Swedish passports conform to EU norms
As of 1 October 2005, Swedish travel documents are issued in compliance with the requirements laid down in the EU regulation regarding passport security and biometrics. These passports and identity cards are equipped with a computer chip which stores the holder’s personal data and photo. At border controls, the passport holder can be photographed and the photo compared to that in the data chip. The aim is to ensure that the person using the passport and the person in the passport photo is one and the same person.
Further information about Swedish passports and national identity cards is available on the Swedish Police Service website:> www.polisen.se
Gradual introduction at embassies and consulates in 2007
In 2007, ít will be time for Swedish missions abroad – embassies and consulates (not honorary consulates) – to introduce photo stations. This will be done gradually during the year, and the last missions will get their stations by December 2007.
Electronic handling
As the Swedish missions abroad begin using photo stations, they will also receive technical equipment to produce the data for a passport or identity card. The application is then sent electronically to Sweden, where the travel documents are produced. This will mean, among other things, shorter waiting times for applicants.
Two personal visits
The new procedure for travel documents means that a person who is applying for a new, regular passport or national identity card must make two personal visits. The first visit will be to submit the application and the second to pick up the passport or identity card when it is ready. When the passport and/or identity card is collected, the data on the chip is checked and the staff can then be sure that the travel document is given to the right person.
Honorary consulates cease to be passport authorities
As Swedish missions abroad begin to use photo stations, honorary consulates will cease to act as passport authorities. This means that in the future, they will no longer be able to accept applications for regular passports and national identity cards.
Staff posted abroad from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs do not work at honorary consulates, which are instead staffed by unremunerated honorary consuls.
Transition rule for some honorary consulates
Honorary consulates that previously issued passports and identity cards may continue to do so until Sweden introduces fingerprints in travel documents. In this case, the responsible Swedish mission verifies the quality of the new passport or identity card before the document is sent to the honorary consulate. There, the staff verify the applicant’s identity when he or she picks up the document. Sweden plans to introduce fingerprints in passports in 2008.
Different alternatives for Swedes abroad
Swedish citizens who are resident abroad and who need a new passport or identity card can apply in different ways:
The quickest and cheapest way is to apply while visiting Sweden. You can contact any passport authority and the fee is currently SEK 400. Normally, you can pick up a new passport or identity card within a week. It is also possible to collect your new travel document at an embassy or consulate, although this takes longer and costs more.
You can also submit your application at any Swedish mission abroad. The fee is currently SEK 500. Delivery of new travel documents takes between four to six weeks, as passports are produced in Sweden and are sent by courier. Travel documents can be picked up at any passport authority in Sweden or abroad.
Provisional passports issued as previously
Procedures for provisional passports will remain unchanged. They will be issued in the same way as previously. The travel documents that are affected by the new procedure are regular passports, extra passports and national identity cards.
Documents required for applications
Everyone applying for a passport or national identity card must provide proof of identity. The applicant must also provide proof of Swedish citizenship. Applicants are advised to consult the staff of the passport authority prior to submitting their application.