The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is taking a significant step toward further standardization of Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) with the upcoming 9th edition of Doc 9303. A key focus is the harmonization of the two-letter document type code in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), which currently begins with “P” but lacks consistency in the optional second letter used by issuing states. This inconsistency poses challenges for automated border control systems, such as e-gates, which struggle to reliably identify specific passport types.
The proposed update introduces uniform codes, like “PP” for ordinary passports and “PE” for emergency passports, ensuring smoother, more efficient machine-assisted checks without altering the MRZ structure. For passport issuers, inspection systems, and stakeholders in identity document management, this change promises greater interoperability and accuracy in travel document verification.
Sources/References:
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
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