A biometric passport contains a computer chip and an antenna. Like contactless credit cards, when the chip in the passport is placed within 4cm (1.5in) of another transmitting antenna, power is induced in the chip, allowing it to send and receive a signal.
The chip in your passport contains your name, date of birth and passport details, as well as encrypted biometric information used for facial, retinal or fingerprint recognition.
The passport inspection system compares these with the scanned traveller details at passport control. If they match, then the little doors open and you can pass through.
Read more:
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Asked by: Freddie Herbert, Chelmsford
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