Europe's Front-Runner in Digital Passport Pilot Program: Finland
Finland Leads Europe's Digital Travel Revolution
Embrace the future of international travel as Finland becomes the trailblazer in digital passports, set to revolutionize the way we travel. By implementing these groundbreaking digital passports, Finland hopes to streamline the travel experience, reducing wait times, and eliminating long, tedious queues.
Jump into the world of high-tech travel by exploring Finland's pioneering 'digital travel credentials' (DTCs), turning your smartphone into your passport. The pilot project, a joint venture between Finnair, Finavia, and the Finnish police, is currently running in Helsinki.
Looking forward, by the end of February 2024, travelers utilizing Finnair to fly to and from three UK airports will have the option to use the new "Digital Travel Credential" (DTC) for border control processes. For now, this innovative offering is exclusive to Finnish residents, available on flights to London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
But Finland isn't alone in embracing this exciting technology. The European Commission recently reached out to several nations for similar trials. Croatia has stepped up, planning to launch its pilot in Zagreb in 2023, but Finland, for now, remains in the spotlight.
Getting Started
Adventurous Finns eager to join this cutting-edge venture must register with the Finnish police and install a dedicated app. After registration, an appointment at the Vantaa police station, conveniently located near Helsinki Airport, is necessary. During the visit, volunteers will provide a physical copy of their passport and complete a consent form before capturing a photograph and receiving their Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs).
Volunteers are then required to transmit their data via the app to the Finnish Border Guard between 36 and four hours before their departure. A special queue for volunteers has been set up at passport control in Helsinki.
A Secure Journey
The Finnish Border Guard emphasizes that these digital passports are designed to facilitate quick, secure border crossings, redefining the future of international travel, and providing a seamless, safe method for globetrotters to explore the world.
Fun Fact: Finland's digital passport system is part of the larger European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated digital platform designed to streamline short-stay visits at borders, enhance security, and improve efficiency within the Schengen Area.
In essence, Finland's digital passport system stands as a collaborative effort with the EU, digitally registering the entry and exit of travelers through automated biometric e-gate scans. The system began rollout in 2025 and includes 29 Schengen countries, making travels throughout Europe smoother and more secure. So, get ready to embark on a digital adventure with Finland and the EU!
Digital Passport, Finland, Finnair: The Future is Now
Travelers using Finnair can look forward to personalizing their itineraries with the innovative use of technology, as the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) for border control processes will be an exciting addition to their lifestyle. By registering with the Finnish police and utilizing a dedicated app, Finnish residents can experience a seamless, secure journey through the digital passport system, which is part of a larger collaborative effort with the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES).
