Gov't launches new passport, will ask US to lift visa restrictions

Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo presented today the new and improved passport, which includes a built-in microchip that carries personal data on it. He also said that the Government plans to send a request to countries that restrict Argentine travellers' entry with visas, in order for said restrictions to be lifted.

“We are going to begin, through way of the Foreign Ministry, the processing of requests to countries that restrict Argentine travellers’ entry. We are anxious about the issue, and hope that these countries accept the request, although we do not know how much time it will take,” Randazzo said today to the press.

According to the Government official, the countries most in demand to visit which have tough visa restrictions in place are the US, Canada and Australia.

With regard to the new passport Randazzo stated that it “has a chip in place inside the cover which enables personal data to be stored on it. This will allow the validation of the person’s identity through to formats – via scanning the passport, and with using the information put onto the microchip.”

Furthermore the Interior Minister detailed that, “It has world-class security standards using this new technology. It’s an incorruptible passport. It will not contain the DNI number of the holder. From now, the coding on the passport will remain alphanumeric, using three letter and six numbers.”

The new passport is set to cost AR$400 and will be valid for ten years.