Shine Fm Blog

E-Passports could be pricey ...

You could be spending a lot more than $87 for a passport when the new, electronic versions come out next year.

The first version issued to top government officials and diplomats carries a hefty price tag, if an expense claim filed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper is an indication — with the price of the so-called e-passport pegged at $225. The cost of e-passports for Harper and his family was picked up by taxpayers.

Passport Canada, in an email response to CBCNews.ca, said Monday the group was in the midst of consulting Canadians on e-passports.

"No decisions have yet been made on the price of the new electronic passport," wrote Béatrice Fénelon, a spokesperson for the department.

Diplomatic e-passports are valid for five years, just like the current standard versions. Government officials say a new fee schedule for the e-passports will be out this fall.

A similar passport with a chip in the U.S. costs $135 and is valid for 10 years.

The main difference in the e-passport is the inclusion of a computer chip that stores key personal data that can be accessed with a scanner. According to Passport Canada, the chip contains the holder's photo and has "a country-specific signature that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada.

"The visible photo must match the photo stored on the chip, as well as the ghost photo printed in ultraviolet ink."

The government said the chip adds another layer of security and will reduce the risk of fraud. It will be electronically locked.

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