Biometric passports introduced in Turkmenistan

The biometric passport for entry into and exit from the country was introduced in Turkmenistan on July 10, 2008.

The action is secured by the Resolution of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, who is the first bearer of the Turkmen international passport of the new version. The document is aimed at further enhancing the friendly relations of Turkmenistan with foreign countries and expanding trade and economic, scientific and technical and cultural co-operation.

According to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, the new passports meet the ICAO requirements (International Civil Aviation Organization) – an agency of the United Nations that fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. Actively contributing to the global efforts to control terrorism, transnational crime and illegal migration Turkmenistan demonstrates adherence to the commitments undertaken. Therefore, the introduction of the Turkmen passport of the new version, which has been adopted by over 50 countries worldwide in recent years, vividly proves that.

In accordance with the generally accepted international requirements a biometric passport is a combined paper and electronic identity document that uses biometrics to authenticate the citizenship of travelers. The passport has the special microsheme, in the Turkmen passport – a computer contactless security chip with the personal data and biometric data including fingerprints. The chip has a digital image of the bearer's face as on their passport black-and-white photo and is able to hold digital signature data to ensure the integrity of the passport and the biometric data.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation defines the biometric file formats and communication protocols to be used in passports. Only the digital image of each biometric feature is actually stored in the chip. These standards ensure interoperability between different countries and different manufacturers of passport books. The passport cover is made from high-quality heat-resistant material. The Turkmen passport is remarkable for its design. The national emblem and carpet patterns symbolizing the unity and solidarity of the Turkmen people are depicted at the margins of each of 48 pages of the passport.

In accordance with the Resolution the biometric passport should be issued for citizens of Turkmenistan including under-age children within the one-month period. The passport is valid for ten years and for five years for children under the age of 16.

The existing passports remain valid for entry into and exit from the country till July 10, 2013.