Re:Passport still needs to be scanned??? (Score 1)

They chose a contactless option because typical smart chips that rely upon contact for data transfer do not stand up to the 10 year life of modern passports. Also, it's very difficult to place a smart chip on the non-rigid surface of a passport that is made of paper; it's one thing to stick it onto your MasterCard, but even the cardboard of the passport cover isn't that sturdy.