Veridos: Summertime, vacation time – it’s already a bit digital at the border
Berlin, 18 July 2024 – This summer, many travelers will once again need their passport when crossing borders. However, digitalization is now reducing the steps required to check passports when travelling. Veridos demonstrates how modern technologies can ensure greater convenience and shorter queues.
The summer is in full swing and everyone is organizing their trips. Much of this can already be done digitally. It only takes a few clicks to book hotels, check flights and pay online. When you arrive at your destination, you can reserve a rental car and check into your hotel using an app.
An essential part of travel is still characterized by physical documents and manual processes: namely proof of identity. Travelers must still take their ID card or passport on their trip and have it checked when crossing borders.
The first wave of digitalization has already been implemented, and modern technologies now reduce the manual steps of checks without compromising security, thereby enabling more seamless travel. Veridos, a leading global provider of integrated identity solutions, explains three examples of this.
1. Mobile passport data. There are now apps that travelers can use to transfer and save personal data from the chip in their electronic passport to their smartphone using Near Field Communication (NFC). From there, the data can be sent securely to registered trusted parties, such as border authorities or airlines, to apply for a visa online. Because this eliminates the need for manual transmission, vacationers save a lot of time and effort.
2. eGates. So-called eGates can be found at many airports, particularly in the Schengen area. There, travelers can place their electronic passport on a reader and have it scanned automatically in advance. After entering the actual eGate, their face is scanned. The system then checks within a few seconds whether the biometric data of the scan matches that of the electronic passport. In contrast to manual passport checks, this eliminates long queues.
3. eKiosks. eKiosks, which are particularly widespread at U.S. airports, follow a similar approach. At these kiosks, travelers answer a questionnaire, scan their passport and verify their identity using biometric methods such as facial recognition. They then receive a printout, which is checked manually at the security checkpoint. By submitting personal data in advance, the security check takes less time.
“We won’t be able to do without physical ID documents for the foreseeable future,” explains Marc-Julian Siewert, CEO of Veridos. “They have many security features, such as watermarks or holographic images, which require counterparts in the virtual world. In addition, there is still a lack of nationwide IT infrastructures for the widespread use of digital identities and international standards for their global use. This is why the passport – our core identity document – will remain with us in its current form for some time to come.”
The European Union’s pilot project for biometric corridors at airports shows what a future without physical passports could look like. The project is researching the following scenario: after checking in online in advance, travelers walk through a biometric corridor in which a state-of-the-art camera system records them and compares the data with the previously registered passport and biometric data as well as information from the passenger list. In this ideal scenario, the entire process takes place while the passenger is walking, so that they do not even notice the security check. The passport is no longer checked.
Veridos GmbH
Veridos is a world-leading provider of integrated identity solutions. Governments and public authorities in more than 100 countries trust the company’s uniquely comprehensive product portfolio. The company creates end-to-end solutions and services perfectly tailored to meet every government identity need. These range from paper to security printing, electrical chip components, enrollment, identity management systems, personalization and issuance, mobile ID solutions, and border control solutions including eGates. Governments can acquire best-in-class passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses, and more, or even the facilities to manufacture their own. Learn more about Veridos at www.veridos.com.
Contact
Giesecke+Devrient
Christoph Lang
Head of Corporate Brand Communications and Government Relations
Phone: +49 89 4119-2164
Email: christoph.lang@gi-de.com
www.veridos.com
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Nicole Oehl
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Email: nicole.oehl@pr-com.de
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