On March 16, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 107 "On Biometric Documents". This was reported to BELTA by the press service of the Head of State.
the press service of the Head of State.In accordance with the decree, biometric documents will be introduced in the country from September 1 of this year. Their use will allow for the automation of personal identification procedures, simplify passport control when crossing borders, and promote the development of electronic services.
A microchip will be embedded in the new type of documents, containing a photo image, fingerprints, and other personal data of the owner.
A total of 8 new types of documents containing biometric data will be introduced, including an identification card for citizens and a biometric passport. The issuance of an identification card will require a payment of 1.5 basic units (1 BU - Br29), and a biometric passport - 2 BU.
ID cards are planned to be used within our country to verify the owner's identity. Biometric passports will be required for travel abroad (if a citizen does not plan such trips, obtaining this passport is not necessary). Its issuance is possible only if the applicant possesses an identification card.
The functionality of identity documents is also being expanded. Through the use of a personal electronic digital signature, the identification card will allow legally significant actions to be performed electronically.
There are no plans for mandatory replacement of existing passports held by the population with new biometric documents. The current passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus will continue to be issued under the previous terms.
Citizens will independently decide which type of identity document they wish to obtain (biometric documents or passports of the current sample). The cost of issuing current passports will not change. The possibility of traveling abroad with this document is also retained.