Electronic passport (RFID foreign passport)

What is an electronic passport

An electronic passport (e-passport) is an identity document equipped with a built-in RFID chip (contactless microcircuit) that stores the biographical and biometric data of the holder. The chip contains a digital photograph, fingerprints (in some countries), as well as cryptographic keys for protection from forgery. In Russia, electronic foreign passports have been issued since 2006. They contain 46 pages (instead of 36 in the old format), have reinforced security elements and a built-in chip that is read at border crossing points using special NFC readers. The data on the chip is cryptographically protected, which prevents unauthorized reading and forgery. Electronic passports are regulated by international ICAO standards and comply with the requirements of 187-FZ for the protection of personal data.

How an electronic passport works

The RFID chip in an electronic passport works according to the following principle, ensuring secure and fast data reading. Contactless reading — a reader at a border crossing point activates the chip through radio waves (NFC at 13.56 MHz) at a distance of up to 10 cm. The chip has no own power source and receives energy from the electromagnetic field of the reader. Authentication of the chip — the chip and the reader exchange cryptographic keys to confirm authenticity. The BAC (Basic Access Control) protocol is used, which requires reading the machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the first page of the passport to obtain access keys. More modern passports use the EAC (Extended Access Control) protocol to protect fingerprints and other sensitive data. Data reading — after authentication, the reader receives biographical data and the biometric template. Verification — the system verifies the data from the chip with the visual information on the passport pages, and also checks the authenticity of the document through the digital signature applied to the chip. The data on the chip is protected from unauthorized access: reading requires physical contact at a distance of up to 10 cm and knowledge of access keys (BAC or EAC). Electronic passports integrate with access control systems (ACS) and border crossing points, automating the identification process.

Advantages of an electronic passport

Using an electronic passport gives the following advantages compared to paper documents of the old format. Protection from forgeries — cryptographic protection of the chip, digital signature and complex security elements make forgery practically impossible. Automation of control — accelerated passage through border crossing points through electronic gates (e-Gates). Durability — the validity period is 10 years instead of 5 years of the old format. More pages — 46 pages versus 36 in the old format. Versatility — the chip complies with international ICAO standards, which ensures compatibility with border control systems in all countries.

Use in access control systems

Electronic passports are actively used not only at borders, but also in access control and document verification systems. Border crossing points — automated border systems (e-Gates) use electronic passport readers to identify travelers. Hotels — guest registration systems use NFC readers for automatic filling of registration cards. Banks — when opening accounts, banks use electronic passport readers to verify the client's identity. Government services — readers are used in the MFC for quick document verification. Access control systems — electronic passports can be used to identify visitors and employees. Specialized NFC readers are used to verify the authenticity of an electronic passport.