Canadian ePassports set to launch in 2012

Passport Canada is planning the launch of a new passport, the ePassport. The new ePassport is scheduled to come out in 2012.

The passport will have very little change, appearance wise, but will have an electronic chip encoded with a person's name, gender, as well as his or her date and place of birth. A digital picture of the person will also appear, according to CBC News. "The use of ePassports will allow Canada to follow international standards in the field of passport security to protect our borders and maintain the ease of international travel that Canadians currently enjoy," Passport Canada said in a release. With the launch, Canadians will be able to choose a passport valid for 10 years or for the current five-year period. Of course, along with new technology comes new fees -- a development that requires consultation with Canadians, under the User Fees Act. Canadians are asked to fill out an online questionnaire on Passport Canada's website by May 7. The comments will be considered in the development of the new passport and its fees. Passports without an electronic chip will remain valid until they expire. Visit Passport Canada for more information.