Embracing the digital era, Finland has become the world’s first country to introduce a groundbreaking Digital Passport service for its citizens.
This innovative leap aims to simplify and enhance the air travel experience, and it sets a precedent for other nations to follow.
Finland’s adoption of the Digital Passport aligns with the European Union’s overarching goal of encouraging more than 80 percent of travelers across 27 countries to embrace this digital innovation by 2030.
While there is no official word on when India might introduce a similar service, it’s crucial to understand what this Digital Passport entails and the advantages it brings.
What is a Digital Passport?
The Digital Travel Credential (DTC) is a digital rendition of a physical passport, accessible via a smartphone download.
This digital travel document adheres to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is spearheading a global framework for digital travel documents.
Finland takes the pioneering step of testing the DTC concept, albeit currently available exclusively to Finnish citizens traveling on Finnair flights between Finland and the United Kingdom.
Benefits of the Digital Passport
Much like the widespread adoption of digital payments, the Digital Passport offers an array of benefits.
Gone are the days of arriving at the airport hours in advance or enduring long queues. With the Digital Passport, travelers can save valuable time.
Furthermore, the digital passport is a potent tool in thwarting identity fraud, enhancing personal data security.
This innovation also eliminates the need for physical visits to passport offices to obtain hard copies of passports.
How to Obtain a Digital Passport?
Initially, the Digital Passport has been rolled out as digital travel documents for Finnish citizens traveling on Finnair flights from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
By the end of February 2024, a wider segment of citizens will be able to experience the convenience of passing through border control using their digital passport.
Finnish citizens can acquire their Digital Passport by registering as a Digital Travel Credentials (DTC) consumer, making border control processes more efficient.
Finland has entered into an agreement with Finnair, the Police, and airport operator Finavia to promote the adoption of digital passports, and testing is currently underway.
Should this pioneering project prove successful, it may pave the way for a future where physical passports become obsolete, revolutionizing the way we travel.
