Travel document security

Many terrorist and criminal activities involve forged documents. The OSCE assists participating States with strengthening the security of travel documents and their issuance processes in line with international standards. This includes upgrading the technological security features of passports and making sure that the processes used to vouch for the identity of an applicant during the application phase are secure. The OSCE also promotes effective solutions at borders to cut waiting times for travellers whilst giving greater assurances to border control officers that travel documents are genuine. Such solutions include access to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory and INTERPOL databases. Activities are tailored to the host country and include training courses, workshops and assessment visits.