Asignificant transformation in global air travel is underway, and South Africa is poised to be part of the shift. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for setting international aviation standards, has proposed the widespread adoption of a Digital Travel Credential (DTC) to streamline border controls and improve passenger facilitation. This innovation could eventually render physical passports and boarding passes obsolete—replacing them with a smartphone-based identification system.

The DTC is a dual-component system that incorporates both digital and physical elements to safeguard the integrity and authenticity of traveller identification. The Virtual Component (DTC-VC) is a digitally signed version of the traveller’s passport data, securely linked to the issuing authority. The Physical Component (DTC-PC) is a secure carrier—typically a smartphone app or compatible digital device—that stores and presents the credential during travel. Both components are designed to work in tandem, ensuring verification procedures remain robust and resilient against tampering.

According to the ICAO, one of the primary goals of this system is to reduce identity fraud and processing delays in global air travel. The digital credential will enable facial recognition technologies to verify passengers at every stage of their journey, eliminating the need for physical document presentation during airport transitions. Importantly, ICAO emphasises that the DTC will not replace passports immediately; physical documents will still be required for the foreseeable future due to current international legal frameworks and as a fail-safe measure.

Andy Smith, Director of Industry and Innovation at the Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA), underscores that the aviation industry has long been moving toward this transformation. Smith stated that existing systems—such as eVisas and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs)—have already paved the way for this more comprehensive digital solution. He noted that many identity verifications and travel preparations could be completed in advance from the comfort of home, reducing stress and congestion at airport terminals.

Smith further explained that this evolution is not a futuristic aspiration but a practical response to the increasing complexity of international travel. By integrating secure digital passports with visas and authorisations, passengers would be notified in advance that they are fully travel-ready, avoiding last-minute complications. The DTC initiative also aligns with ICAO’s public key infrastructure principles, ensuring that digital signatures on credentials can be authenticated globally.

Despite the enthusiasm around the innovation, the adoption of DTCs will remain voluntary. Smith acknowledged that not all passengers have access to smartphones or are comfortable using biometric technologies. He reiterated that airlines, airports, and border agencies must remain equipped to assist travellers who prefer or require physical documentation.

The integration of digital identity systems is also seen as a countermeasure to increasing security threats in the aviation sector. Smith affirmed that automation and intelligent screening technologies are enhancing security efficiency without compromising traveller privacy or freedom. He argued that digital identity sharing—under the control of the individual—can expedite immigration procedures and assist authorities in processing data early in the travel chain.

Ultimately, the ICAO envisions a more seamless travel experience, where travellers can pass through both departure and arrival airports with minimal interruption. While the physical passport will continue to play a role in international travel for some years, the digital travel credential represents a landmark shift toward a future where secure, convenient, and intelligent border processing is standard practice across global aviation hubs—including those in South Africa.