Hi all...Need some guidance here. We renewed my husband's passport, sent a very clear passport picture, and received the new passport in a very timely manner. However, we received one of the new "next generation" passports, with bio page encased in plastic, and two photos shown, both of which are blurry-looking, "washed out" looking, and, I see it , "heavily pixilated". Has anyone else had this happen? Is this the new technology, where when it is scanned at the airport, the picture will come out clear? We're not sure what to do at this point (traveling next spring, so have plenty of time to correct, I we need!)....Please advise. Sorry if this has already been addressed, as I'm just returning to this site after a long absence. Thank you!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11177 posts
Is there a passport application center ( e.g., Post office or such) nearby that you can go to and have them look at it to see if it is 'right'? Go to an airport and have CBP ( or TSA) inspect it to see if they have any problem with it?
The happy thought is that someone inspects the passport before it goes out to make sure it is right.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
It is OK -- We recently received our renewed passport and got one of each --- one old style and one new. The photo is of little importance to the passport. As long as it is close.
Posted by
WestCentral MN
281 posts
Our photos look like they were taken through a "fun house" mirror! Not kidding! They have always worked fine.
Posted by
OP
Orlando
6 posts
Thanks for the replies. I did take it to the post office, and the person who looked at it there said it would be okay, even though he agreed that the picture was "fuzzy". I'm thinking of going to the airport and having someone see if this picture issue is actually a security feature and scans properly.
Posted by
Central US
118 posts
We renewed and received our new generation passports this summer. Our photos in the new passports are less crisp/clear and more washed out than our old passports. Much like you describe. I was a little disappointed, since I was careful to be sure the photos we sent in were good, clear pictures. Sounds like the “new version” has different photo technology.
We haven’t traveled with them yet.
Posted by
New York, NY
3996 posts
Pixelated or not, can you still get the double-sized passport at the same price as the regular size meaning double the # of pages to be stamped?
Posted by
Freedonia
14992 posts
The newer passports have your photo embedded in the passport. So, when its scanned, the photo appears to the immigration officer on the screen. They still may compare your photo to your face just to make sure there is no attempt at tampering.
The egate machines work similarly. If you notice, you have to look into a camera after putting your passport in the machine. It is comparing you to the photo embedded in the computer chip inside your passort. Not the photo on the passport page. This helps to prevent tampering.
This was explained to me since the computer chip in my passport is damaged. I can't use the egates because of that. (Getting a new passport next year.)
Posted by
Central US
118 posts
That’s interesting, Frank. Thank you for the explanation.
I’m curious – How did you find out your chip is damaged? (Crossing my fingers and hoping I have a good healthy chip).
Posted by
Freedonia
14992 posts
Before egates were open to Americans I had " Registered Traveler" that allowed me to use them. One day it didn't work so I had to speak to Border Force officer. (This is a separate queue for people who have trouble with the machine.) He told me. But they can still read the barcode on the passport.
Posted by
Central US
118 posts
Thank you. It’s good to know they can still read the bar code if the chip isn’t working.
Posted by
The Shire
145 posts
The photo on my passport is also kind of blurry; but I've never had any problem using it. I wonder if it's done on purpose so to make counterfeiting or use of a stolen passport harder.