Passports for Swedish Citizens
The background to the changes is the worldwide effort to increase security standards. These have been set by international bodies, e.g. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). In the case of Sweden, we are furthermore subject to the EU legislation adopted in 2004, which prescribes the exact details concerning the personal data which are stored in a data chip embedded in the passports. So far these details include the personal data of the individual and a digital facial image. Digital fingerprinting will be added to the information stored in the chip at the latest in June of 2009.
The Consulate General in Los Angeles started using the photo station on December 12th 2007.
The Honorary Consulates can no longer receive any applications for regular passports, extra passports or national identity card, but you can still pick up the application at the Consulate in Phoenix.
The applicant has to appear in person at one of the three missions in the United States or apply in Sweden.
The applicant will be photographed and the application sent electronically to the appropriate authorities in Sweden, where the passport is produced.
The Honorary Consulates will continue to deliver the passports to the applicants until the digital fingerprinting will become a requirement. It is very important that the person collects the passport in person and that a thorough identity check is conducted.
Please note that applicants are free to apply at any Passport Authority, either in the U.S. or in Sweden or any other country. The passport can also be picked up at any Passport Authority, either in Sweden or abroad.
Detailed information on applying for a Swedish Passport is found on the website of:
the Consulate General of Sweden in New York
Emergency passports
The Honorary Consulate in Phoenix is still able to continue to receive applications for an emergency passport. The emergency passport is to be used for a specific trip and can in certain cases be issued within 48 hours from the Consul General in Los Angeles and picked up at the Consulate in Phoenix. Please, call the Consulate in Phoenix, phone 480.990.1909, for more information.
Two identical photographs must be submitted with the passport application. It is very important that the photos meet the requirements for passport photos. See examples
Two examples of close location from the consulate where you can have your pictures taken are:
Ritz Camera
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-941-5590
10:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Saturday
11:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday
Kinkos
Scottsdale AZ Civic Center
4150 N Drinkwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-946-0500
7:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday
Sunday closed
Questions and Answers in regards to the new Passport
Do I have to change my old passport?
The old passports are valid until the expiration date. The only passport that has to be exchanged are the old blue passports that are not machine readable.
Is there any difference between the new and old passport?
The new passport has a symbol on the front cover stating that it contains a computer chip. It is not noticeable as it is hidden in the personal page.
Is the passport photo included in the application fee?
Yes. You can not receive or buy a copy of the photo.
Will there be fingerprints in the passport?
Fingerprinting will be included no later than in June of 2009 according to the rules of EU.
How will the fingerprints be stored in the passport?
The fingerprints (two) will be stored at a picture file, the same way as the photo – not as a machine readable computer code.
Do I have to apply for a new passport when fingerprinting is implemented?
No, an issued passport is valid during the whole period of validity. All new passports will be issued with fingerprints from the date the decision is made to do so.
Does the Police store the passport photo in their own data bases?
Yes, the digital photo is stored at the Police.
Do I have to get a new passport if the chip is broken?
The passport is still valid even if the chip is broken but there can be problem at the border of different countries when the chip is read.
