Los Angeles, 01 June 2010 – The Philippine Consulate General has officially started accepting applications for ePassport on 1 June 2010.

The ePassport is highly secure.  Hence, it avoids passport reproduction and tampering.  The ePassport database is enhanced with Automated Fingerprint Verification System (AFIS) that guards against multiple passport issuances to the same person and enhances imposter detection.  It also facilitates fast clearance of travelers at immigration checks.

The ePassport costs $60.  Photo, thumbprints and signature are captured at the Consulate during processing.

Photo shows a Consulate staff assisting Rev. Nestor S. Gerente, who applied for the ePassport on the first day.  ###end