Developing Digital Travel Credentials That Are Ready for the Future of the Airline Industry

This Research Highlight dives into ABI Research’s Digital Travel Credentials: Key Companies report, revealing how standards, pilots, and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) are shaping Digital Travel Credential (DTC) adoption. It spotlights high-growth regions and offers actionable steps for vendors to lead the charge. Want to know where the market’s headed and how to win? Read the full article now!

Market Overview

The travel industry is nearing a digital tipping point, and Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs)—secure digital versions of passports and travel IDs—are set to play a starring role. ABI Research’s latest report, Digital Travel Credentials: Key Companies, published in February 2025, shows DTCs gaining momentum as passenger volumes rebound from COVID-19. In 2024, air travel nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, marking a breakout year for DTC pilots. Still, adoption is just beginning, held back by high costs and uneven standards.

ABI Research forecasts steady growth ahead for this next-generation form of travel credentials. North America and Asia-Pacific lead early DTC adoption, thanks to existing mobile passport apps and strong digital infrastructure. Europe, however, will surge past them in the 2030s, driven by frameworks like eIDAS 2 and the European Digital Travel Application (DTA), expected in 2030.

Globally, penetration rates will increase from under 1% in 2024 to as high as 6% in the European Union (EU). Key drivers include consumer demand for seamless travel, stringent regulation, growing security needs, and the push for cross-border interoperability. With quantum threats on the horizon, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) will also shape DTCs’ future, keeping them secure for years to come.

This Research Highlight explores how standards, legislation, and pilots are guiding DTC adoption, pinpoints high-growth regions, and considers PQC’s role in this evolving market. Moreover, ABI Research articulates how digital security vendors and governments can apply these findings to their DTC-focused projects.

“While government bodies—as passport issuing parties—naturally wield the strongest influence regarding Digital Travel Credential (DTC) uptake, it is the technology vendors providing DTCs and the supporting infrastructure that are truly driving the move toward digitalization.” –Aisling Dawson, Industry Analyst

Leverage Standards and Pilots to Drive Adoption

DTCs need global alignment to succeed, and that starts with standards and testing. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certified Type 1 DTC specs in 2020, but Type 2 and Type 3 remain undefined, delaying broad rollout. Vendors should jump in now, joining pilots and advocating for standardization to influence the market. Europe leads here, with eIDAS 2 requiring digital wallets by 2026 and pilots testing DTCs at scale. North America’s mobile passport app, launched in 2014, gives it an edge, while Asia-Pacific’s high 5G penetration boosts apps like South Korea’s Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).

Pilots show promise and challenges alike. In 2024, only 500 of 10,000 invited participants completed a trial, underscoring usability hurdles. Vendors should prioritize collaboration, such as SITA’s Smart Path with IATA’s One ID or Veridos’ VeriCHECK M500+, to enhance interoperability and prove that DTCs work across systems. Governments hold power, too, sponsoring trials and funding border tech. Acting now secures influence as standards firm up by 2026 and adoption picks up.

Target High-Growth Regions for Strategic Wins

Not all regions move at the same pace, so focus on where opportunities glow. North America shines from 2025 to 2029, building on the history of its mobile identities and events like the 2026 World Cup to advance digitalization. Asia-Pacific follows, with digital wallet use, such as Singapore’s ICA e-Services, evolving into DTC platforms by 2028. Europe’s growth accelerates after 2030 with the DTA overtaking others due to regulatory strength and pilot experience.

Emerging regions hold potential, too. Latin America’s digital ID efforts in Argentina and Chile, plus the Middle East & Africa’s gradual rise, point to growth by 2032. Meanwhile, New Zealand and Australia will boost adoption for the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane. Vendors should tailor solutions, offering scalable options for North America, mobile-first tools for Asia-Pacific, and regulation-friendly approaches for Europe, to grab market share as adoption climbs.

Prepare for Post-Quantum Security Now

Quantum computing poses a real threat, and DTCs must stay ahead. With passports valid for a decade, today’s credentials need quantum-resistant tech to counter future risks. ABI Research notes ICAO’s slow pace, with no PQC decision yet, but vendors can’t wait. Start testing quantum-resistant solutions, like Google’s Cloud Key Management Service (KMS) trials, to protect data-on-chip and ensure long-term viability.

The stakes are big, considering that a flawed algorithm could mean reissuing millions of credentials, a logistical mess. Vendors should experiment with PQC in pilots to prove it works. This isn’t just about security; it’s a competitive advantage. As quantum risks grow, buyers will favor future-ready options. Move early to lead the field.

Build Trust and Usability to Win Passengers

DTCs won’t take off without passenger support, so keep them simple and secure. Travelers crave convenience, like less border time and reusable credentials for vendors such as hotels, but privacy worries persist. Vendors like Neoke, with flexible data-sharing rules, and iProov, with accessible design, set the standard. Show efficiency with data, such as Entrust’s high IDVaaS success rates. It’s almost crucial for vendors to explain security clearly.

Balancing security and privacy is paramount for the success of DTCs. Decentralized ID systems with self-sovereign data control tackle increasing protectionism. Test new solutions with diverse users to smooth onboarding, as 2024’s low pilot turnout proved its importance. Offer intuitive tools and real value, and passengers will adopt DTCs, fueling growth from the ground up.

Get the Full Report

Ready to unlock the full scoop on digital travel credentials and stay ahead in this fast-moving market? Download ABI Research’s Digital Travel Credentials: Key Companies report now for exclusive insights and forecasts!