Airport Passport Scanning: What, When, And Why?

When you arrive at the airport, your passport will be scanned. This is to verify your identity and ensure the security of your destination. The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on the passport data page contains your personal information and the validity of your document. This zone is crucial for international travel as it helps to protect your identity when abroad and facilitates fast processing at borders. The passport is also checked for validity and to confirm that the traveller meets the documentation requirements of the country they are flying to.

Why do they scan passports at the airport?

Passports are scanned at the airport to verify a traveller's identity and ensure the security of their destination. The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on the passport data page helps to protect a traveller's identity and reduces the risk of passport fraud. It also facilitates fast processing at borders.

The MRZ contains the following information:

• A letter to signify the type of document, e.g. 'P' for a regular passport, 'V' for a visa, 'I' for an ID card, and 'T' for a temporary or emergency passport.
• The country code, e.g. 'USA' for the United States, 'CRI' for Costa Rica.
• The traveller's name and surname, with two less-than symbols ('<') in between. If the traveller has two surnames or two names, these are separated by a single less-than symbol ('<').
• The passport number, typically nine digits long, followed by a check digit.
• The country code again, followed by the date of birth in the year-month-day (YYMMDD) format and another check digit.
• A letter to indicate the sex of the passport holder, e.g. 'F' for female and 'M' for male.
• The expiry date, followed by a check digit.
• Personal ID numbers or other optional elements, along with another check digit and a composite check digit.

Check digits are calculated through a repetitive weighting of the number 731, which verifies the authenticity of the document's data.

In addition to the MRZ, passports contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips, which employ wireless communication to transmit and store data. The information stored on RFID chips includes biographical data (name, date of birth, nationality), a digital photograph, and MRZ information such as the passport number and expiry date.

RFID chips are read by Automated Border Control (ABC) systems, which use hardware and software to check the authenticity of travel documents. ABC systems are equipped with specialised scanners that can read MRZ and RFID chips, extracting a traveller's information in seconds. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is also used to decipher the MRZ and turn printed characters into digital data for further processing.

Facial recognition technology is then used to match the digital photograph on the passport chip with a photo taken by the checkpoint camera, confirming the traveller's identity.

These technologies ensure efficient and secure identity verification at airport checkpoints, facilitating a smooth travel experience while maintaining the necessary security measures.

What information is scanned from a passport?

When your passport is scanned at the airport, basic information is checked, such as your name, date of birth, country of citizenship, etc. This information is used to verify your identity and confirm that you are the person whose name is on the ticket. Additionally, the nationality shown on your passport is important in determining whether you need a visa for your destination.

The passport also contains a 'code key' that, when scanned, grants access to a chip that stores the same information. This helps the officer verify that the information in your passport is valid and not forged.

For certain countries, such as the U.S., once your basic information is in the system, it can be cross-referenced with various databases, including security and border control databases. Other countries may have similar systems in place at their borders to check for any red flags that may prevent your entry or exit.

Furthermore, the information on your passport may be stored and sent to the destination country, where it can be retained in a database for an extended period. Some countries also receive passenger manifests from departing flights to reconcile departure and arrival records.

What is the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)?

The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) is a critical security feature in modern travel and identity documents. It is a code printed on the personal data page of a passport or other identity document, usually found at the bottom of the identity page. The MRZ typically consists of two or three lines of alphanumeric text, encoded in a standardised format, which can be read by both hardware and software identity verification tools. This enables the rapid and accurate extraction of data by optical character recognition (OCR) systems, facilitating the swift and secure verification of a document holder's identity.

The MRZ was initially introduced to speed up the document check process at borders and airports. It contains specific personal data in a universal format, which can be read anywhere using specialised hardware and software. The data includes the document type, name, document number, nationality, date of birth, sex, and document expiration date. All these fields are mandatory on a passport, with room for optional, country-dependent, supplementary information. The MRZ also contains check digits, which are used to detect fraud.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was behind the invention of the MRZ, and countries began issuing travel documents with this code in the 1980s. As of 24 November 2015, non-machine-readable passports are considered expired, and cannot be used to visit any of the 193 ICAO member states.

What is the purpose of the passport photo?

The purpose of a passport photo is to provide a form of identification that meets strict government requirements. These requirements include specific details on size, format, and pose.

Passport photos must be full-frontal shots with a plain white or off-white background. The photo must be 2x2 inches in size, with the subject's face measuring between 1 and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The subject must maintain a neutral facial expression (a closed-mouth smile is usually acceptable). Prescription glasses, headgear, and accessories are typically not allowed. The attire must contrast with the background; clothes should be dark-coloured and without patterns.

The strict guidelines for passport photos ensure that the image is suitable for use in official, government-issued documents such as passports, visas, and driver's licenses. The photo must clearly display the individual's facial features for identification purposes.

What happens if you don't have a passport at the airport?

Passport scanning at airports is a common practice. The officer scans your passport to verify basic information such as name, date of birth, and country of citizenship. The passport also contains a 'code key' that grants access to a chip with the same information, allowing the officer to confirm the authenticity of the document.

Now, what happens if you don't have a passport at the airport? Here are some possible scenarios and outcomes:

Boarding Denied

If you are travelling internationally, you will most likely be denied boarding if you do not have your passport. Airlines typically require a valid passport for international travel, and they will check for it during the check-in and boarding process. Without a passport, you will not be allowed to board the plane.

Verification and Detention

If you have already boarded the plane and realise you don't have your passport, you may face detention upon arrival at your destination. Your identity will need to be verified, and this process can take some time. You may be detained until your identity is confirmed and your documentation status is resolved.

Alternative Identification

In some cases, if you are a citizen of the country you are travelling to, alternative forms of identification may be accepted. For example, a driver's license or other government-issued ID may be sufficient for domestic travel within some countries. However, this is not always the case, and it is always best to carry your passport when travelling internationally.

Emergency Passport

If you are travelling without a passport and are denied boarding or detained, you may need to contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can usually issue an emergency passport or temporary travel document that will allow you to continue your journey. This process may take a few days, and you will need to provide proof of your citizenship and identity.

Biometric Identification

At some airports, such as Heathrow and LAX, there is a move towards biometric face scans. These scans are used in conjunction with electronic copies of your passport information. While this technology may reduce the need for physical passport checks, it does not eliminate the requirement for valid travel documentation. Your identity and travel authorisation will still be verified through biometric means.

In summary, not having a passport at the airport can lead to significant disruptions to your travel plans. It is always advisable to carry your passport when travelling internationally and to ensure that it is secure and easily accessible throughout your journey.

Frequently asked questions