People who travel abroad very frequently can apply for a "frequent traveller passport" (since 2 April 2013).

What is the purpose of the frequent traveller passport?

The frequent traveller passport is intended for people who travel abroad very frequently (particularly outside the Schengen area) and might have to apply for early renewal of their passport when all the pages have been filled up with entry and exit visas and stamps.

 

• The documents required for a frequent traveller passport are the same as for an ordinary passport.
• Applicants must also submit a reasoned request on plain paper.
• The issuing process is identical to that for an ordinary passport.

What are its main features?

The "frequent traveller passport" is a biometric passport that differs from the traditional passport in only two respects:

• The number of pages: the frequent traveller passport has 48 pages, compared with 32 pages for an ordinary passport,
• The background image of the pages is different from the ordinary passport.

What is the role of the ANTS?

The Agency acquires, and provides prefectures, police stations, and consulates with, the equipment needed to manage and check the authenticity and validity of the passport and also maintains that equipment (or has it maintained).

The ANTS designs, operates, and administers the systems for processing applications and issuing passports.