Japan, a country known for its efficiency and order, has made a significant announcement that may affect travelers worldwide. The Japanese government has recently revealed plans to end the service of adding blank passport pages, making it the last country in the G20 to do so. This decision could have a significant impact on those who frequently travel to this country or intended to visit in the near future. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this move and the potential implications for travelers.
Starting Monday, Japan will no longer allow passport holders to add pages when they run out of space for visas and immigration stamps. This move comes after the International Civil Aviation Organization advised the country to stop such a service, citing difficulties distinguishing the valid passports from counterfeit ones. With this decision, Japan joins the other 19 members of the Group of 20 who have already abolished the system.
Along with this change, a revised Passport Act will go into effect on Monday in Japan. Passports can now be renewed and lost passports can be reported online, part of the country’s push to digitalize and streamline government services.
While adding pages to passports has been a convenient and popular service for frequent travelers, it has also raised concerns about passport security. Fake passports often contain pages with different designs or dimensions compared to valid ones, making it easier for counterfeiters to replicate the same page onto a fake passport.
Japan’s move to end this service also reflects the growing trend towards biometric passports. Biometric passports contain a microchip that stores the traveler’s personal and biometric information, such as facial recognition or fingerprints, making it more difficult to forge or counterfeit. As more countries adopt biometric passports, traditional paper passports with added pages are becoming outdated and less secure.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to digital and contactless services, urging countries to offer more online options for government processes. Japan’s new online passport renewal and reporting system is part of this effort to reduce physical contact and promote digital access, especially during these times of social distancing.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the accessibility of the online system, especially for seniors or those without internet access. They worry that some may be excluded from renewing their passports or reporting lost ones, potentially causing further headaches for travelers.
Overall, Japan’s decision to end the service of adding pages to passports is a step towards strengthening passport security and digitalizing government services. As the world becomes more connected and travel becomes more frequent, ensuring the authenticity and security of passports is crucial in maintaining safe and efficient travel processes.
