New 10-year passport launched

Feb 11, 2025 News

Kaieteur News-Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday announced that the Guyanese passport will now be valid for 10 years.

This new document was launched by Central Immigration and Passport Office. Previously, the document was valid for five years. “The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to advise the public that the Central Immigration and Passport Office under the Guyana Police Force, through the Government of Guyana, has rolled out the new Co-operative Republic of Guyana Ten-Years Passport, effective today, Monday, February 10, 2025. This initiative is a key component of His Excellency President Irfaan Ali’s vision for modernizing Guyana and enhancing service delivery for its citizens,” the ministry said.

A test sample of the new passport

The new passport has enhanced security features and there are design elements aimed at improving the identity protection as well as the Guyanese travel experience. Applicants will be given the option to choose between the five-or ten-year options.

Cost for the five-year passport will remain at $6000 but will be doubled to $12,000 for the 10-year passport, to allow citizens to be able to make an informed decision to match their needs. The new passport features an embedded microchip amongst other security features, an upgrade which aligns Guyana with international standards for standards for secure travel documents, ensuring smoother border crossings and enhanced authentication. It also features the One Guyana theme in the design to reflect the country’s unity as well as its cultural diversity.

“In keeping with the government’s digital transformation agenda, efforts are underway to introduce an online application system shortly. While applicants are currently required to submit manual applications at passport offices countrywide, the integration of an online platform will allow citizens to apply remotely, streamlining the process and reducing wait times,” the ministry added.

With the new passport, there is the introduction of enhanced data collection, and all applicants are required to undergo biometric enrollment, which includes fingerprinting. This is an aim to further enhance document security. However, must be noted that the individuals who applied for a passport on or before Friday, February 7, 2025, will receive the previous version. However, all applications submitted from February 10 onward will receive the new e-passport.

“As part of efforts to prevent any abuse of the system, the process of replacing lost or damaged passports is currently under review. While the existing policy remains in effect, future adjustments may include extended waiting periods for replacement documents to deter and investigate possible fraudulent claims.

The Central Immigration and Passport Office urges citizens to stay informed and exercise patience during this transition. Further updates, including the activation of the online application platform, will be shared in due course,” the ministry further stated.

(New 10-year passport launched)

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10 years, Central Immigration and Passport Offices, e-passport, ministry, passport

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