Guyana has launched a new Ten-Year Passport with enhanced security features including an electronic chip. Citizens can opt for a five-year or ten-year validity, priced at G$6,000 and G$12,000 respectively. An online application system is forthcoming to streamline the process, and biometric enrollment will be required for all applicants. Individuals applying after February 10, 2025, will receive the new e-passport, while those who applied earlier will receive the previous version.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has officially launched the new Ten-Year Passport, available to citizens as of February 10. This effort aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s vision of modernizing public services to enhance the travel experiences of Guyanese citizens. The new passport includes significant upgrades to security features, such as an embedded electronic chip, meeting international standards for secure documentation.
This passport revamp aims to ensure smoother border crossings and improve authentication processes. Moreover, the new design incorporates elements that symbolize Guyana’s unity and cultural diversity. Along with enhanced security, the Ministry offers citizens the choice between a five-year and a ten-year passport, priced at G$6,000 and G$12,000, respectively, providing greater flexibility for applicants.
To streamline the application process, the government plans to introduce an online application system shortly. For now, manual submissions can be made at passport offices across the country; however, the future online platform will facilitate remote applications, thereby reducing wait times significantly. Additionally, biometric enrollment, including fingerprinting, will be mandatory for all passport applicants to safeguard the passport issuance process.
Individuals who submitted passport applications prior to February 7, 2025, will receive the older version, whereas all applications submitted after February 10, 2025, will be issued the new e-passport. The Ministry is also reviewing the processes for replacing lost or damaged passports, considering measures to minimize fraudulent claims, such as implementing extended waiting periods for replacements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged citizens to remain informed and patient throughout this transition. Further updates will be communicated, particularly regarding the online application platform and additional details.
The launch of the Ten-Year Passport by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana marks a significant advancement in the country’s public services. Enhanced security features, flexible validity options, and the upcoming online application system are designed to improve the travel experience for citizens. The initiative reflects a commitment to modernization and increased efficiency in the passport issuance process.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
