Finland has become the first country to introduce digital passports, aiming to make international travel more streamlined and efficient. Instead of presenting physical passports, Finnish travelers departing from Helsinki to the UK now have the option to show a digital ID on their mobile devices. This is the first instance worldwide where a digital passport has been accepted in a genuine border control setting, promising a seamless travel experience.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with Finnair, the Finnish police, and airport operator Finavia. The trial, overseen by the Finnish Border Guard, will continue until February 2024 at Helsinki Airport’s border control.
To use the digital passport, interested travelers need to download the FIN DTC Pilot digital travel document app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. They must also activate a phone screen locking method such as a PIN number, fingerprint, or face ID. Additionally, travelers have to register with the police at Vantaa Main Police Station’s license services. During registration, they need to book an appointment and present a valid physical passport to create its digital counterpart. Facial photos will be taken for facial recognition purposes.
Once registered, travelers can use the DTC app at Helsinki Airport when flying directly to the United Kingdom on Finnair flights until the trial concludes. Before each trip, they must transmit their data via the app to the Finnish Border Guard.
Several other countries, including Poland, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have also launched or are planning similar digital passport projects. Ukraine has granted digital passports the same legal status as physical ones. Singapore has introduced HealthCerts, a digital health passport that securely stores Covid-19 test results and vaccination records for travelers. China, Estonia, and Israel have introduced digital vaccine passports.
In India, on Passport Seva Divas in June 2023, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the start of the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme, which includes new and improved e-passports. The Indian government is committed to providing passports and related services in a timely and efficient manner.