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Austin passports of the new era being rolled out

Modern Austrian travel documents made easily accessible: Over 900 municipalities and district captaincies across Austria now offer application opportunities, asserted Interior Minister Gerhard Karner at the recent event.

Austrian authorities rolling out updated passport designs for new generation
Austrian authorities rolling out updated passport designs for new generation

Austin passports of the new era being rolled out

Starting December 1, 2023, Austrian citizens will be issued a revamped passport, boasting advanced security features and a design inspired by the country's rich history and natural beauty. The new passport, developed over a three-year period by an expert team from the Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Criminal Office, and the police directorates of Lower Austria and Burgenland, in collaboration with various experts, is set to become one of the safest in the world.

Key features of the new passport include biometric chip integration, advanced security protocols, extended access control, supplemental access control, chip shielding, and material and design specifications that meet international standards.

The embedded electronic microprocessor chip stores biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, enabling verification through biometric authentication. Sophisticated security mechanisms like Active Authentication prevent cloning of the chip, while Extended Access Control and Supplemental Access Control further protect sensitive biometric data from unauthorized access.

The passport's cover integrates a thin metal mesh that acts as a shield, preventing unauthorized reading of the embedded chip using covert RFID scanners. The paper and printing techniques used in the passport meet stringent international standards, ensuring high durability and security from physical tampering.

In addition to its security features, the new Austrian passport also incorporates design elements inspired by Austrian history, music, local rivers and waters, and the unique flora of the country. The cover of the passport contains the word "Austria" in tactile Braille for people with visual impairments. The data page is made entirely of polycarbonate for maximum protection against manipulation and forgery.

The new passport also includes a QR code similar to the one found on the Austrian personal ID card. The CHECK-AT app, developed by the same website, supports the assessment of whether a genuine document is present, ensuring easy and secure verification of the new Austrian passport.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that the Austrian passport is one of the safest in the world, while Helmut Lackner, a key figure in the development process, confirmed that the new passport can be applied for in nearly 900 municipalities and district administrative authorities throughout Austria.

This modern and up-to-date document for the citizens of Austria is a testament to the country's commitment to secure international travel and reliable identity verification.

  1. The new Austrian passport, boasting advanced security features like biometric chip integration, Active Authentication, and extended access control, is set to become one of the safest in the world.
  2. In addition to its security features, the new Austrian passport also incorporates design elements inspired by Austrian history, including a QR code that can be verified using the CHECK-AT app, ensuring easy and secure travel.

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