Although the new ICAO biometric standards for travel and ID documents should make the world a safer place, their implementation presents a considerable challenge. This article explains how a step-by-step approach could help small countries and new EU member states to adopt the ICAO standards. Stanislav Drensky is an independent consultant. He holds an MSc in Chemical Technology and Engineering and specialised in International Finance (IFS: 2002-2003). He joined the Bulgarian National Bank in 1993, where he last held the position of General Manager of the Printing Works. In this capacity, he was responsible for overlooking the printing of new banknotes and ID documents. He started his own company in 1999, and subsequently became General Manager of Taphone AG`s Bulgarian operations.