A passport is an official document issued by the government to citizens who wish to travel abroad. A passport contains important information about the holder’s identity, such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality and photo. A passport also serves as proof of citizenship and the right to return to one’s country of origin.
However, did you know that there are two different types of passports, namely electronic passports and regular passports? What are the differences between the two and which one is better for you to use? The following is the explanation.
Electronic Passport
An electronic passport is a passport equipped with a microchip that stores the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints, irises and face. This chip can be read by special scanning machines at airports or border posts. Thus, electronic passports can increase security and speed up the immigration process.
The advantages of an electronic passport are:
- Safer, because biometric data is difficult to fake or change.
- Faster, because it can be scanned automatically by a machine without the need to queue long.
- It is more practical, because there is no need to bring additional documents such as identity cards or birth certificates.
- More modern, because it follows the latest technological developments.
The disadvantages of electronic passports are:
- More expensive, because the cost is higher than a regular passport.
- More vulnerable, because it can be damaged by exposure to water, heat, or magnetic fields.
- More limited, because not all countries have microchip scanning facilities.
Ordinary Passport
An ordinary passport is a passport that does not have a microchip, but only contains printed data on the biodata page. Regular passports must be checked manually by immigration officers, which can take longer and pose a risk of forgery or misuse.
The advantages of a regular passport are:
- Cheaper, as the cost is lower than an electronic passport.
- More durable, because it is not easily damaged by external factors.
- More flexible, because it can be used in all countries without the need for special tools.
The disadvantages of a regular passport are:
- Less secure, because printed data can be falsified or changed.
- Not fast enough, because it has to be checked manually by immigration officers.
- Not practical, because you have to bring additional documents as support.
Benefits of Passport
A passport is an official document issued by a government to identify citizens and allow them to travel abroad. Passports have many benefits, such as:
- Makes international travel easier. With a passport, you can enter various countries without needing to apply for a visa or residence permit. You can also enjoy special facilities at the airport, such as fast lanes or lounges.
- Opening job and educational opportunities. With a passport, you can find work or study abroad more easily. You can also take part in student exchange programs, internships or scholarships offered by various institutions.
- Increase experience and knowledge. With a passport, you can explore various cultures, languages and traditions in the world. You can also expand your network and friendship with people from various countries.
- Helps in emergency situations. With a passport, you can get consular assistance from Indonesian embassies or consulates abroad if you experience legal, health or security problems. You can also contact your family or friends in Indonesia via the emergency telephone service.
Difference between Electronic and Regular Passports
An electronic passport or e-passport is a passport equipped with a microchip that stores the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial photos and signatures. This electronic passport has higher security than a regular passport, because it is difficult to forge or misuse. Apart from that, electronic passports also make the immigration process at the airport easier, because they can be scanned by automatic machines without the need to queue at the counter.
An ordinary passport is a passport that does not have a microchip, but only contains the holder’s data printed on the biodata page. This ordinary passport is easier to create and extend, because it does not require the process of capturing biometric data. However, this ordinary passport is also more vulnerable to forgery or misuse, because it can be changed or modified by irresponsible people. Apart from that, ordinary passports also take longer for the immigration process at the airport, because they have to be checked manually by officers.
So, which one is better for you to use? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. If you often travel to countries that have microchip scanning facilities and prioritize security and efficiency, then an electronic passport may be more suitable for you. However, if you rarely travel abroad or only to countries that do not have microchip scanning facilities and prioritize cost-effectiveness and flexibility, then a regular passport may be more suitable for you.
Whatever you choose, make sure you always look after your passport well and pay attention to its validity period. A passport is an important document that you must have if you want to explore the world. Happy traveling!
