An important aspect of international border security centers around the need for establishing that a traveller presenting a passport and/or visa is the person to whom the document was legitimately issued. These documents must present reliable and verifiable data that uniquely identifies a traveller and can be used in assessment. Efficient processing — a fundamental objective of air transport facilitation — furthermore requires that the data can be read, understood, verified and used in a timely manner.
ICAO has long played a major role in establishing the technical specifications and best practices for the issuance of passports and other travel documents. Standardization of document formats and contents has facilitated international travel and enhanced national security by enabling nations to determine more quickly and accurately the validity of travel documents. Over the years, we have issued standards and guidance for the layout of the passport data page, size and shape of travel documents, and inclusion of security features, as well as for other aspects of travel document production and issuance.
Based on ICAO specifications, an issuing officer or border inspector can visually and electronically determine whether a document contains any of a variety of security features (thereby reducing counterfeiting), or whether it might have been tampered with (such as photo substitution) when using those security features designed to be tamper-evident.
We launched our Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy in 2013 to foster a comprehensive international approach to traveller identity. By leading and reinforcing a global approach that encompasses all aspects of travel document data collection and validation, issuance, and use, as shown in the following diagram, and by providing direction for action by ICAO, States and the many international, regional and industry partners in identification management can drive global excellence in traveller identity and enhance facilitation.
We collaborate with Member States and their authorities as well as international organizations that include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), INTERPOL, and others to gather input and ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the development of travel document specifications. This collaboration helps address the diverse needs and perspectives of the global aviation community.
The coordinated approach fostered by the TRIP Strategy provides for alignment in evolution of the regulatory environment for issuance and use of travel documents internationally. Work under the Strategy informs our efforts to develop and maintain Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that are relevant to the use of travel documents in civil aviation and set a common regulatory baseline globally. These standards are outlined in various annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), particularly Annex 9 — Facilitation.
The TRIP Strategy also involves provisions of implementation support. It provides the basis for a detailed Business Plan to be developed by implementing parties, commensurate with resources available and corresponding actions to be taken. ICAO offers capacity building and training to States and stakeholders, provides technical assistance and advisory services and runs awareness and outreach programmes. Where relevant and feasible, it collaborates with regional organizations. ICAO also facilitates the sharing of information and best practices among Member States while publishing international best practice guidance on various aspects of the Strategy. Support is typically tailored to the specific needs and priorities of individual Member States and stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that travel documents serve the broad transport sector by contributing to border integrity not only in air transport but also in maritime and land transport settings. These important benefits extend the contribution of ICAO travel document related activities beyond ensuring border integrity and efficiency at international airports.
By raising awareness of the importance of a holistic approach to traveller identity, setting global standards and specifications, boosting global capacities and fostering international cooperation, the TRIP Strategy helps to ensure interoperability among different countries’ border management systems and promotes a harmonized approach to the use of data and technologies in international travel. This standardization is essential for the smooth and secure functioning of border control systems worldwide, as well as for the protection of travellers’ privacy and the prevention of identity fraud. ICAO Facilitation enables air travel and it has the TRIP Strategy at its core.
