question about passport micro chips - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**expatben** · 01-19-2008, 12:27 PM

I was talking about the micro chips on British passports with a friend today telling him that when I finally have to get a new British passport chip and all it may suffer a little...accident and replied saying that it would mean my passport is useless.
Now, I am not for 1 moment suggesting or endorsing anyone breaking the law and deliberately smashing their micro chips in their passports however as we all know accidents will happen. My question is if anything happens to me chip is the passport useless? Will I have to get another one?

**pinknic38** · 01-19-2008, 01:57 PM

well that depends on the use.... since the microchips have been put in the passports, do they just stamp them and send you on your way like always or do they scan it or whatever? I think it's a little risky to break it but I am anxoius to find out what happens. Is it visible?
I don't like anything with microchips... makes me think of government conspiracies and aliens and tracking devices... maybe I've just been watching too much 24/X-Files... LOL

but seriously. What is the stated purpose of the chip? So if it gets stolen they can track it?

**marc873** · 01-19-2008, 02:04 PM

I've only had my passport scanned in the U.S.. All the other countries have only stamped it so far....

**mbo108** · 01-19-2008, 02:24 PM

According to the State Dept website, "The U.S. Electronic Passport (e-passport) is the same as a regular passport with the addition of a small contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip securely stores the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport, and additionally includes a digital photograph. The inclusion of the digital photograph enables biometric comparison, through the use of facial recognition technology, at international borders. The U.S. e-passport also has a new look, incorporating additional anti-fraud and security features."

It also says that if the chip stops working, the passport is still valid until the regular expiration date and it will be processed in the manner they used to use before the addition of the microchip.

More information at http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/eppt_2498.html

**freespiritz** · 01-19-2008, 04:28 PM

For the Malaysia passport (we've had chips for years and years now), I put my passport in a reader when I go through immigration into Malaysia (via an autogate) and scan my thumb to match up prints with the ones on the chip so I don't even see an immigration officer. If the chip gets screwed up I think I can still go through the regular way...not sure about UK passports though!

**pinknic38** · 01-19-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freespiritz

I put my passport in a reader when I go through immigration into Malaysia (via an autogate) and scan my thumb to match up prints with the ones on the chip so I don't even see an immigration officer.

wow that's pretty high speed!!! everyone should switch over to that. less hassle.

**ajb3000** · 01-20-2008, 05:30 AM

You would probably be asked questions whenever you return to the UK as they always read the chip at immigration, and you would most likely be refused entry from the USA under the VWP as one of their requirements now is that if you have a passport issued after October 2006 it must have a chip, so if it doesn't work they'd most likely deport you.

The chips are very secure, I wouldn't worry.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-20-2008, 06:21 PM

High numbers of chips will likely wind up being damaged or even be defective from the start. I find it hard to believe any country will refuse you entry because of a malfunctioning chip. They will likely just put you through a bit more scrutiny.

**omisan** · 01-21-2008, 09:37 AM

Hackers proved a while back that RFID passports are not secure.

And no, if your chip malfunctions, you won't be turned back. The basis of international law is still in the actual photo, signature, and information in the front pages of your passport. The RFID chips in passports are just part of the phenomenon of the sham becoming increasingly known as Security Theatre.

If you're on the extreme side of disbelief and don't wish to be remotely tracked by your RFID chip - or have your data stolen by aforementioned hackers - you can put your passport in a metal-lined pouch (even aluminum foil will do the trick). If you're super-paranoid and want to destroy the chip, microwave your passport for a few seconds - though be ready to snuff out a tiny flame if your chip blows up!

(As such, the potential of tiny flames or even a small explosion means I do NOT endorse willfully destroying your passport's RFID chip.)

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-22-2008, 06:40 AM

^Placing your passport cover on a flat, hard surface and striking the embedded chip several times sharply with a hammer should also do the trick. Not that I endorse anything like that of course.

**pinknic38** · 01-22-2008, 10:10 AM

so what if your plane crashes and you land in the water and your passport gets wet, would it make the chip malfunction or no?

but I guess if your passport got wet it would be ruined... unless you just let it dry because you didn;t want to pay to replace it...

**TheJake** · 01-22-2008, 10:38 AM

passports don't try... they melt.

It's bullshit.

I washed mine accidently and had to get a new one last year. Pain in the ass.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-22-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

if your plane crashes and you land in the water

If that happens you will be dead and won't have to worry about. How many people survive water landings? None. (Except Tom Hanks in Castaway but that doesn't count)

**jengt** · 01-22-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveFreeorDie

If that happens you will be dead and won't have to worry about. How many people survive water landings? None. (Except Tom Hanks in Castaway but that doesn't count)

Jamie, you are such a downer! Lots of people do. I don´t know of any off the top of my head, but I´m sure SOMEONE has. Just remember, your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device. Of course, I´m not sure I´m gonna want to hug something that I just soiled to my chest

.

**marc873** · 01-22-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveFreeorDie

If that happens you will be dead and won't have to worry about. How many people survive water landings? None. (Except Tom Hanks in Castaway but that doesn't count)

Ok, now i just don't believe the show "Lost"

**pinknic38** · 01-22-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jengt

Of course, I´m not sure I´m gonna want to hug something that I just soiled to my chest

.

hahahaha what an excellent point! it's like Jeff Foxworthy said... "first you say it, then you do it"

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveFreeorDie

If that happens you will be dead and won't have to worry about. How many people survive water landings? None. (Except Tom Hanks in Castaway but that doesn't count)

hypothetically speaking of course... at the time I couldn't think of a more relevant situation of a passport getting wet but now that Jake mentions one getting washed, I do feel a little dramatic. hehe.