IN order to meet the travelling world's strict security demands, the UK Passport Agency is introducing changes to our passports

The alterations will see the passport become more technically advanced and unique to the holder, and at the same time warn off would-be fraudsters.

The new Biometric ePassport will contain a scan of the holder's face in a secure chip that will be read at Customs controls around the globe.

Equipment at Borders will use facial recognition techniques against the information stored on your passport chip - thus ensuring that no-one else can travel on your passport.

Previously fraudsters could easily cut out photographs from passports and replace them with another picture, but this bootleg scam will be impossible with ePassports.

Needless to say, the extra work that now goes into making a passport will be reflected by higher fees.

The new prices will come into effect from October 5, 2006. The price will include a two-stage fee - one that covers technical upgrades, ie the chip and another that will cover enhanced background checks on applicants.

A standard UK 10-year adult ePassport will cost £66 from October 5. This compares reasonably to the equivalent fees over 10 years for ePassports in other countries says the Home Office (Australia £72, Belgium £96, France £41, Iceland £81, Japan £163, New Zealand £123, Norway £87, Switzerland £219, USA £54).

The UK is one of 40 countries deploying ePassports. From October ePassport production will be a requirement for countries wishing to remain within the US Visa Waiver Scheme.

As well, those applying for a first-time passport will now have to undergo a face to face interview.

Home Office Minister Joan Ryan said: "Over a million British biometric ePassports have now been issued, and from the end of this summer all new British passports will be ePassports, containing a secure chip storing the holder's personal details and a scan of their photo, as well as other improved security features.

"This provides enhanced security and reassurance for the holders and is in line with internationally agreed standards aimed at combating the growing threat of fraud and forgery.

"Passport production is paid for through the passport fee. There is a cost to the anti-fraud measures that we are introducing, but we are clear that it is a price that must be paid to protect the integrity of our travel documents and improve the security of our borders.

"We are determined that the British Passport will remain one of the most secure in the world, and a document that can be relied on by British travellers wherever they go."

Plans to enhance the ePassport in coming years will include the addition of iris and fingerprint information.

Emma Deighan