Travel document security
The OSCE assists participating States with strengthening the security of travel documents and their issuance processes in line with international standards.
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Our work
Our thematic and programmatic focus areas
The Transnational Threats Department supports OSCE participating States in strengthening border security and safeguarding secure international travel through an integrated, human-rights-based approach. By addressing interconnected threats such as terrorism, transnational organized crime, illegal migration and the misuse of travel documents, the Department helps ensure the secure and efficient movement of people and goods.
Through targeted initiatives, the Department builds national capacities to detect counterfeit, forged and fraudulently obtained genuine travel documents, as well as identify impostors attempting to misuse travel documents, to protect the integrity of the international travel system. From reinforcing frontline document inspection to supporting the forensic examination of travel documents, and the integration of new technologies to strengthen cross-border travel, the Department works closely with national authorities to develop resilient, risk-based security systems that protect borders, facilitate legitimate travel, and uphold ethical and transparent border management practices.
Featured
Activities, news and other highlights

OSCE pilot initiative helps freshly trained Ukrainian border guards deliver first document security training for peers at border crossing points

OSCE and Finnish Border Guard enhance Ukraine’s capacity to detect forged documents

Integration of biometrics in travel documents, countering illegal migration in Ukraine key focus of OSCE-led study visit to London
Resources
Official OSCE documents, publications and other manually selected resources

Border Security and Management Concept

ICAO Doc 9303 Series
ICAO Series on Machine Readable Travel Documents

PRADO Glossary
Public Register of Authentic Travel and Identity Documents Online, Glossary
