Fingerprints in travel documents

01.06.2009

Starting from June 29th, 2009, all  persons applying for Estonian travel documents are required to give their fingerprints. The fingerprints are included onto the chip inside the passport cover. Children 6 years and older are also required to give fingerprints, children below the age of 6 will not have to give fingerprints.

As  a  result of compulsory fingerprint-giving, the procedure of applying for passport renewal by mail will change. In the future, it is possible to  apply for the renewal by mail only when the person  already has a passport containing fingerprints and  provided that it was issued less than 2 years ago. It is possible to apply for a passport renewal by mail until June 28th, 2009 (passport applications bearing a postal stamp of a later date will not be  accepted  without fingerprints - the applicant will have to go to an Estonian  Embassy in Ottawa*  or to Estonia to give  the fingerprints).  Until June 28th, 2009, applications for passport renewals can be submitted by those persons, whose passport  is about to expire (a few months are left until the  date of expiration) or by persons who  wish to receive a new passport  for any other reason. 

For additional information please  visit the website of the Citizenship and Migration Board  or contact the Embassy  in Ottawa at 613-789 4222. 

* Upon agreement with the Embassy, fingerprints can be given in other cities visited by the consul.