  |
INFORMATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Upon the introduction of the biometric passport, we have assumed that the photographs will be taken in the commercial photo labs. We decided not to implement either Swedish solution (taking pictures in passport offices) or French system of licensed photo labs.
Such a policy puts a great obligation on photo labs, because they will have to provide the customers with photographs which will be up to par with the standards, particularly with ICAO 9303. The said standard is adhered to by all the European Union member states and most of the countries around the world. In the future, any holder of the biometric passport with a photograph taken in accordance with the said standard will have the possibility to go through the automated border control, whilst the software will compare the image of the holder's face with the photography stored in the microprocessor.
The preparation of a detailed instruction on how to take correct biometric photographs and a poster showing the examples of proper and improper photographs was ordered by the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
An instruction on taking photographs in accordance with ICAO standards in respect of the biometric image of a face in passports and travel documents.An information poster called "New photographs for passports" concerning the look of photographs for biometric passports.An additional facility is also provided by means of a template for comparing the taken photograph with the current provisions of the Law. You can download the template and the manual describing how to use this template by clicking the links below:
A template to judge the correctness of the photography.A manual on the proper usage of the template for verification of passport photographs.