The introduction of  electronic passports in Jamaica is scheduled to get underway this year.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by Andrew Wynter, CEO of  the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, during a meeting of  Parliament's Public Accounts Committee.

 

An electronic or e-passport is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip.

 

The chip contains biometric information that is used to authenticate the identity of  the passport holder. 

 

Mr. Wynter said the introduction of  e-passports will be part of  technological improvements to boost border security.