UK passport holders may soon be able to leave their physical passports at home and breeze through airports using nothing but their smartphone and their face, thanks to rapid progress in digital identity technology.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced on Thursday (8 April) that recent Proofs of Concept (PoCs) have proven that contactless, biometric-enabled international travel is not only possible but already achievable in real-world conditions.
The trials, conducted across Europe and Asia-Pacific with airlines, airports, technology providers, and governments, demonstrated seamless journeys where passengers use a secure digital version of their passport stored in mobile wallets, verified by biometrics instead of repeated paper checks.
How it works
Travellers would capture their passport data securely, often by scanning the physical document once, store it as a Digital Travel Credential (DTC) in apps like Google Wallet or other compatible digital wallets, and link it to their biometric data – typically facial recognition.
At the airport, instead of fumbling for passports and boarding passes at check-in, security, and boarding, passengers simply verify their identity with a facial scan or “tap” at biometric gates.
Data can be shared in advance with consent, allowing many checks to happen remotely before arrival. A single digital identity can then be reused throughout the journey for a true contactless experience.
Importantly for UK travellers, the PoCs explicitly tested Google ID Pass, which supports UK passport holders alongside US ones.
One notable trial involved a multi-airline itinerary including British Airways from London Heathrow, demonstrating interoperability across carriers and airports on routes such as London Heathrow to Hong Kong and onward to Tokyo Haneda.
Other wallets tested included Apple Wallet, national programs like India’s Digi Yatra, and various airline and open-source solutions.
Benefits for travellers and the industry
The shift promises major gains:
- Shorter queues: Advanced data sharing and biometric processing reduce document checks at the airport.
- Greater convenience: No more digging for papers at multiple touchpoints.
- Enhanced security: Biometric verification and selective data sharing strengthen identity confirmation.
- Efficiency for airlines and airports: Faster processing, lower operational costs, and better passenger flow.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the PoCs prove the technology works securely and efficiently.
“For travellers to benefit from this important modernisation, governments must accelerate efforts to issue and accept Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) – secure digital versions of passports,” he said.
“The result will be stronger security, smoother journeys, and greater efficiency.”
Walsh added that sharing identity data in advance allows checks to be completed earlier, cutting queues and making travel more seamless.
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