Electronic passports have only been widely used in Indonesia since 2015. However, some people are still confused or unaware of the differences between ordinary passports and electronic passports, which are becoming increasingly popular.
In fact, although they look similar at first glance, there are several striking differences between ordinary passports and electronic passports. See Global Komunika’s explanation below regarding the differences between these two types of passports.
Physical Appearance of Ordinary and Electronic Passports
The most noticeable difference between ordinary passports and electronic passports is their physical appearance, especially on the cover. As shown above, the electronic passport cover features a chip logo, unlike the ordinary passport which does not have this chip logo.
This chip logo indicates that the electronic passport is equipped with a chip that stores data such as identity and biometric information including facial features and fingerprints.
Benefits
The main advantage of holding an electronic passport is the opportunity to obtain a Japanese Visa Waiver or visa-free access to Japan.
With this Japanese Visa Waiver, users can enter Japan without the hassle of applying for a visa in Indonesia first. However, the Visa Waiver is only valid for tourism purposes and not for work.
This Visa Waiver is valid for three years or follows the validity of the electronic passport if the passport’s remaining validity is less than three years. Using the Visa Waiver, you can stay in Japan for a maximum of 15 days per trip.
Meanwhile, ordinary passport holders still need to apply for a travel visa first if they want to visit Japan, as the Japanese Visa Waiver is only granted to electronic passport holders.
Passport Fees
The fees for making ordinary passports and electronic passports differ, with electronic passport fees almost twice as much as ordinary passports.
The fee for an ordinary 48-page passport is IDR 350,000, while the fee for a 48-page electronic passport is IDR 650,000.
Although the fees differ, the process for applying for both ordinary and electronic passports is the same, starting with submitting an application through the M-Paspor app and continuing the process at the Immigration office.
Walk-in applications are only available for applicants who are sick, disabled, elderly, or toddlers.
How to Apply for an Electronic Passport
Since 2022, everyone wishing to make a passport, whether ordinary or electronic, is required to register first on the M-Paspor app to submit their passport application.
Below is the procedure for applying for an electronic passport:
- Register and choose a schedule in the M-Paspor app.
- Make payment no later than 2 hours after receiving the schedule.
- Come to the immigration office on the appointed date with original documents and their copies. These documents include KTP (ID card), Family Card, Birth Certificate/Diploma/Marriage Certificate/Baptism Letter (choose one).
- The counter officer will check the documents and give a queue number.
- The officer will call the applicant based on the queue number for biometric data collection, security checks, and an interview.
- The passport can be collected within 4 working days after all requirements are completed and the interview is passed.
The usage of ordinary and electronic passports is roughly the same. Even ordinary passport holders can use autogate facilities now available at many airports worldwide. So, even if you only have an ordinary passport, it will not hinder your plans to travel abroad.
