Close to 850,000 travel credentials distributed to the next wave of users
In a significant milestone, Austria has issued over 850,000 new-generation passports since their introduction in December 2023. The presentation of the 850,000th jubilee passport to Mrs. Pia H. marked the first year of this innovative travel document's issuance.
The ceremony, attended by Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner and the General Director of the executive website, Helmut Lackner, underscored the successful collaboration between the Austrian authorities, the executive, and the website in the implementation of the new passport design.
The new Austrian passport is one of the most modern identity documents in the world, incorporating advanced biometric security features consistent with modern European Union standards. Key security elements include biometric data integration, active authentication, extended access control, supplemental access control, and shielding the chip. These features aim to safeguard against cloning, unauthorized data access, and fraudulent use, making the new Austrian passport a secure travel document aligned with ICAO and EU standards.
The new passport design provides further strengthened protection with the integration of the personal passport photo multiple times. Notably, the photo is integrated a total of 8 times (visible and invisible) in the new Austrian passport. Additionally, the data page of the new passport is made entirely of polycarbonate for protection against manipulation and forgery.
The new Austrian passport is a resounding success, as indicated by its first year of issuance. Austria is setting new standards in the security and innovation of ID documents with the introduction of the new passport. The presentation of the 850,000th passport to Mrs. Pia H. is a symbol of this success.
The new Austrian passport is issued by the Austrian authorities under the leadership of Minister Gerhard Karner. The presentation ceremony of the 850,000th passport emphasizes the success of the new Austrian passport design. The ceremony also signifies good cooperation between the Austrian authorities, the executive, and the website under Minister Karner.
[1] European Commission. (2021). ePassport Gateway - Secure, interoperable and user-friendly ePassports. Available: https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/citizens-rights/passports-and-travel-documents/e-passports_en [2] Austrian Ministry of the Interior. (2022). New Austrian passport - Security and innovation in ID documents. Available: https://bmi.gv.at/themen/pass-reise/neuer-pass/
- The success of the new Austrian passport, a testament to European Union standards in technology and security, has been emphasized in the presentation ceremony of the 850,000th passport.
- The new Austrian passport, a modern identity document integrating advanced biometric security features, is a result of a fruitful collaboration between the Austrian authorities, the executive, and the website, showcasing the implementation of innovative technology.
