Jordan Launches e-Passport Service to Boost Digital Transformation
The launch of the e-Passport is part of the wider expansion of digital services in Jordan.
Jordan has officially launched the e-Passport service, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. The new travel document is designed with high-quality specifications, precise security features, and advanced digital technology, making it highly reliable on the global stage. Importantly, the same legal provisions apply to the e-Passport as the traditional passport, with no increase in issuance fees. Starting September 1, 2025, citizens will have the option to issue or renew either a traditional paper passport or an e-Passport.
The pilot phase of the service was launched by Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya and Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Eng. Sami Smeirat at the Civil Status and Passports Department, in the presence of the department’s Director General, Eng. Ghaith Al-Tayeb. Minister Faraya praised the joint efforts of the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Civil Status Department, and national security agencies, noting that the launch represents a qualitative leap in government services. He emphasized that the e-Passport provides modern design, strong security, and advanced digital features, ensuring it can be easily read by border systems worldwide and increasing its reliability for international travel.
Minister Faraya also highlighted that expanding e-services will make access easier for citizens, reduce pressure on Civil Status offices, and increase overall service efficiency. He confirmed that additional e-services will follow, in line with Jordan’s plan to achieve a complete digital transition in service delivery.
Minister Smeirat stressed that the e-Passport reflects Jordan’s commitment to global standards while ensuring the highest levels of protection for citizens’ data. He explained that the Ministry has activated the public key infrastructure system and issued Jordan’s certification, which has been submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and distributed through the Public Key Directory. This will allow faster verification of documents at international borders and help facilitate the travel of Jordanian citizens.
From a technical standpoint, Eng. Al-Tayeb explained that the e-Passport contains a smart electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric data, which can be read electronically by specialized devices at airports and border crossings. The profile page is made of durable polycarbonate material, resistant to damage and forgery, and supports precise laser printing. Invisible security features further enhance the passport’s protection. He confirmed that the e-Passport is valid for five years under current law, with no increase in issuance fees.
Al-Tayeb added that the traditional paper passport remains valid for travel and will continue to be available as an option for citizens until new regulations are issued. Citizens will be able to apply for the e-Passport through the Civil Status Department’s online portal or the Sanad app, provided they have an activated digital ID. The document will be delivered to applicants by Jordan Post for a fee of three dinars, with delivery mechanisms monitored to ensure speed and efficiency.
The launch of the e-Passport is part of the wider expansion of digital services in Jordan. So far, the Civil Status and Passports Department has introduced 25 electronic services and six digital services out of 58 in total. As a result, the share of e-transactions has risen significantly—from just 4.63% in the first five months of 2025 to 23% in the past three months—reflecting Jordanians’ increasing adoption of digital government solutions.
