ePassports

An electronic passport, or e-passport, is a travel document that contains an embedded microprocessor chip or smart card, designed to store biometric and personal data in addition to the printed information. It follows international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), notably Doc 9303. The chip is typically contactless and is read by border-control systems using RFID technology. The data on the chip generally includes the same biographical details printed on the passport page (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, expiry date) and may include a digital photograph as a biometric reference. Some countries also store additional biometrics such as fingerprints or iris data.

Security and access to the chip are governed by cryptographic protections. Basic Access Control (BAC) or Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE) is used to prevent unauthorized reading of the chip. Additional protections, such as Chip Authentication and Passive Authentication, help verify data integrity and authenticity. A digital certificate chain issued by the issuing authority supports these checks, enabling border-control systems to confirm that the data on the chip has not been altered since issuance.

E-passports are intended to speed border processing, especially with automated gates and kiosks, while reducing the risk of identity fraud. They require compatible national passport programs and border-control infrastructure, and many countries have issued e-passports since the mid-2000s. Adoption levels and feature sets vary by country, with ongoing enhancements in cryptographic methods and biometric capabilities.

Privacy and security concerns include potential radio frequency reading without consent, data leakage, and the handling of biometric information. Protective measures include shielding, strict access controls, and legislative safeguards. Overall, e-passports aim to improve secure identity verification and facilitate international travel.