Why are New Procedures Being Introduced?
In today's world, it has become increasingly important that documents required to travel - passports and identity cards - are secure. As of October 1, 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 have a computer chip which stores the holder's personal data and photograph.
The police in Sweden use digital photo stations to photograph everyone who applies for a passport or identity card. At a border checkpoint, a snapshot of the passport holder can be instantly compared to the photo on the chip. The aim is to ensure that the person using the passport and the person in the passport photo is one and the same.
For that same reason, a photo station has also been installed at the Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta to photograph all passport applicants. These photos have come to replace those previously provided by the applicants themselves.
Further information about Swedish passports and identity cards is available on the website of the Swedish Police, www.polisen.se
Gradual Introduction at Embassies and Consulates
Photo stations are being introduced gradually at Swedish missions abroad - embassies and consulates (not honorary consulates) - throughout 2007. The Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta will introduce the new photo station on November 19, 2007. As a result, new rules for passport applicants apply.
Honorary Consulates Cease to be Passport Offices
As Swedish missions abroad begin to use photo stations, honorary consulates cease to act as passport offices. The honorary consulates in Denpasar, Medan and Surabaya can therefore no longer accept applications for regular passports or identity cards.
Applicants must apply in person at the Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta.
The Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta will introduce the same security measures in November 2007. However, until the photo station is installed, the previous passport application procedures will continue to apply.
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 is to apply in person an dthe second to pick up the passport or identity card when it is ready.
Pick-Up of New Passports at Honorary Consulates
New passports and identity cards may still be picked up at honorary consulates until Sweden introduces fingerprints in travel documents. (This is planned for 2008 at the earliest.) The Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta verifies the quality of the new passport or identity card and then forwards it to the honorary consulate, where the applicant's identity is verified when he or she picks up the document.
Electronic Handling and Shorter Wait Times
As the Swedish missions abroad begin using photo stations, they also receive new technical equipment to produce the basis for a passport or identity card. The application is sent electronically to Sweden for manufacturing, which means shorter wait times for applicants.
Different Alternatives for Swedes Abroad
Swedish nationals who are residents abroad and who need a new passport or identity card can apply in different ways:
Provisional Passports Are Issued As Previously
The handling and application procedure for provisional or emergency passports will remain unchanged. They will be issued in the same way as previously. The documents affected by the new procedure are regular passports, extra passports and national identity cards.
Required Documents for All Applicants
All applicants for passports or national identity cards must provide proof of identity, as well as proof of Swedish citizenship. Applicants are advised to consult embassy or consulate staff in advance of submitting their application.
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