Public Services Agency presents new passports to be introduced in Moldova on October 15

Starting October 15, Moldova will begin issuing passports of a new design. The Public Services Agency (ASP) presented the updated document on September 25.

The ASP reported that the new passport complies with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has received more than 100 new security features. The personal data page will be made entirely of polycarbonate, which will make document forgery significantly more difficult.

The passport’s design has also changed. The architectural motifs of the previous document will be replaced by images inspired by the national flora and fauna.

“This passport is one of the most complex and advanced security documents ever issued by the Public Services Agency. We managed not only to introduce the latest-generation technologies, but also to reduce the cost of the document by 140 lei,” ASP Director Mircea Planu said at the presentation.

According to him, the cost of the new passport will include only the market value of the security features, with the institution not seeking to make a profit.

Passports of the old design that are already in circulation will remain valid until their expiration date. They will not need to be replaced in advance.