New chip passport, also known as the “electronic passport” or “biometric passport,” began to be issued on November 1, 2016. This passport differs significantly from the previous booklet passports. Older passports could not be read by digital systems, which caused delays and difficulties during travel. Preparing for visa-free travel, particularly regarding entry to the European Union, accelerated this change. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also recommended transitioning to new chip passports, which sped up implementation.
Chip passports include the standard passport data—passport number, full name, nationality, national identity number, place and date of birth, the issuing authority, issue and expiry dates—along with biometric personal data such as a photograph, fingerprints, and signature. These new chip-based passports store biometric data on an embedded chip. The chip system is designed with strong security measures to prevent copying the passport or accessing the stored information. The chip for this new model is embedded in the back cover. The slightly thicker cover is due to the chip that can store fingerprint data. Like other machine-readable passports, the e-passport contains two lines of 44 characters at the bottom of the identity page; this area is formatted for electronic reading. Thanks to the chip system designed to resist forgery, our passports rank among the most secure in Europe.
What Documents Are Required for the New Chip Passport?
To apply for a new chip passport, applicants must prepare the required documents in advance and attend the scheduled appointment. Required documents include the original national identity card showing the Turkish ID number (a photo is required for applicants older than 15), one biometric photograph taken within the last six months with a white background, and for applicants under 18 a parental consent form. Emancipated minors over 18 must present their guardian or their consent document. Applicants renewing a passport must bring their previous passport. Proof of payment for the passport booklet, fees and postage is required, as well as a document proving student status for those studying abroad and an official student registration certificate from their school. A signed application form (petition) provided by the relevant consular office or authorities must be included. Applicants older than 12 must sign the application; those who are legally incompetent do not sign. People with disabilities who are at least 12 years old must sign; if unable to sign, the “unable to sign” option should be marked. After preparing all documents, applicants must book an appointment via the e-passport website and go to the appointment at the specified time.
How Is the New Chip Passport Issued?
First, prepare the documents listed on the e-passport website. After collecting the documents, book an appointment on the same site; appointments are generally scheduled at the Police Department. Follow the “apply for e-passport now” procedure on the site to complete the steps in order. Limited walk-in service is available for elderly, disabled, or ill applicants, but this quota is restricted. Appointments can only be made through the e-passport website. Arrive at the appointment location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. During the appointment, submit the documents and complete the application. Fingerprints are then captured. The application details and biometric data are submitted online to the Tax Office for processing. The personalized passport is prepared at this center and mailed to the applicant’s address within three to seven days. The previous passport becomes invalid once the new passport is issued, but visas placed in the old passport remain valid and can continue to be used.
How Much Do New Chip Passports Cost?
Passport fees are set annually by the Ministry of Finance and published in official tariff notices related to the Fees Law and the Valuable Papers Law. Since June 1, 2010, applicants for ordinary, special, or service e-passports pay the passport booklet fee and the e-passport fee at provincial or district finance directorates, designated cash offices, or banks that have an agreement with the Ministry of Finance.
In 2017, the Ministry of Finance announced the fee schedule. Paying these fees completes the financial requirement for a new chip passport application. The booklet fee remained fixed at 94 TL, while the biometric passport fees were set as follows: 6-month validity 120.1 TL, 1 year 175.5 TL, 2 years 286.4 TL, 3 years 406.7 TL, and 4–10 years 573.1 TL. When paying, ensure the receipt displays the national ID number, full name, and that the receipt is stamped as paid. Receipts are issued only once and cannot be reissued or modified, so it is important to deposit the exact fee corresponding to the desired passport validity. After payment, the receipt must bear the cashier’s handwritten signature and the “collected” stamp; the original copy should be kept by the applicant. Once payments and receipts are in order, the e-passport application can proceed.