QR Codes in Travel Documents: E-Passports, Boarding Passes, and Visa Stickers

1. Boarding Passes

IATA 2D barcode standards require a PDF417 or QR code on boarding passes. The code encodes: name, PNR, flight, seat, and check-in status. Gate scanners read it in under one second.

2. E-Passports (Machine-Readable Zone and Chip)

Modern passports use a machine-readable zone (OCR-B text) and an embedded RFID/NFC chip, not a QR code. However, digital travel authorisations and visa systems in some countries use QR for fast verification.

3. Digital Visa and ETA Codes

Countries issuing electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) and digital visas often include a QR on the emailed document. Border officers scan to pull up the authorisation record instantly.

4. Hotel Check-In

Chains use QR codes for keyless check-in and digital room keys. A signed token on the booking confirmation opens the room lock via the hotel app.