South Africans Could Soon Replace Passports and Boarding Passes with Digital Travel Credentials
New global airport regulations may soon allow South African travelers to replace physical passports and boarding passes with a smartphone-based digital system, according to proposals from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
What is the Digital Travel Credential (DTC)?
The ICAO has proposed implementing a “digital travel credential” (DTC) that combines both physical and digital security features to streamline airport processes. This innovative system consists of two key components:
1. DTC Virtual Component (DTC-VC)
A secure digital representation of passport data that’s cryptographically linked to the issuing authority. This allows verification of authenticity without physical documents.
2. DTC Physical Component (DTC-PC)
The smartphone or device that carries the digital credential, using facial recognition technology for identity verification at every checkpoint.
“The DTC will be on travelers’ smartphones and employ facial recognition technology to verify their identities every step of the way,” explained ICAO representatives.
Benefits of Digital Travel Credentials
The proposed system promises several advantages for international travelers:
- Faster airport processing times
- Reduced identity fraud
- Seamless travel between origin and destination airports
- Ability to complete pre-travel requirements at home
“You’re going to have a seamless experience through the airport, and more importantly, when you get to your destination, you’re going to have a very simplified arrival experience.”
– Andy Smith, Director of Industry and Innovation at SITA
Voluntary Adoption and Flexibility
Andy Smith, Director of Industry and Innovation at SITA, explains the digital travel credential initiative
Industry experts emphasize that the digital system will be completely optional:
- Traditional passport and boarding pass options will remain available
- The system accommodates travelers without smartphones or who prefer physical documents
- Physical passports will still be required as backup for regulatory compliance
“This will very much be voluntary,” stated Andy Smith, acknowledging concerns about digital overreach among some travelers.
The Future of Airport Security
While maintaining robust security measures, the DTC system aims to:
- Enable earlier data processing by immigration authorities
- Reduce processing times for low-risk travelers
- Maintain strict security for high-risk scenarios
The ICAO, as a UN agency, continues to work with member states to develop these standards, with implementation timelines varying by country.
Source: BusinessTech