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The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Advisory Group on Machine-Readable Travel Documents (TAG MRTD) is responsible for the development of specifications for travel documents with the goal of global interoperability. In addition, the TAG MRTD seeks to advise ICAO on technology issues related to the issuance and use of machine-readable travel documents.

The TAG MRTD, through its New Technologies Working Group (NTWG), issues an RFI every three years in order to keep abreast of new and improving technologies. Relevant information gathered during the RFI process is summarized and shared among the 191 ICAO Contracting States. ICAO also considers this information when international standards are developed.

Information regarding technologies that may be used in machine-readable passports, visas and card-based travel documents is sought for consideration. The technologies sought are to assist in the following areas:

• assessment of applicant eligibility
• document security and production
• linking documents to holders/bearers
• providing reliable authentication of genuine documents
• facilitating secure and reliable transit of travelers through airports, seaports and other international border control points.

For additional information, refer to the RFI and Instruction for Summary Paper links below.

• ICAO NTWG RFI 2013/2014(PDF)
• ICAO NTWG RFI 2013/2014 Instructions(PDF)

Written responses to this RFI must be provided by 31 March 2014.