Moldova selects Gemalto for its new ePassport program

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: Gemalto has won a multi-year contract to supply next-generation ePassports to the Center for State Information Resources "Registru" of the Republic of Moldova.

Gemalto's complete ePassport booklet offer to CSIR Registru includes its secure Sealys eTravel embedded software and eCovers, as well as advanced visual security features. Gemalto also provides support in integration services, within the existing document issuance process. Introduction of the new generation solution begins in summer 2014.

It will replace the previous generation of passports in the Republic of Moldova and enable visa free travel for Moldovan citizens to the European Union.

Gemalto's ePassport for Moldova stores a digital portrait and two fingerprint scans inside its contactless microprocessor, delivering secure and reliable authentication of the holder's identity. The new program will also be one of the first in the world to implement Supplemental Access Control (SAC), the latest security mechanism recommended by ICAO and mandated by the EU to protect the access to the data stored in the microprocessor.

Gemalto's Sealys eTravel embedded software is ICAO Common Criteria certified and has been designed to ensure that the Moldovan authorities enjoy industry-leading speeds for reading ePassports, resulting in swifter border crossing. Durable Sealys eCovers and inlays will deliver excellent wear resistance over their ten-year life.

"As a major benefit for our citizens, the new document will facilitate access to countries that have deployed ePassport verification infrastructures," said Serghei Railean, director general of CSIR Registru. "We are looking forward to working with Gemalto to provide Moldovan citizens with the latest e-Identity documents for unprecedented levels of security and privacy."

"This new contract further strengthens the company's presence in Moldova," added Tommi Nordberg, senior VP of Government Programs at Gemalto. "An early mover in the process of visa liberalization, Moldova needs to handle growing citizen demand for the biometric passport and Gemalto is fully dedicated to supporting the country in meeting this challenge."