Travel “privacy hacks” encouraging travelers to secure their passports in aluminum foil are bringing renewed attention as concerns grow over electronic data theft. In addition to not recommending the practice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that modifying or covering travel documents may interfere with inspections. Concerns have been expressed regarding the possibility that unauthorized readers could potentially scan the RFID chip embedded in modern U.S. passports.
In some cases, aluminum foil is regarded as a temporary Faraday shield, blocking radio signals from reaching the chip in a passport. Security concerns concerning passport RFID technology cannot be dismissed entirely. RFID readers can communicate with chips at short distances, but their effective range is affected by the antenna and power of the reader.
The range of surveillance can be extended by specialized equipment, but such systems are generally unsuitable for routine, covert tracking of travelers, according to reports cited by travel and security experts. A U.S. passport's RFID chip, however, may be overstated. The passport's data page consists of information that has already been printed, including information about the holder, his or her biometric and photographic characteristics, as well as a cryptographic signature for authentication.
U.S. passports are also equipped with multiple security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. The new Next Generation Passports, introduced in 2021, are constructed of a durable polycarbonate data page with embedded security features, laser engraving, complex artwork, security fibers and perforated passport numbers. Previously, RFID chips and antennas were contained inside the back cover of older U.S. e-passports.
A new generation passport was introduced in 2021 that replaced the chip with a rigid, multilayered polycarbonate data page. It was intended to improve the document's durability and make it more protected against tampering.
CBP Does Not Endorse Aluminum Foil Passport Covers
As reported by TheTravel, CBP does not evaluate, test, or endorse third-party passport covers or DIY modifications, such as aluminum foil. It is imperative that travel documents are presented in their original condition at ports of entry without any modification or obstructions that could interfere with document-reading systems.
The importance of aluminum foil lies in the fact that it can scratch, crease, or otherwise damage a passport.
CBP considers issues such as water damage, smudged ink, chemical stains, faded artwork, cracked data pages and heat-related warping among forms of passport damage that can create problems during travel.
Passport RFID Protection May Be Unnecessary
It is also important to consider the security concerns related to passport RFID chips in context. When a passport is closed, its construction prevents radio signals from reaching the chip. Further, the chip is protected using cryptographic measures, including Basic Access Control, preventing unauthorized access to its stored data. There is no continuous broadcast of a traveler’s location by a passport chip, unlike smartphones or GPS trackers.
By carrying an electronic passport, criminals are not able to remotely track its movements. In addition to preventing unauthorized access to the information stored on the chip when the passport is open, Basic Access Control (BAC) protects the information stored on the chip when it is opened. The chip is also not able to be used as a tracking device.
A passport cannot be used to routinely track a traveler's location because, unlike a smartphone or an AirTag, it does not continuously transmit a traveler's location. If travelers wish to protect their passports against everyday wear and tear, spills and physical damage, they can use a conventional passport cover to protect their passports. It is neither recommended nor necessary to wrap a passport in aluminum foil as a routine security measure.
As a general rule of thumb, travelers should use the security features incorporated into modern passports rather than viral DIY privacy measures that may potentially damage an important travel document. In light of continuing advances in passport technology, travelers should rely on built-in security features rather than unverified viral hacks to ensure their passports remain secure. Passports must be kept in good physical condition in addition to protected data.
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