UK Raises Fees for ePassports
LONDON, UK, July 25, 2006. The price of a passport is on the rise in the UK for the second time in ten months as a result of rising security costs since the introduction of the biometric epassport.
A standard UK ten-year adult ePassport will cost lb66 from 5 October representing a 60% rise from its price this time last December.
This compares to the equivalent fees over ten years for ePassports in other countries (Australia lb72, Belgium lb96, France lb41, Iceland lb81, Japan lb163, New Zealand lb123, Norway lb87, Switzerland lb219, USA lb54). This completes a two-stage fee increase to allow the introduction of the latest generation passport to international standards as well as other anti-fraud measures such as enhanced background checks on applicants and preparations for face-to-face interviews for first-time adult passport applicants.
The biometric epassport has a microchip embedded in the centre page which contains the digitised facial image and personal details of the passport holder as they appear on the data page. The microchip can be read electronically and will enable the implementation of cutting-edge facial recognition technology.
The UK is one of forty countries deploying ePassports. From October ePassport production will be a requirement for countries wishing to remain within the US Visa Waiver Scheme.
More than 1 million ePassports have been issued in Britain since March. From the end of the summer, all applicants will receive a biometric document.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
