity of the holder can be easily confirmed and will be protected from forgery.