In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every facet of our lives, the international travel sector also stands on the brink of revolutionary changes.
Discussions about seamless travel and digital border security have spawned several high-profile trials to eliminate physical paperwork at ports of entry. Perhaps, one of the most ambitious to be touted is the replacement of the traditional passport, a staple of identity verification and border security for more than a century, with the Digital Travel Credential (DTC). What seemed a distant dream not that long ago, is now a near-future reality, with countries like Finland, the UK, and the Republic of Seychelles leading the charge toward a world of paperless border crossings.
Such use of DTCs is possible through the huge improvements in the accuracy of biometrical identification using the traveller’s face. With today’s technology, we can reliably provide secure authentication of the traveller using only digital data.
Hong Kong Airport has fully implemented a self-service biometric identification system for check-in, and Air Canada also launched a digital identification trial for biometric boarding. In perhaps two of the most significant recent announcements, Finland has made steps to introduce digital passports with the launch of Digital Travel Credentials, while the UK announced a limited trial using facial recognition technology as the primary means of identifying travellers, eliminating the need for physical passports upon entry and exit.
The Republic of Seychelles is also leading the way for biometric screening in Africa, with the deployment of its Biometric Corridor, which has been in operation for more than 2 years. Using innovative technology from Travizory Border Security, the International Airport now benefits from walk-through facial recognition technology that can process up to 30 passengers per minute, facilitating a speedy and efficient entry process for visitors. Removing the need for a physical passport scan at every checkpoint has been identified as part of the nation’s medium-term roadmap.
The benefits of biometric border crossings extend beyond convenience and efficiency. By leveraging advanced technologies, nations can enhance the security of their nation, making it more difficult for individuals to enter a country using fraudulently altered documents. Using recognition technology to verify a traveller’s identity also allows for greater and more consistent accuracy than manual checks. At the same time, the digital nature of biometric data also allows for better tracking, risk assessment, and Visitor Management.
Naturally, as with any innovation, there will be bumps in the road as countries and travellers come to grips with the idea of paper-free travel. There is a clear need for industry disruptors that will challenge the status quo, delivering effective technological solutions to enable a secure experience. With more international collaboration, strong regulation, robust legal frameworks, and greater interoperability as seen in the EU’s EINSTEIN project, the digital border will soon become a reality for millions.
As we prepare for this new era, it is clear that biometric technology represents the future of border security and international travel. The initiatives in the UK, Finland, and Seychelles, along with the pioneering vision of companies like Travizory, are leading the way toward a world where crossing borders is faster, more secure, and more sustainable.
