A high level of security became a priority for the United States after the attacks of 11 September 2001 . High security required cracking down on counterfeit passports . In October 2004 , the production stages of this high-tech passport commenced as the U.S. Government Printing Office ( GPO ) issued awards to the top bidders of the program . The awards totaled to roughly $ 1,000,000 for startup , development , and testing . The driving force of the initiative is the U.S. Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 ( also known as the " Border Security Act " ) , which states that such smartcard identity cards will be able to replace visas . As for foreigners travelling to the U.S. , if they wish to enter U.S. visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program ( VWP ) , they are now required to possess machine-readable passports that comply with international standards . Additionally , for travellers holding a valid passport issued on or after 26 October 2006 , such a passport must be a biometric passport if used to enter the U.S. visa-free under the VWP
attacks of 11 September 2001
September 11 attacks
Biometric passport