NFC Technology and e-Passports: A Retrospective*

*Or how your e-Passport actually works!

Major Jason Fensome

This retrospective by Major Jason Fensome offers a detailed and authoritative account of the evolution, architecture, and operational significance of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in UK-issued electronic passports (e-Passports). Drawing on his extensive experience in both military and civilian border operations, the author demystifies the inner workings of biometric chips, passive authentication protocols, and the cryptographic safeguards that underpin secure international travel.

While the subject matter lies outside the core remit of the Royal Corps of Signals, the article provides valuable insights into the broader landscape of data security and identity assurance—domains increasingly relevant to Defence communications and cyber operations.

Understanding how secure credentials are structured, verified, and protected at national borders enhances our appreciation of the technologies that underpin trust in digital systems.

This contribution is a timely reminder that the principles of cryptographic integrity, certificate validation, and secure data transmission are not confined to military networks but are foundational to global infrastructure. As such, it is both appropriate and beneficial to consider these wider applications within the pages of this Journal.

Link to full article.