6 written questions · 2019–2026 · last question 3 Sep 2026
Passports, identity documents and biometric data
Questions on passport security, the delayed 10-year passport, US entry and access to biometric data, and visa data processing by VFS Global.
Outcome so far
After years of delay, the 10-year passport was introduced in May 2026; as late as January 2026 the government could give no date (QP 3517). Since then, the chips of some new passports have reportedly not been read by certain automated border gates and by the US ESTA system. The question on these problems (QP 4708) is awaiting an answer.
Status
A question on chip-reading problems with the new passports (QP 4708, 3 September 2026) is awaiting an answer.
What I'm asking next
How many travellers are affected, in which countries and systems, and what the government is doing about it.
The questions
Newest first. Each question links to the full text and the government's answer on chd.lu (in French); the summaries are ours. Question numbers restart with each legislature.
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· QP 4708
Problèmes de lecture des puces des nouveaux passeports biométriques
Answer: Awaiting an answer.
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· QP 4590 · to Xavier Bettel
Protection des données des demandeurs de visa auprès de VFS Global
Answer: VFS acts as processor; data may be stored in the EU, London or Mumbai under contract; inspections done.
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· QP 4507 · to Léon Gloden
Accès des États-Unis aux données biométriques des citoyens luxembourgeois
Answer: Final EBSP framework text not received; Luxembourg insists on necessity, proportionality and reciprocity.
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· QP 3517 · to Xavier Bettel
Introduction du passeport luxembourgeois à validité de dix ans
Answer: Delayed by procurement and security complexity; no timeline; chip durability issue solved.
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· QP 2158 · to Xavier Bettel
Refus d'entrée aux États-Unis pour les détenteurs d'un passeport luxembourgeois
Answer: No record of Luxembourgers deported from the US in five years.
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· QP 1254 · to Jean Asselborn
La sécurité du passeport biométrique
Answer: Ministry learned of the University study's findings only after its conference.
In the press
- Luxembourg: Le passeport valable dix ans? Il faudra encore patienter · L'essentiel , 5 Feb 2026
- Le nouveau passeport bute sur certains lecteurs · Paperjam