Photographic Series
Passport
Belonging to the ISO B series, the Passport paper size is a globally recognized standard. This specific format measures 125mm by 88mm, making it an ideal choice for passport booklets worldwide. The ISO B series, which includes the Passport size, is designed with a unique aspect ratio that maintains its proportions even when scaled up or down.
The Passport paper size's dimensions are not arbitrary but are meticulously calculated. The length and width of each size in the ISO B series are derived from the geometric mean of consecutive sizes in the A series. This ensures a harmonious relationship between all sizes within and across both series.
Passport paper dimensions
Specs
| Format | in | mm | cm | pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A0 | 46.81 x 66.22 | 1189 x 1682 | 119 x 168 | 3370 x 4768 |
| A12 | 0.51 x 0.71 | 13 x 18 | 1 x 2 | 37 x 51 |
| 4A0 | 66.22 x 93.62 | 1682 x 2378 | 168 x 238 | 4768 x 6741 |
| A11 | 0.71 x 1.02 | 18 x 26 | 2 x 3 | 51 x 74 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 | 3 x 4 | 74 x 105 |
| A3+ | 12.95 x 19.02 | 329 x 483 | 33 x 48 | 933 x 1369 |
| A1+ | 23.98 x 35.98 | 609 x 914 | 61 x 91 | 1726 x 2591 |
| A0+ | 35.98 x 50.87 | 914 x 1292 | 91 x 129 | 2591 x 3662 |
| A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 | 105 x 148 | 11 x 15 | 298 x 420 |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 | 148 x 210 | 15 x 21 | 420 x 595 |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 | 21 x 30 | 595 x 842 |
| A3 | 11.69 x 16.54 | 297 x 420 | 30 x 42 | 842 x 1191 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 | 4 x 5 | 105 x 147 |
| A2 | 16.54 x 23.39 | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59 | 1191 x 1684 |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 | 5 x 7 | 147 x 210 |
| A1 | 23.39 x 33.11 | 594 x 841 | 59 x 84 | 1684 x 2384 |
| A7 | 2.91 x 4.13 | 74 x 105 | 7 x 11 | 210 x 298 |
| A0 | 33.11 x 46.81 | 841 x 1189 | 84 x 119 | 2384 x 3370 |
Interestingly, while most countries adhere to this standard for their passports, there are exceptions such as the United States and Canada. These nations utilize their own distinct passport dimensions that deviate from the ISO standard.
Despite these deviations, the Passport paper size remains a significant benchmark in international document standards due to its widespread adoption and inherent scalability. Its compact yet sufficient space makes it perfect for containing essential personal information while maintaining portability - an essential feature for any travel document.
Understanding paper sizes like Passport can provide valuable insights into global standards and practices in document creation. It underscores how thoughtful design considerations can lead to efficient solutions that cater to universal needs.
Other Formats in the Photographic Series
Interesting facts about Passport
1: Security Features
Passport paper is specially designed with various security features to prevent counterfeiting. These features may include watermarks, security threads, holograms, and fluorescent fibers embedded within the paper.
2: Durability
Passport paper is made to be highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand frequent handling, exposure to different climates, and other external factors.
3: Optimal Thickness
The thickness of passport paper is carefully chosen to strike a balance between durability and flexibility. It needs to be sturdy enough to withstand multiple folds while remaining thin enough for easy binding within the passport booklet.
4: Chemical Composition
Passport paper is typically composed of a blend of cotton fibers and cellulose pulp. This combination provides strength, durability, and resistance against tearing or disintegration when exposed to moisture or other environmental factors.
5: UV Light Responsiveness
In some cases, passport paper contains fluorescent fibers that are responsive under ultraviolet (UV) light. This feature helps border control officers quickly verify the authenticity of passports by using UV light scanners.
6: Tamper-Evident Design
To enhance security measures, passport paper often incorporates tamper-evident elements such as hidden images or patterns that become visible when someone attempts unauthorized alterations or tampering with the document.
7: International Standards
The specifications for passport paper are defined by international standards organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These standards ensure consistency in quality across different countries' passports.
8: Watermark Identification
Passport paper may include watermarks, which are translucent designs or patterns embedded within the paper. These watermarks can be used to verify the authenticity of the passport by comparing them to a reference image.
9: Restricted Access
The production and distribution of passport paper are tightly controlled to prevent unauthorized access. Only authorized printing facilities with strict security protocols are allowed to manufacture passport papers.
10: Environmental Considerations
In recent years, efforts have been made to develop eco-friendly passport papers. These papers use sustainable materials and production processes, reducing their impact on the environment while maintaining high security standards.
