In 2003, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) formally decided to introduce a globally interoperable standard for Machine Readable Passports (MRP). The new standard also covers biometric identification. In time, Document 9303, which lays down ICAO’s recommendations and specifications for passports, visa and ID-cards, will be adopted as an ISO standard. In the meantime, the development of the e-passport has necessitated a revision of the specifications. Part 1 of ICAO Doc 9303 is about to be published and copies of the document may be purchased from ICAO. This article provides an overview of the most important changes.