Biometric passports could be a year away for Dominican Republic

Officials of the Dominican Republic have begun what they say will be a yearlong process to introduce electronic passports.

The Caribbean nation's General Directorate of Passports wants design, equipment and maintenance contracts signed by early next year, according to reporting by news publication the Dominican Today.

The new Dominican Republic document will have a cover protecting the chip and an ultraviolet-light watermark. The report notes reduced wait times and enhanced document security as possible benefits for citizens.

About 140 nations …

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