The data page of an e-Passport will also contain a machine-readable zone (MRZ) below the traveler’s photo and information. This is a rectangular symbol with a horizontal line through it and a circle in the middle. The main way to know if you have an electronic, or biometric, passport is to check the front cover for the biometric symbol. The back of a passportĪt the end of the passport, there may be some general notes on traveling abroad and/or a page to write down your emergency contacts. Blank passport pagesĪfter the data page, there are various blank pages on which to receive stamps upon entering and leaving other countries. The data page may also include the holder’s signature.īiometric passports (sometimes referred to as electronic passports, or e-Passports) have a machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom, which contains compulsory information about the traveler’s identity. This is an image of their face, looking directly at the camera, against a white background. The traveler’s photograph is usually positioned on the left of this page. This page also contains information about the passport itself, including: This is where all the important information about the traveler is found, along with their picture. This takes up pages 2 and 3 of the document. The information below outlines the different parts of a passport. It is important to remember that passports issued by different countries usually have different layouts and may have different features. Older passports simply had the details printed, while modern passports are also machine-readable thanks to an electronic chip and/or a machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the data page. Information is contained both on the cover and inside.

Passports usually come in the form of small booklets. Given how important passports are to international travel, it is useful to know what the defining features are. In the vast majority of cases, passengers will need a passport to board flights and clear border control when they reach their destination for many countries, a visa is also needed. There are also distinct parts that are unique to the issuing country. There are certain essential features that all valid passports have. Modern passports also have an electronic chip with this data, which can be read by machines. The most essential document for traveling abroad, a passport contains important information about the holder.

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