Doc 9303 Machine Readable Travel Documents

Approved by and published under the authority of the Secretary General

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION

Doc 9303

Machine Readable Travel Documents

Part 7: Machine Readable Visas

Eighth Edition, 2021

Approved by and published under the authority of the Secretary General

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION

Doc 9303

Machine Readable Travel Documents

Part 7: Machine Readable Visas

Eighth Edition, 2021

Published in separate English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian

and Spanish editions by the

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION

999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 5H7

Downloads and additional information are available at www.icao.int/security/mrtd

Doc 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents

Part 7 — Machine Readable Visas

Order No.: 9303P7

ISBN 978-92-9265-364-4 (print version)

ISBN 978-92-9275-310-8 (electronic version)

retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior

permission in writing from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

(iii)

AMENDMENTS

Amendments are announced in the supplements to the Products and Services

Catalogue; the Catalogue and its supplements are available on the ICAO

website at www.icao.int. The space below is provided to keep a record of such

amendments.

RECORD OF AMENDMENTS AND CORRIGENDA

AMENDMENTS

CORRIGENDA

No.

Date

Entered by

No.

Date

Entered by

20/3/24

ICAO

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not

imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of ICAO concerning the legal

status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the

delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

(v)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 1

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FORMAT-A MACHINE READABLE VISAS (MRV-A) .......... 1

2.1 Dimensions and Placement of the MRV-A ............................................................................ 1

3. GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE MRV-A ................................................................................................ 3

3.1 MRV-A Zones ....................................................................................................................... 3

3.2 Content, Use and Dimensional Flexibility of Zones............................................................... 3

3.3 Dimensional Flexibility of Zones I to V .................................................................................. 4

4. DETAILED LAYOUT OF THE MRV-A ............................................................................................... 5

4.1 Visual Inspection Zone (VIZ) (Zones I-V) .............................................................................. 5

4.2 Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) (Mandatory Zone VII) ......................................................... 8

4.3 Portrait .................................................................................................................................. 14

4.4 MRV-A Diagrams .................................................................................................................. 15

5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FORMAT-B MACHINE READABLE VISAS (MRV-B) .......... 19

5.1 Dimensions and Placement of the MRV-B ............................................................................ 19

6. GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE MRV-B ................................................................................................ 20

6.1 MRV-B Zones ....................................................................................................................... 20

6.2 Content, Use and Dimensional Flexibility of Zones............................................................... 21

6.3 Dimensional Flexibility of Zones I to V .................................................................................. 21

7. DETAILED LAYOUT OF THE MRV-B ............................................................................................... 22

7.1 Visual Inspection Zone (VIZ) (Zones I-V) .............................................................................. 22

7.2 Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) (Mandatory Zone VII) ......................................................... 25

7.3 Portrait .................................................................................................................................. 32

7.4 MRV-B Diagrams .................................................................................................................. 33

8. USE OF OPTIONAL BARCODES ON MACHINE READABLE VISAS ............................................. 37

8.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................... 37

8.2 Definition ............................................................................................................................... 37

8.3 Location of Bar Code(s) ........................................................................................................ 37

8.4 Quality of Bar Code(s) .......................................................................................................... 38

8.5 Symbologies and Logical Data Structure .............................................................................. 38

8.6 Machine Reading of the Bar Code(s).................................................................................... 38

(vi) Machine Readable Travel Documents

Page

9. USE OF OPTIONAL DIGITAL SEALS FOR VISA DOCUMENTS

9.1 Content and Encoding Rules………………………………………………………………………. 39

9.2 Visa Signer and Seal Creation…………………………………………………………………….. 42

9.3 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificate Profiles…………………………………………. 42

9.4 Validation Policy Rules (Informative)……………………………………………………………… 42

10. REFERENCES (NORMATIVE) ........................................................................................................... 43

APPENDIX A TO PART 7. EXAMPLES OF PERSONALIZED MRVs (INFORMATIVE) ......................... App A-1

A.1 MRV-A Examples ................................................................................................................. App A-1

A.2 MRV-B Examples ................................................................................................................. App A-3

APPENDIX B TO PART 7. CONSTRUCTION OF THE MRZ (INFORMATIVE) ....................................... App B-1

B.1 MRV-A MRZ Construction .................................................................................................... App B-1

B.2 MRV-B MRZ Construction .................................................................................................... App B-2

APPENDIX C TO PART 7. POSITIONING IN PASSPORT (INFORMATIVE) .......................................... App C-1

C.1 MRV-A Positioning ................................................................................................................ App C-1

C.2 MRV-B Positioning ................................................................................................................ App C-2

APPENDIX D TO PART 7. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION METHODS (INFORMATIVE) ................. App D-1

APPENDIX E TO PART 7. WORKED EXAMPLE VISIBLE DIGITAL SEAL

FOR VISA DOCUMENT (INFORMATIVE) ............................................................................................ App E-1

______________________

1. SCOPE

Part 7 defines the specifications for machine readable visas (MRV) which allow compatibility and global interchange

using both visual (eye readable) and machine readable means. The specifications lay down standards for visas which

can, where issued by a State and accepted by a receiving State, be used for travel purposes. The MRV shall, as a

minimum, contain the data specified herein in a form that is legible both visually and by optical character recognition

methods, as presented herein. Part 7 contains specifications for both Format-A and Format-B types of visas.

Part 7 shall be read in conjunction with:

• Part 1 — Introduction;

• Part 2 — Specifications for the Security of the Design, Manufacture and Issuance of MRTDs;

• Part 3 — Specifications Common to all MRTDs; and

• Part 13 — Visible Digital Seals.

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FORMAT-A

MACHINE READABLE VISAS (MRV-A)

This section defines those specifications which are unique to Format-A machine readable visas (MRV-A) and are

necessary for global interoperability. Specifications are included for the discretionary expansion of the machine readable

data capacity of the MRV beyond that defined for global interoperability. The MRV-A is suitable for use by States that

wish to have maximum space available to accommodate their data requirements and that do not need to maintain a

clear area on the passport visa page adjacent to the visa.

2.1 Dimensions and Placement of the MRV-A

The dimensions and placement of the MRV-A shall be as follows:

MRV-A nominal dimensions. The nominal dimensions of the MRV-A shall be as follows:

80.0 mm × 120.0 mm (3.15 in × 4.72 in)

MRV-A margins. The dimensional specifications refer to the outer limits of the MRV-A. A margin of 2.0 mm (0.08 in)

along each outer edge, with the exception of the header zone, must be left clear of data.

2 Machine Readable Travel Documents

MRV-A edge tolerances. The edges of the MRV-A shall be within the area circumscribed by the concentric rectangles as

illustrated in Figure 1.

Inner rectangle: 79.0 mm × 119.0 mm (3.11 in × 4.69 in)

Outer rectangle: 81.0 mm × 121.0 mm (3.19 in × 4.76 in)

MRV-A thickness. If the visa is issued as a label, the increase in thickness once the label is attached to the passport visa

page shall not exceed 0.19 mm (0.0075 in). The thickness of the area within the machine readable zone (MRZ) shall not

vary by more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in). If a protective laminate is used, it is recommended that its thickness not exceed

0.15 mm (0.006 in).

General note.— The decimal notation used in these specifications conforms to ICAO practice. This differs

from ISO practice where a decimal point (.) in imperial measurements and a comma (,) in metric measurements are

used.

Placement of the MRV-A. The MRV-A shall be positioned as follows:

The MRV-A shall be located on the passport visa page such that the MRZ is coincident with and parallel to the outside

edge (reference edge) of the passport visa page, and the left edge of the MRV-A is coincident with and parallel to the left

edge of the passport visa page as defined in Appendix C, Section C.1.

The MRZ shall be located such that the two OCR lines contained therein are within the Effective Reading Zone (ERZ) as

defined in Doc 9303-3.

Only one MRV-A shall be located on a passport visa page (see Appendix C, Section C.1).

Figure 1. MRV-A dimensional illustration

Not to scale

Outer

rectangle

Inner

rectangle

Outer edge

of MRV-A

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 3

3. GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE MRV-A

The MRV-A follows a standardized layout to facilitate reading of data globally, by visual and machine readable means, to

accommodate the various requirements of States’ laws and practices and to achieve the maximum standardization

within those divergent requirements.

The standard layout incorporates space for a portrait of the holder and other identification feature(s). The inclusion of a

portrait on a visa is strongly recommended in the interests of security, but States who are not yet able to apply portraits

may fill this space with, for example, a national crest.

3.1 MRV-A Zones

An MRV-A is divided into six zones as follows:

Zone I Mandatory header

Zone II Mandatory and optional personal data elements

Zone III Mandatory and optional document data elements

Zone IV Signature (original or reproduction) or authentication

Zone V Mandatory zone for identification feature (feature optional)

Zone VII Mandatory machine readable zone (MRZ)

Note 1.— The signature in Zone IV of a visa is that of an issuing officer, not of the document holder. The

signature may be replaced or accompanied by an official stamp.

Note 2.— To facilitate inspection of visas at border control, the layout of the visa presents Zone III above

Zone II.

Note 3.— Zone VI is not available on an MRV issued in the form of a label.

Note 4.— Zones I to V constitute the Visual Inspection Zone (VIZ).

Zones I and VII are mandatory. Certain data in Zones II and III are also mandatory. The mandatory components of these

four Zones represent the minimum data requirements for an MRV-A. The optional data elements in Zones II, III and V

and in optional Zone IV may be utilized to accommodate the diverse requirements of States, while achieving the desired

level of standardization. The data elements which may be included in the various zones and their order are set out in

Section 4.4. Section 4.4 also illustrates the dimensional specifications and tolerances for the layout of the MRV-A and

the technical specifications for the printing of data elements within the zones, as well as the guidelines for positioning

and adjusting the dimensional specifications of Zones I to V to accommodate the flexibility desired by issuing States.

Examples of personalized MRV-As are shown in Appendix A, Section A.1. Appendix B, Section B.1 illustrates the format

for the presentation of the machine readable data in Zone VII.

3.2 Content, Use and Dimensional Flexibility of Zones

The data elements to be included in the zones, the treatment of the zones and guidelines for the dimensional layout of

zones shall be as described hereunder.

Zone I identifies the issuing State and the type of document. These elements are mandatory. The order of the data

elements in this zone is left to the discretion of the issuing State.

4 Machine Readable Travel Documents

To facilitate the checking of visas by airline personnel and control authorities, the essential details of the visa document

shall be entered in a standard sequence in Zone III while essential personal details of the holder shall be entered in a

standard sequence in Zone II. On a visa, Zone III appears above Zone II.

Zone IV provides space for an optional signature or authentication. This is normally the signature of the issuing officer or

an official stamp. The application of an official stamp elsewhere on the document is not precluded except that it must not

intrude into the MRZ or affect the legibility of entered data.

Zone VII conforms in height to the MRZ defined for all MRTDs so that the machine readable data lines fall within the

ERZ specified in Doc 9303-3, thus allowing a single reader to be used for all types and sizes of MRTDs.

All MRZ data elements are mandatory and shall be shown as defined in Section 4.2 even though an issuing State may

choose not to include a specific MRZ data element in the VIZ.

3.3 Dimensional Flexibility of Zones I to V

Zones I to V may be adjusted in size and shape within the overall dimensional specifications of the MRV-A to

accommodate the diverse requirements of issuing States. All zones, however, shall be bounded by straight lines, and all

angles where straight lines join shall be right angles (i.e. 90 degrees). It is recommended that the zone boundaries not

be printed on the MRV-A. The nominal position of the zones is shown in Section 4.4, Figure 4.

When an issuing State chooses to produce an MRV-A as a securely attached card containing a transparent or otherwise

unprintable border around the card, the available area within the zones will be reduced. The full MRV-A dimensions and

zone boundaries shall be measured from the outside edge of this border, which is the external edge of the MRV-A.

Zone I shall be adjacent and parallel to the top edge of the MRV-A and extend across the full 120.0 mm ± 1.0 mm

(4.72 in ± 0.04 in) dimension. The issuing State may vary the vertical dimension of Zone I, as required, but this

dimension shall be sufficient to allow legibility of the data elements in the zone, and the height shall not be greater than

12.0 mm (0.47 in) as defined in Section 4.4, Figure 4.

Zone V shall be located such that its left edge is coincident with the left edge of the MRV-A, as defined in Section 4.4,

Figure 4. Zone V may vary in size but any variation from the nominal dimensions shall not exceed the tolerances

specified in Section 4.4, Figure 4.

Zone V may move vertically along the left edge of the MRV-A and overlay a portion of Zone I as long as individual

details contained in either zone are not obscured. Zone V may, as a result, have its lower external boundary coincident

with the top edge of the MRZ of the MRV-A and its upper external boundary coincident with the top edge of the MRV-A.

The upper boundary of Zone III shall be coincident with the lower boundary of Zone I.

Zone III may extend to the full width of that portion of the MRV-A to the right of Zone V.

The lower boundary of Zone III (see Section 4.4, Figure 4) may be positioned at the discretion of the issuing State.

Enough space shall be left for Zone II and Zone IV (when used) below the boundary.

Normally, the upper boundary of Zone II should be coincident with the lower boundary of Zone III. The boundary does

not have to be straight across the 120.0 mm ± 1.0 mm (4.72 in ± 0.04 in) dimension of the visa. Zone II may also overlay

a portion of Zone V for the MRV-A, if required. When this occurs, issuing States shall ensure that data contained in

either zone are not obscured. See Appendix A, Section A.1, Figure A-2.

Zone IV, when included on the MRV-A, shall be entered on the right-hand side of the visa immediately above but not

intruding into the MRZ. See Section 4.4, Figure 5.

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 5

4. DETAILED LAYOUT OF THE MRV-A

4.1 Visual Inspection Zone (VIZ) (Zones I-V)

All data in the VIZ shall be clearly legible.

Print spacing. The design of the MRV-A in Zones II and III is based on a vertical line spacing of a maximum of 8 lines

per 25.4 mm (1.0 in) and a horizontal printing density of a maximum of 15 characters per 25.4 mm (1.0 in). This spacing

has been chosen as the smallest in which information is clear and legible. If any optional field or data element is not

used, the entered data may be spread out in the VIZ of the MRV-A consistent with the requirement for sequencing zones

and data elements. This horizontal printing density and the font and the vertical line spacing may be adjusted at the

discretion of each State, provided that in the VIZ all data shall be printed in a size such that they can be easily read and

assimilated by a person with normal eyesight. Typical configurations are shown in Appendix A. Zone VII, the mandatory

MRZ, shall be printed with a line spacing as defined in Section 4.4, Figure 3, and a horizontal printing density of

10 characters per 25.4 mm (1.0 in).

4.1.1 Data element directory

4.1.1.1 Visual inspection zone — Data element directory

Field/

zone no.

Data element

Specifications

Maximum no.

of character

positions

References

and notes*

01/I

Mandatory

Issuing State

The State responsible for issuing the

MRV-A. This shall be personalized, the

type font being selected at the discretion

of the issuing State. For transliteration

rules, refer to Doc 9303-3.

Variable

Notes a, c, d,

e, i.

02/I

Mandatory

Document

The word or words in the language of the

issuing State for the document (visa or

category

This field shall include one or more of the

following elements:

• the issuing State’s indication of the

type and/or class of visa granted in

accordance with the law/practice of

that State;

• the broad categorization of the type of

visa granted, e.g. visitor/resident/

temporary resident/student/diplomat,

etc., in accordance with the

law/practice of the issuing State;

• any limitations on the territorial validity

of the visa.

Notes a, b, c, i,

09/III

Optional

Additional

information

This field may include necessary

endorsements as to entitlements which

attach to the visa. The issuing State may

also use this field to include a) the

maximum authorized duration of stay;

b) conditions related to the granting of

the visa; c) date of issue if different from

“Valid from” date; and d) record of any

fees paid.

Note g.

10,11/II

Mandatory

Name

See Doc 9303-3.

Variable

Notes a, c, i.

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 7

Field/

zone no.

Data element

Specifications

Maximum no.

of character

positions

References

and notes*

10/II

Mandatory

Primary identifier

See Doc 9303-3.

Variable

Notes a, c, i, k.

11/II

Optional

Secondary

identifier

See Doc 9303-3.

Variable

Notes a, c, i.

12/II

Optional

Passport number

The number of the passport or other travel

document in which the MRV-A is placed.

Variable

Notes a, b, c,

g, i, j.

13/II

Optional

Sex

Sex of MRV-A holder, when included, is to

be specified by use of the single initial

commonly used in the language of the

State of issue. If translation into English,

French or Spanish is necessary, followed

by an oblique and the capital letter F for

female, M for male, or X for unspecified.

Note a, f, g.

14/II

Optional

Date of birth

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes a, b, c,

15/II

Optional

Nationality

See Doc 9303-3.

Variable

Notes a, h, k.

16/IV

Optional

Signature or other

authorization

An authorization which may be the

signature of an issuing official and/or an

official stamp.

17/V

Mandatory

Identification

feature

This field shall be entered on the

document and should contain a portrait of

the holder. If included, the portrait shall

have a size of 36.0 ± 4.0 mm × 29.0 ±

3.0 mm (1.42 ± 0.16 in × 1.14 ± 0.12 in) .

If a State does not place an identification

feature in this field, a national symbol or

logo may be inserted instead.

See Doc 9303-3 –- Section 3.9 for

additional specifications for the portrait.

* Notes can be found in the last portion of sub-section 4.2.2.2.

8 Machine Readable Travel Documents

4.2 Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) (Mandatory Zone VII)

4.2.1 MRZ position, data elements, print specifications and print position in the MRZ

4.2.1.1 MRZ position

The MRZ is located at the bottom of the MRV-A. Section 4.4, Figure 3, shows the nominal position of the data in the

MRZ.

4.2.1.2 Data elements

The data elements corresponding to Fields 01, 05, 10, 11, and 13 to 15 of the VIZ are mandatory in the MRZ and shall

be printed in machine readable form in the MRZ, beginning with the leftmost character position in each field in the

sequence indicated in the data structure specifications shown below. Appendix B, Section B.1, indicates the structure of

the MRZ.

4.2.1.3 Print specifications

Machine readable data shall be printed in OCR-B type font, size 1, constant stroke width, as specified in Doc 9303-3.

The MRZ shall be printed with the line spacing as defined in Section 4.4, Figure 3, and a horizontal printing density of 10

characters per 25.4 mm (1.0 in).

4.2.1.4 Print position

The position of the left-hand edge of the first character shall be 4.0 mm ± 1.0 mm (0.16 in ± 0.04 in) from the left-hand

edge of the document. Reference centre lines for the two OCR lines and a nominal starting position for the first character

of each line are shown in Section 4.4, Figure 3. The positioning of the characters is indicated by those reference lines

and by the printing zones of the two code lines in Section 4.4, Figure 3.

4.2.2 Data Structure of Machine Readable Data for the MRV-A

4.2.2.1 Data structure of the upper machine readable line

MRZ field

character

positions

(line 1)

Field no

in VIZ

Data element

Specifications

Number of

characters

References

and notes*

1 to 2

Type of

document

Capital letter V to designate a machine

readable visa. One additional character

may be used, at the discretion of the

issuing State, to designate a particular

type of visa. If the second character

position is not used for this purpose, it

shall be filled by the filler character (<).

Notes a, b, c,

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 9

MRZ field

character

positions

(line 1)

Field no

in VIZ

Data element

Specifications

Number of

characters

References

and notes*

3 to 5

Issuing State

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes a, c, e.

6 to 44

10, 11

Name

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes a, c, e.

Punctuation

in the name

Representation of punctuation is not

permitted in the MRZ.

Doc 9303-3.

Apostrophes

in the name

Components of the primary or

secondary identifiers separated by

apostrophes shall be combined, and no

filler character (<) shall be inserted.

Example:

VIZ: D’ARTAGNAN

MRZ: DARTAGNAN

Doc 9303-3.

Hyphens

in the name

Hyphens (-) in the name shall be

converted to the filler character (<)

(i.e. hyphenated names shall be

represented as separate components).

Example:

VIZ: MARIE-ELISE

MRZ: MARIE<ELISE

Doc 9303-3.

Commas

When a comma is used in the VIZ to

separate the primary and secondary

identifiers, the comma shall be omitted

in the MRZ and the primary and

secondary identifiers shall be

separated by two filler characters (<<).

When a comma is used in the VIZ to

separate two name components, it

shall be represented in the MRZ by a

single filler character (<).

Doc 9303-3.

Name suffixes

Name suffixes (e.g. Jr., Sr., II or III)

shall not be included in the MRZ

except as permitted by Doc 9303–3 as

components of the secondary identifier.

Doc 9303-3.

Filler

When all components of the primary

and secondary identifiers and required

separators (filler characters) do not

exceed 39 characters in total, all name

components shall be included in the

10 Machine Readable Travel Documents

MRZ field

character

positions

(line 1)

Field no

in VIZ

Data element

Specifications

Number of

characters

References

and notes*

MRZ and all unused character

positions shall be completed with filler

characters (<) repeated up to position

44 as required.

Truncation of

the name

When the primary and secondary

identifiers and required separators

(filler characters) exceed the number of

character positions available for names

(i.e. 39), they shall be truncated as

follows:

Doc 9303-3,

Note a.

Characters shall be removed from one

or more components of the primary

identifier until three character positions

are freed, and two filler characters (<<)

and the first character of the first

component of the secondary identifier

can be inserted. The last character

(position 44) shall be an alphabetic

character (A through Z). This indicates

that truncation may have occurred.

Further truncation of the primary

identifier may be carried out to allow

characters of the secondary identifier

to be included, provided that the name

field shall end with an alphabetic

character (position 44). This indicates

that truncation may have occurred.

When the name consists of only a

primary identifier which exceeds the

number of character positions available

for the name, i.e. 39, characters shall

be removed from one or more

components of the name until the last

character in the name field is an

alphabetic character.

* Notes can be found in the last portion of sub-section 4.2.2.2.

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 11

4.2.2.2 Data structure of the lower machine readable line

MRZ

character

positions

(line 2)

Field no.

in VIZ

Data element

Specifications

Number of

characters

References

and notes*

1 to 9

07 or 13

Passport or

document

number

At the discretion of the issuing State,

either the passport number or the

visa number shall be used in this

field; however, the latter option can

only be exercised where the visa

number has 9 characters or fewer.

Any special characters or spaces in

the number shall be replaced by the

filler character (<). The number shall

be followed by the filler character (<)

repeated up to position 9 as required.

Notes a, b, c,

e, j.

Check digit

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes b, e.

11 to 13

Nationality

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes a, c, e,

14 to 19

Date of birth

See Doc 9303-3.

Notes b, c, e.

Check digit

See Doc 9303-3.

Note b.

Sex

F = Female; M = Male;

< = non-specified.

Notes a, c, f,

22 to 27

Valid until

(date)

In most cases this will be the date of

expiry of the MRV-A and indicates

the last day on which the MRV-A can

be used to seek entry. For some

States this will be the date by or on

which the holder should have left.

Doc 9303-3;

Notes b, e.

Check digit

See Doc 9303-3.

Note b.

29 to 44

Optional data

elements

For optional use of the issuing State.

Unused character positions shall be

completed with the filler character (<)

repeated up to position 44 as

required.

Notes a, b, c,

* Notes:

a) Alphabetic characters (A–Z and a-z). National characters may be used in the VIZ. In the MRZ, only those

characters specified in Doc 9303-3 shall be used.

12 Machine Readable Travel Documents

b) Numeric characters (0–9). National numerals may be additionally included in the VIZ. In the MRZ, only the

numerals 0–9 may be used as defined in Doc 9303-3.

c) Punctuation may be included in the VIZ. In the MRZ, only the filler character specified in Doc 9303-3 shall be

used.

d) The lengths of fields 01 and 02 are undefined, depending on type font and limits set by MRV-A size and

position of other fields.

e) The field caption is not printed on the document.

f) Where an issuing State or organization does not want to identify the sex, the filler character (<) shall be used in

this field in the MRZ and an X in this field in the VIZ.

g) The use of a caption to identify a field is at the option of the issuing State.

h) United Nations Laissez-passer are issued to officials of the United Nations Organization under the terms of the

Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13 February 1946 and to officials of the

Specialized Agencies of the United Nations under the terms of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities

of the Specialized Agencies of the United Nations of 21 November 1947. In the case of visas entered in the

United Nations Laissez-passer, in keeping with the international character of United Nations officials, nationality

shall not be shown. Instead the appropriate code shall be entered in accordance with Doc 9303-3.

i) The number of characters (in the field length) includes any blank spaces.

j) The number of characters in the VIZ may be variable; however, if the document number has more than 9

characters, the 9 principal characters shall be shown in the MRZ in character positions 1 to 9.

k) The field caption shall be printed on the document.

4.2.3 Examples of Names of the Holder in the MRZ

Note.— In the following examples, the document is assumed to be a visa issued by the State of Utopia.

The first five characters of the upper machine readable line are coded “V<UTO”.

a) Usual representation:

Name: Anna Maria Eriksson

VIZ: ERIKSSON, ANNA MARIA

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOERIKSSON<<ANNA<MARIA<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

b) Central primary identifier:

Name: Deborah Heng Ming Lo

VIZ: HENG, DEBORAH MING LO

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOHENG<<DEBORAH<MING<LO<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

c) Hyphen as part of the name:

Name: Susie Margaret Smith-Jones

VIZ: SMITH-JONES, SUSIE MARGARET

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOSMITH<JONES<<SUSIE<MARGARET<<<<<<<<<<<<

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 13

d) Apostrophe as part of the name:

Name: Enya Siobhan O’Connor

VIZ: O’CONNOR, ENYA SIOBHAN

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOOCONNOR<<ENYA<SIOBHAN<<<<<<<<<<

e) Multiple name components:

Name: Martin Van Der Muellen

VIZ: VAN DER MUELLEN, MARTIN

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOVAN<DER<MUELLEN<<MARTIN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

f) No secondary identifier:

Name: Arkfreith

VIZ: ARKFREITH

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOARKFREITH<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

4.2.3.1 Truncated names — Secondary identifier truncated

a) One or more name components truncated to initials:

Name: Nilavadhanananda Chayapa Dejthamrong Krasuang

VIZ: NILAVADHANANANDA, CHAYAPA DEJTHAMRONG KRASUANG

MRZ (upper line): V<UTONILAVADHANANANDA<<CHAYAPA<DEJTHAMRONG<K

b) One or more name components truncated:

Name: Nilavadhanananda Arnpol Petch Charonguang

VIZ: NILAVADHANANANDA, ARNPOL PETCH CHARONGUANG

MRZ (upper line): V<UTONILAVADHANANANDA<<ARNPOL<PETCH<CHARONGU

4.2.3.2 Truncated names — Primary identifier truncated

a) One or more components truncated to initials:

Name: Dingo Potoroo Bennelong Wooloomooloo Warrandyte Warnambool

VIZ: BENNELONG WOOLOOMOOLOO WARRANDYTE WARNAMBOOL, DINGO POTOROO

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOBENNELONG<WOOLOOMOOLOO<WARRANDYTE<W<<DI

b) One or more components truncated:

Name: Dingo Potoroo Bennelong Wooloomooloo Warrandyte Warnambool

VIZ: BENNELONG WOOLOOMOOLOO WARRANDYTE WARNAMBOOL, DINGO POTOROO

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOBENNELONG<WOOLOOM<WARRAND<WARNAM<<DINGO

14 Machine Readable Travel Documents

c) One or more components truncated to a fixed number of characters:

Name: Dingo Potoroo Bennelong Wooloomooloo Warrandyte Warnambool

VIZ: BENNELONG WOOLOOMOOLOO WARRANDYTE WARNAMBOOL, DINGO POTOROO

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOBENNEL<WOOLOO<WARRAN<WARNAM<<DINGO<POTO

4.2.3.3 Names that just fit, indicating possible truncation by letter in the last position of the name field, but which are

not truncated

Name: Jonathon Warren Trevor Papandropoulous

VIZ: PAPANDROPOULOUS, JONATHON WARREN TREVOR

MRZ (upper line): V<UTOPAPANDROPOULOUS<<JONATHON<WARREN<TREVOR

Note.— Even though there is an alphabetic character in the

44th character position of this MRV-A upper

machine readable line, this name has not been truncated but it shall be assumed that it has been truncated.

4.3 Portrait

Portrait. For the MRV-A, a portrait should be inserted in the rectangular area defined as Zone V. Such portrait, if

included, shall represent only the holder of the MRV-A.

Portrait edges. The portrait may have irregular edges. When a digitally printed reproduction is used, the background of

the portrait may be dropped out in order to provide protection against forgery or substitution.

Zone V without an identification feature. A standard default image, such as a national symbol, crest or wording, should

be selected and used in Zone V when an identification feature is not included.

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 15

4.4 MRV-A Diagrams

Figure 2. Location of data elements on an MRV-A

Note 1.— VIZ based on maximum printing density of 8 lines per 25.4 mm (1.0 in) and horizontal printing

density of 15 characters per 25.4 mm (1.0 in).

Note 2.— MRZ based on horizontal printing of 10 characters per 25.4 mm (1.0 in).

Note 3.— = field numbers.

Note 4.— The borderlines of the zones are not printed on the actual visa.

01 02

03 04

12 13 14 15

Top edge of

MRV-A

Issuing State Type of document

Zone

Zone V

III

VII

Identification

feature

Place of issue

Number of entries

Type/Class/Category (including territorial validity)

Additional document information (Duration of stay/Conditions of

entry/Date of issue if different from “Validity from” date)

Valid from

Valid until

Document number

Name - primary identifier

Passport number

Sex

Name - secondary identifier

Date of birth

Nationality

Additional personal

information

Signature or official stamp

Upper machine readable line

Lower machine readable line

Optional control number – to be preprinted at the discretion of the issuing State either horizontally where shown in Zone I

or in Zone II or vertically anywhere along the right-hand edge of Zone V (where present).

Not to scale

16 Machine Readable Travel Documents

Figure 3. Schematic diagram of the Machine Readable Zone of an MRV-A

Note.— For illustration purposes, the smallest option for the 120.0 mm (4.72 in) dimension of the MRV-A

and the smallest option for the left-hand margin in the MRZ have been selected.

Machine readable zone

Reference centre line

17.9 (0.70)

13.6 (0.54)

11.55 (0.45)

7.25

(0.29)

Dimensions in millimetres

(inch dimensions in parentheses)

Printing zone

code line

Upper

Lower

4.3

(0.17)

114.0 (4.49)

119.0 (4.69)

2.0 (0.08)2.0 (0.08)

Not to scale

4.0

(0.16)

3.0

(0.12)

9.40

(0.37)

6.35

(0.25)

15.75 (0.62)

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 17

Figure 4. Nominal positioning of zones on an MRV-A

This diagram should be considered in conjunction with Section 3.3. It assumes that all the available space for data in the

VIZ is used. The line spacing in the VIZ is the closest permitted at 8 lines per 25.4 mm (1.0 in). If an issuing State

requires less information, the line spacing can be increased to print fewer lines in the VIZ.

Dotted lines indicate zone boundaries whose positions are not fixed, enabling issuing States flexibility in the presentation

of data.

The dimensions of the identification feature (normally a portrait) shall be between a minimum of 32.0 mm × 26.0 mm

(1.26 in × 1.02 in) and a maximum of 40.0 mm × 32.0 mm (1.57 in × 1.26 in). An issuing State may elect to issue an

MRV in this format without an identification feature, replacing it with a crest or symbol.

Though the portrait position is defined as a rectangular area, it may have irregular edges or, if the portrait is digitally

printed, have the background dropped out. Such techniques may be used to provide protection against fraudulent

alteration.

Affixed photographs (even if protected by a laminate) shall not be applied. Identification features shall be personalized.

120.0 +/- 1.0 (4.72 +/- 0.04)

Zone I

Zone III

Zone II

Zone IV

Zone VII

Zone V

23.2 +/- 1.0 (0.91 +/- 0.04)

Not to scale

Dimensions in millimetres

(inch dimensions in parentheses)

80.0 +/- 1.0 (3.15 +/- 0.04)

Top edge of

MRV-A

(layout 2)

29.0 +/- 3.0 (1.14 +/- 0.12)

36.0 +/- 4.0 (1.42 +/- 0.16)

Machine readable zone

12.0 (0.47)

18 Machine Readable Travel Documents

Figure 5. Data elements on an MRV-A

Note 1.— Broken lines indicate zone borders whose position may be adjusted by the issuing State to

optimize the presentation of the data. Solid lines indicate fixed zone borders. Zone border lines are not printed on the

documents.

Note 2.— Provided it is contained within the rectangular area, the identification feature may have irregular

edges.

Note 3.— An issuing State may elect to issue a visa with the identification feature replaced by a crest or

symbol.

Zone

III

VII

Not to scale

Machine readable zone

Signature or official stamp

Up to

10 lines

Up to

4 lines

Identification

feature

Zone V

Issuing State

Document type

Place of issue

Number of entries

Type/Class/Category (including territorial validity)

Additional document information

Valid from Valid until

Document number

Primary identifier, Secondary identifier (Passport holder)

Passport number

Sex Date of birth

Nationality

Additional personal information

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 19

5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FORMAT-B

MACHINE READABLE VISAS (MRV-B)

This section defines the specifications which are unique to Format-B machine readable visas (MRV-B) and are

necessary for global interoperability. Specifications are included for the discretionary expansion of the machine readable

data capacity of the MRV beyond that defined for global interchange. The MRV-B is suitable for use by States who wish

to maintain a clear area on the passport visa page adjacent to the visa, so as to allow a seal to be placed on the visa

and the passport page on which it is affixed.

5.1 Dimensions and Placement of the MRV-B

The dimensions and placement of the MRV-B shall be as follows:

MRV-B nominal dimensions. The nominal dimensions of the MRV-B are based on ISO/IEC 7810, ID-2 Type Card as

follows:

74.0 mm × 105.0 mm (2.91 in × 4.13 in)

MRV-B margins. The dimensional specifications refer to the outer limits of the MRV-B. A margin of 2.0 mm (0.08 in)

along each outer edge, with the exception of the header zone, must be left clear of data.

MRV-B edge tolerances. The edges of the MRV-B shall be within the area circumscribed by the concentric rectangles as

illustrated in Figure 6.

Inner rectangle: 73.0 mm × 104.0 mm (2.87 in × 4.09 in)

Outer rectangle: 75.0 mm × 106.0 mm (2.95 in × 4.17 in)

Figure 6. MRV-B dimensional illustration

Not to scale

Outer

rectangle

Inner

rectangle

Outer edge

of MRV-B

20 Machine Readable Travel Documents

MRV-B thickness. If the visa is issued as a label, the increase in thickness once the label is attached to the passport visa

page shall not exceed 0.19 mm (0.0075 in). The thickness of the area within the machine readable zone (MRZ) shall not

vary by more than 0.05 mm (0.002 in). If a protective laminate is used, it is recommended that its thickness not exceed

0.15 mm (0.006 in).

General note.— The decimal notation used in these specifications conforms to ICAO practice. This differs

from ISO practice where a decimal point (.) in imperial measurements and a comma (,) in metric measurements is used.

Placement of the MRV-B. The MRV-B shall be positioned as follows:

The MRV-B shall be located on the passport visa page such that the MRZ is coincident with and parallel to the outside

edge (reference edge) of the passport visa page, and the left edge of the MRV-B is coincident with and parallel to the left

edge of the passport visa page as defined in Appendix C, Section C.2.

The MRZ shall be located such that the two OCR lines contained therein are within the Effective Reading Zone (ERZ) as

defined in Doc 9303-3.

Only one MRV-B shall be located on a passport visa page (see Appendix C, Section C.2).

6. GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE MRV-B

The MRV-B follows a standardized layout to facilitate reading of data globally, by visual and machine readable means, to

accommodate the various requirements of States’ laws and practices and to achieve the maximum standardization

within those divergent requirements.

The standard layout incorporates space for a portrait of the holder and other identification feature(s). The inclusion of a

portrait on a visa is strongly recommended in the interests of security, but States that are not yet able to apply portraits

may fill this space with, for example, a national crest.

6.1 MRV-B Zones

An MRV-B is divided into six zones as follows:

Zone I Mandatory header

Zone II Mandatory and optional personal data elements

Zone III Mandatory and optional document data elements

Zone IV Signature (original or reproduction) or authentication

Zone V Mandatory zone for identification feature (feature optional)

Zone VII Mandatory machine readable zone (MRZ)

Note 1.— The signature in Zone IV of a visa is that of an issuing officer, not of the document holder. The

signature may be replaced or accompanied by an official stamp.

Note 2.— To facilitate inspection of visas at border control, the layout of the visa presents Zone III above

Zone II.

Note 3.— Zone VI is not available on an MRV issued in the form of a label.

Note 4.— Zones I to V constitute the Visual Inspection Zone (VIZ).

Part 7. Machine Readable Visas 21

Zones I and VII are mandatory. Certain data in Zones II and III are also mandatory. The mandatory components of these

four Zones represent the minimum data requirements for an MRV-B. The optional data elements in Zones II, III and V

and in optional Zone IV may be utilized to accommodate the diverse requirements of States, while achieving the desired

level of standardization. The data elements which may be included in the various zones and their order are set out in

Section 7.4. Section 7.4 also illustrates the dimensional specifications and tolerances for the two layouts of the MRV-B

and the technical specifications for the printing of data elements within the zones, as well as the guidelines for

positioning and adjusting the dimensional specifications of Zones I to V to accommodate the flexibility desired by issuing

States. Examples of personalized MRV-Bs are shown in Appendix A, Section A.2. Appendix B, Section B.2 illustrates

the format for the presentation of the machine readable data in Zone VII.

6.2 Content, Use and Dimensional Flexibility of Zones