Multiple state-of-the-art technologies are seamlessly integrated in the sophisticated Electronic Passport System (e-Passport System) which was developed to support and control the issue of new electronic passport (ePassport) as well as other electronic travel documents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and, with the application of advanced technologies, the system results in huge benefits to passport applicants, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) and also the society as a whole.

After the tragic 911 incident, governments all over the world dedicate to enhance their capability in identifying and deterring the entry of suspect travelers and in particular terrorists so as to uphold their homeland security.  One very effective means to distinguish undesirables who may attempt to circumvent immigration control by using forged travel documents or identities is to issue ePassport incorporating holder’s biometric information.   

In order to further uplift its effective immigration control and to provide quality service to Hong Kong citizens, the ImmD introduced the HKSAR ePassport in February 2007.  In compliance with the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the HKSAR ePassport is embedded with a contactless chip which contains digital data of holder’s personal particulars and facial image.  The HKSAR ePassport, with superb quality and extremely high level of security, is well received by the members of the public and is very popular amongst the global world.   

In this connection, the e-Passport System was developed to support and control the issue of new HKSAR ePassport and also other electronic HKSAR travel documents such as electronic Document of Identity (e-Doc/I).  Advanced technologies are applied and integrated in the complicated e-Passport System which, in specific, handles application processing, case assessment, personalization and issuance of ePassport.

With a series of innovative and high-technology security features, HKSAR ePassport can hardly be imitated.  For instance, each ePassport is personalized with micro-lettering, composing of applicant’s English name, Hong Kong permanent identity card number and date of birth.  Besides, inter alia, the printing of each and every visa page is also different.  Alteration on the bio-data page of ePassport will inevitably causes apparent damages and, with the protection of keys, it is basically impossible to illegally change the data stored in the ePassport chip.  The ePassport is undoubtedly a highly secure travel document which not only benefits the passport holders but also enhances international security and deters human trafficking.  Undesirables can hardly circumvent immigration control by using altered or forged ePassport.

With the manipulation and integration of high technologies, the e-Passport System supports ePassport application procedures from the very beginning to the end.  It brings quality services and huge convenience to the applicants while, on the other hand, the system is a cost-effective and reliable solution to the ImmD.

Since the issuance of the e-passport will entail access to citizen’s personal data, the involvement of a government department is unavoidable.  Technical support from outside organizations would be beneficial.  

The HKSAR e-Passport System stands a superb example of full exploitation of advanced technologies.  It supports and controls the whole application procedures of ePassport as well as other electronic travel documents.  Some of the major functions of the HKSAR e-Passport System are listed below: 

·        Facial image verification

·        ICAO photo quality check

·        Fingerprint verification

·        Document and data capturing

·        Chip management

·        Security key pairs generation, distribution and storage

·        Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

·        Laser engraving personalization and contactless chip encoding

·        Quality assurance

·        Passport access control

·        Inventory control

·        Post issuance support

·        Application auto assessment and approval