ICAO Proposes Biometric ‘Journey Pass’ to Replace Physical Documents Globally

With new technologies accelerating biometric screening and border control, face biometrics and digital travel credentials may soon redefine air travel.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has proposed a digital shift in global air travel, introducing a biometric journey pass to replace physical passports and boarding passes. The new system would use face biometrics and mobile devices for identity verification at every stage of a passenger’s journey.

Under the proposal, travelers would store a digital travel credential—including flight details and a digital version of their passport—on their smartphone. A single biometric facial recognition scan at the airport would be used for biometric check-in, biometric screening, and boarding, removing the need for paper documents.

According to The Times, ICAO aims to implement the change within three years. An industry executive called the shift the biggest upgrade in air travel since e-ticketing in the 2000s. New biometric systems allow passenger verification at multiple points and quickly delete personal data to comply with global privacy standards.

The proposal builds on ICAO’s Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) development, with Type 2 using mobile devices as authenticators. In contrast, Type 3, still years away, would allow travel without issuing a physical passport at all.

While biometric screening systems are operational in various airports, regulatory barriers remain the biggest challenge. IATA (International Air Transport Association) and firms are pushing for accelerated digital identity adoption. In the meantime, solutions like Facia and SITA’s home baggage services are easing current processes.

If adopted globally, ICAO’s journey pass could transform the check-in and boarding experience at airports through the use of facial recognition technology. It promises faster processing, reduced reliance on physical documents, and a more secure identity verification process for international travelers. While the proposal envisions a fully digital future, the integration of facial recognition systems in biometric boarder control is already a reality in several countries, which makes the early stages of a broader shift toward real-time, contactless identity checks and seamless cross-border mobility.