ICAO 9303 – Part 3 Vol. 1:2008

Doc 9303, Part 3, Volume 1 defines the specifications for two sizes of machine readable official travel documents (MRtds), providing for global data interchange using both visual (eye readable) and machine readable (optical character recognition) means. The specifications lay down standards for identity documents that can, where issued by a State or organization and accepted by a receiving State, be used for cross-border travel purposes. The MRtds shall, as a minimum, contain the mandatory data specified in this volume, in the prescribed standard format. This volume also includes specifications for the mandatory and discretionary incorporation of security features. The specifications of Part 3 may be used by a State or organization for the issuance of a machine readable passport in the form of a Size 1 card. The combined specifications of this volume and of Volume 2 of Part 3 permit the discretionary incorporation of additional electronic data storage to supplement the machine readable zone, principally to allow for an encoded biometric for identity confirmation of the MRP holder.