This Country Has Become the First to Launch Digital Passports

Finland is revolutionizing its border security by eliminating the need for physical passports.

On August 28, the Finnish Border Guard announced a pilot initiative allowing passengers on select flights to navigate border control using Digital Travel Credentials (DTC). Instead of waiting in line for manual passport checks, eligible Finnish travelers can simply scan an app on their phones at specific checkpoints.

The DTC serves as a digital counterpart to the physical passport and is just as secure. It facilitates quick and efficient border crossings without sacrificing safety,” states the announcement from the Finnish Border Guard. “The European Commission, alongside Member States, is advancing the DTC as part of a comprehensive digital identity policy that encompasses various digital services.”

Throughout the trial phase, which extends until February 2024, the digital passport will be applicable exclusively on Finnair flights connecting Helsinki Airport in Finland to three U.K. airports: Edinburgh, London, and Manchester.

Understanding How Digital Passports Function

Any Finnish citizen can join the trial program, but there are a few steps involved. To participate, they must first download the FIN DTC app developed by the Finnish Border Guard, then visit a police service point for registration. This process includes signing a consent form and having a photo taken for facial recognition, but it only needs to be completed once.

After registration, travelers must upload their travel details to the app between 36 and 4 hours before their flight. This information is then sent to the Finnish Border Guard. According to the Finnish Border Guard, this should expedite the security process, particularly during a time when record numbers of travelers are heading to Europe. When they physically go through border control, they simply scan a code in the app.

Other DTC trial initiatives beyond Finland

A similar DTC trial program is expected to launch at Zagreb International Airport in Croatia later this year, though specific dates have yet to be announced. Both initiatives are being financed by the European Union Commission.

The trial programs represent one of the strategies the European Union is employing to advance towards a more digital border security system. In 2024, the EU plans to introduce a new entry requirement known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This travel authorization will allow entry into 30 European nations (27 in the Schengen Area, along with Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania) and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. The rollout of ETIAS will be partially supported by the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), a technology-based initiative designed to monitor visitors as they traverse borders.