Know the Difference Between an Electronic Passport and a Regular Passport

If you're planning to travel abroad, you must have one important document to prove your identity: your passport. Think of it as the international version of your electronic ID card used within Indonesia.

When you're planning to apply for a passport, you'll be given two options: an electronic passport or a regular passport. Before making your choice, it’s a good idea to understand the key differences between the two types.

Cost of Issuance

The primary difference between the two is the issuance fee. A regular passport costs IDR 350,000 for 5 years of validity or IDR 650,000 for 10 years. Meanwhile, an electronic passport costs IDR 650,000 for 5 years of validity or IDR 950,000 for 10 years.

Also Read: Turns Out, These Are the Reasons Visa Applications Get Rejected

Stored Data

A regular passport contains your complete identity information and everything is clearly printed on paper for you to read. However, an electronic passport contains additional hidden data stored inside an embedded chip, which can’t be read without a special device. The encrypted data includes biometric details such as fingerprints and a high-resolution facial image.

Security Features

As mentioned earlier, all your data is clearly printed on a regular passport, which means anyone can easily read your personal details. On the other hand, electronic passports require special tools to access the data inside the chip, making your information more secure. 

Immigration Validation Process

When traveling internationally, you must go through immigration validation. If you’re using a regular passport, you may sometimes need to spend more time queuing during this validation process. Meanwhile, if you have an electronic passport, you can access special e-gate or autogate lanes for faster, automated validation. 

Here’s how to use the autogate:

1. Place your passport open with the identity page facing down so the machine can scan the chip. Follow the machine’s instructions to validate your data, which usually involves biometric checks.
2. For example, you might be asked to place your right index finger on the scanner, then machine will match it to the data stored in your chip.
3. Once your data is validated, the gate will open, and you can proceed without manual inspection.
4. However, if this automated validation fails, retrieve your passport and continue the process manually with an immigration officer.

Visa-Free Access (Certain Countries)

Regular passport holders are required to handle visa applications manually for all visa-required countries. Meanwhile, electronic passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to certain countries that offer this benefit. For example, Japan provides a special visa exemption program called the Japan visa waiver.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Japan Visa Waiver

The Japan visa waiver allows electronic passport holders to enter the country for up to 15 days for tourism, short business trips, or visiting family. While you still need to apply for the visa, the process is far easier. All you need is your e-passport and a registration form, without needing to prepare supporting documents like you would for a regular visa application. Pretty convenient, right?

Now that you know the difference between the two types, which passport will you choose? Any kind of passport works just fine. What's important is making sure you get Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia before you head overseas. If you're traveling with family, you can consider the family package for more affordable rates that still cover everyone in your group. That way, you and your loved ones stay protected throughout your journey.