Weird indeed. This is my second reminder today that technology does not spread equally around the globe. The other was hearing my wife ask the IT-guy in her company if they had a fax number for a form from the Italian government.

After having my photo taken at the police office for at least my two latest passports it's somewhat surprising to hear about so many countries still using "the old way". There are such obvious advantages both in security and convenience by having the passport issuer take the photo and the technology is obviously available.

Same in Switzerland, alas it's the designated passport office and not a police station.

They have a specially kited photo booth, where you also leave two fingerprints for additional biometric verification.

In order to renew your passport you need to schedule an appointment withyour local passport office.

Last time I renewed, 2013, it took 7 weeks until the earliest available appointment, which was a bit surprising. I'm sure, though, there's an emergency shortcut for a price.

The new passport arrives two days later by mail.

In Finland you can submit your own photo through the internet. All applications are verified by the police so I don't see the issue.