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Introduced in April: Unveiling of Emergency Pass and Travel Pass with Innovative Security Enhancement

April brings two updates for the Austrian passport family: The emergency passport undergoes a comprehensive redesign, featuring a novel cover, and incorporates a new security measure dubbed 'Laser Perforation Image'. The emergency passport serves as an alternative document during emergency...

Launch of Enhanced Emergency and Travel Passes Equipped with Enhanced Security Measures, Effective...
Launch of Enhanced Emergency and Travel Passes Equipped with Enhanced Security Measures, Effective from April

Introduced in April: Unveiling of Emergency Pass and Travel Pass with Innovative Security Enhancement

The Austrian government is set to introduce a series of improvements to its travel documents, including the new Austrian passport and Notpass, starting from April 1st, 2022.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the Laser Image Perforation feature in the new Austrian passport. This security measure, which involves laser-cutting a detailed portrait image into the data page, is designed to improve protection against forgeries. Verifying this feature is straightforward; simply view the data page against the light, and the portrait image will become visible.

The Laser Image Perforation also enhances the security of the data page and security laminate, making the passport more resistant to tampering. This is part of a wider effort to make Austrian passports more secure, which also includes the use of advanced materials and biometric data.

In addition to the new passport, the Austrian Notpass is also being redesigned. This emergency document is intended for use in unexpected situations where a passport or ID card is lost, stolen, or no longer usable. The new Notpass will be more accessible for visually impaired individuals, with features such as the word "Austria" in Braille on the cover.

For a comprehensive overview of the new Notpass, its security features, and how to verify them, visit the CHECK-AT Service website (www.check-at.gv.at). This resource provides a compact guide to help travellers navigate the changes and make informed decisions about their travel documents.

These improvements aim to enhance the security and accessibility of Austrian travel documents, ensuring that they remain reliable and user-friendly in an increasingly complex world.

The new Austrian passport's Laser Image Perforation not only reinforces the passport's security against forgeries but also serves as a travel advantage, allowing for a smoother verification process. Concurrently, the redesigned Notpass will cater to the lifestyle of visually impaired individuals, facilitating travel with improved accessibility.

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