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Biometric-compatible photos must be done at the site of issuance, because people just cannot stop smiling and doing other nonsense when taking photographs themselves.

A photo booth at the site of issuance is very cheap compared to salaries of employees who work there. And it lowers total cost of issuance when you consider costs on the side of the citizen.

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Not true in the UK, most people apply for their biometric passport online (or by post, which costs more). Adults applying for their first passport may be asked to attend an interview.

> Adults applying for their first passport may be asked to attend an interview.

And that itself is a relatively new change, and there are still only a few offices around the country.

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