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Travel Documents

Passport Scanner App for iPhone

Create a PDF or JPG copy of your passport with the free ScanLens app for iPhone. Capture the data page, check the photo and MRZ in the exported file, then share it in the format your recipient accepts.

Data-page copy PDF or JPG Check the MRZ Local OCR
Best for: Keeping a reference copy or sending a requested document. A scan does not replace your physical passport or an official identity check.
Download on the App Store

How to scan your passport on iPhone

1. Open the data page

Open the passport to the page with your photo and personal details. In ScanLens, select Passport mode and align the open booklet with the guide and center fold line.

2. Capture without glare

Keep fingers away from the data page. Use diffuse light and move the phone or light source if the laminate reflects across your photo, passport number or MRZ.

3. Review the page boundaries

Check the preview and adjust the crop to the page the recipient requested. Keep every edge of that page and both MRZ lines visible; exclude the facing page if it is not needed.

4. Export and reopen the copy

Choose PDF or JPG according to the upload instructions. Open the exported file, zoom in on the details and check its size before sending. For additional pages, use the document scanning workflow.

Passport PDF, JPG image or NFC scan?

PDF can keep several requested pages together. JPG is an image of a page. Choose the format the form accepts; changing the file extension does not convert it.

A data-page scan differs from the portrait photo requested for a new passport. ScanLens captures a visible document copy and does not read the biometric NFC chip or authenticate a passport. For a flat identity card, use the ID card guide.

Check the passport copy before uploading

CheckRead the recipient’s instructionsInspect your exported file
Page coverageWhich pages and edges must be included?Photo, details and complete MRZ are visible.
ColorIs a color copy required?Use color when requested; avoid filters that hide details.
FormatPDF, JPG or another accepted type?Export in the required format.
ResolutionRequired pixel dimensions or DPI?Check the actual image; a format choice does not guarantee resolution.
File sizeWhat is the upload limit?Check bytes after export; after compression, recheck small text.
Page countOne data page or additional visas and stamps?Include only the requested pages, in the requested order.

There is no single DPI value or file-size limit for every visa or travel form. A readable MRZ helps you inspect the copy, but ScanLens does not certify machine readability or guarantee acceptance or approval.

Saving and sharing a passport copy

Capture, image processing and OCR run on the iPhone. This is separate from storage: configured iCloud backup, cloud sync, export to a cloud folder or sharing can send a copy off the device. Check your settings and the cloud workflow before saving sensitive documents.

For an offline reference, keep a downloaded copy locally and test that it opens without a connection. App lock can limit access inside ScanLens; it does not protect a separate copy saved in Files, Photos or an email attachment. See document security.

Confirm the recipient and use the channel they specify. PDF password protection can restrict opening a file where that format is accepted; it does not remove passport details or control what the recipient does after opening it.

When an official application needs its own capture

The UK ETA app instructions require the original passport and describe the app’s own photo and chip-reading steps. A saved ScanLens PDF or JPG does not replace that flow.

For Canadian eTA applications that request extra documents, IRCC tells applicants to follow the document request in their account. Do not assume every authorization accepts the same passport upload. A backup copy keeps details available if needed; replacement procedures and timing remain with the issuing authority.

Passport scanning questions

How do I scan a passport on iPhone?

Select Passport mode, align the open booklet, capture the data page and review the crop. Export the copy, then inspect the photo, personal details and MRZ in the file you will actually send.

Which passport pages should I scan?

Start with the data page if that is what the recipient requests. Add visa, stamp or amendment pages only when the instructions require them; keep the requested page order.

Should I send my passport scan as PDF or JPG?

Use the format specified by the recipient. PDF can combine pages; JPG is a page image. Check the size and legibility of the final file rather than assuming either format is always accepted.

Does ScanLens read a biometric passport chip?

No. Passport mode uses the camera to capture printed pages. It does not perform NFC chip reading, identity authentication or the government app’s verification steps.

Can a scan replace my physical passport?

No. A saved image is a reference copy, not a replacement travel document. Follow the authority’s instructions when the original passport or an official verification is required.

Can I capture a passport without internet?

The capture and OCR work locally. Uploading, cloud synchronization and sending the file require the relevant service and connection. Test offline access separately if you need the copy while traveling.

Does OCR validate the MRZ or passport details?

No. Extracted text may contain errors and is not a passport verification result. Compare names, dates and numbers with the original; do not rely on OCR to certify a copy.

Can I hide passport details with a black rectangle?

A rectangle can leave underlying text or image data recoverable, or remain removable as an annotation. Encrypting the PDF does not sanitize that content for someone who can open it. Use a validated redaction workflow and inspect the exported copy.

Related Topics

ID Card Scanner

Scan driver's licenses and ID cards.

Document Security

Protect travel documents with on-device handling and app lock.

Scan to Cloud

Store passport copies intentionally when a backup or handoff is required.

PDF Scanner

Export a PDF copy and inspect the saved file.
Travel Ready

Ready to Scan Your Passport?

Download the free ScanLens app for iPhone and prepare a passport copy you can inspect before sharing.

Download on the App Store