What is the new digital passport technology being used in the US?

American travelers can now load their passports into Apple's Digital ID, which allows them to present their digital passport on their iPhone or Apple Watch when going through security.

How are UK airports using biometric technology to reduce airport queues?

Manchester Airport was the first hub to trial a new e-gate system that uses facial recognition technology, allowing British passport-holders to be quickly processed through the e-gates.

What is the impact of these new biometric and AI-powered border control methods?

The digital passport and e-gate systems are transforming the travel experience, as they aim to streamline the travel process and enhance efficiency and convenience for passengers.

Home / Technology / Digital Passports Take Flight: Airports Embrace Biometric Tech

Digital Passports Take Flight: Airports Embrace Biometric Tech

14 Nov

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Summary

US travelers can now use digital passports on iPhones
Biometric tech like facial recognition used at over 250 US airports
UK airports trial new e-gate system to speed up border control

Digital Passports Take Flight: Airports Embrace Biometric Tech

As of November 2025, the travel industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation. Airports worldwide, including those in Singapore, Dubai, and London Heathrow, have been using facial recognition and other biometric data to facilitate check-in and boarding processes without the need for physical documents.

The latest development in this trend is happening in the United States, where American travelers can now load their passports into Apple's Digital ID. This feature allows passengers to present their digital passport on their iPhone or Apple Watch when going through security, eliminating the need to show physical documents at every step. The system works by scanning the photo page of the traveler's physical passport and reading the embedded chip to verify the data's authenticity.