Successful digital identity proofs of concept (PoCs) have proved that contactless, biometric-enabled international travel is achievable with digital identity replacing paper documentation, said International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The PoCs were completed with the support of airlines, airports, technology providers, and governments across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Working together as part of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Program, the partners tested how digital identity stored in mobile wallets and biometric verification can support seamless passenger journeys without repeated paper document checks.Importantly, the PoCs demonstrated that interoperability of systems is sufficiently advanced to support contactless journeys involving multiple carriers and using different digital identity wallets (including Digital ID in Apple Wallet for US Passport holders, and Google ID Pass for UK and US passport holders) as well as national digital identity programs such as India’s Digi Yatra. This includes enabling passengers to securely share identity data in advance to facilitate their travel. The PoCs were designed using the IATA Contactless Travel Directory, IATA’s One ID standards and ISO, OpenID, and W3C international standards.“We have proven that digital identity for international travel 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. The result will be stronger security, smoother journeys, and greater efficiency,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.What the PoCs proved:* Wallet-based digital identity solutions work, including global and national wallets, were successfully used in live airline environments.* Digital identity data can be securely shared ahead of travel, with user consent, enabling pre-travel checks and reducing repeated document handling. * Biometric verification can replace manual paper document checks at airport touchpoints, allowing passengers to move through checkpoints securely and seamlessly. * A single digital identity can be reused across the journey, enabling a seamless, contactless “tap-and-go” experience.* Interoperability can be achieved across borders, enabling systems operated by airlines, airports, and governments to work seamlessly together.From PoCs to global adoptionThese PoCs demonstrated travellers can use a secure digital identity to share only the data required for travel, enrol remotely in a digital identity system, and verify themselves biometrically at airport touchpoints to complete their journey without presenting a physical passport or boarding pass. Achieving this on a global scale will require coordinated action by governments in three critical areas:* Prepare to issue: Establish the legal, operational and technical foundations to issue Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) — secure digital versions of passports — as part of national digital identity programs.* Be Ready to accept: Ensure border, visa and travel-authorization systems are ready to accept and verify DTCs issued by other states.* Plan for scale: Work with industry, other governments and international organizations to enable the interoperable use of DTCs at a global scale.“Secure digital versions of passports—Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs)—will make travel more secure and more efficient. By sharing identity data in advance, checks can be completed earlier, reducing the need for document checks at airports and cutting queues. Industry collaboration has shown digital identity works in practice. The next step is for governments to put the frameworks in place to integrate digital identity into global travel processes,” said Walsh. - TradeArabia News Service