In a joint project with the Netherlands, Canada is set to test out a “paperless” travel system that will include having your passport information stored securely on your phone. Known as the “Known Traveller Digital Identity,” (KTDI) the program aims to reduce wait times at airports as the volume of air travel increases year after year.
Indeed, air travel is expected to increase 50% by 2030, in comparison with 2016.
Using KTDI encrypted into their phones, passengers will be able to consent to sharing their passport information and flight reservations securely with airport staff before checking in. Then, their identity will be checked against biometric scans at various points. This may include fingerprint scans, retina scans and facial recognition.
Trials of the system are beginning this year, and the first travelers to use it will be in 2020.
Thinking of travelling to the Netherlands some time soon? You may be doing so without a physical passport! How cool is that?!