General Requirements Please scan both the front and back sides of any document that has stamps, seals, or writing on the back. (If the back of the document is blank, do not scan it.)

When scanning a passport for travel, visas, or official identification in 2026, the most critical part is the biographic data page (the page with your photo, name, and passport number). It is essential that the scan includes the entire page, from edge to edge, ensuring that the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the two or three lines of text and arrows at the bottom—is perfectly clear and uncropped. Automated systems use the MRZ to verify your identity. If you are applying for a visa, many countries also require a scan of the signature page (usually located directly above the photo page) and any pages containing previous visas or entry/exit stamps. For high-security applications, you should use a high-resolution color scan, avoid using a flash to prevent "glare" on the plastic coating, and ensure no fingers are obscuring any text or the security holograms.