Digital Dawn: Finland launches groundbreaking digital passport trial
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Finland has taken a bold leap into the future of travel by introducing the world's first-ever digital passport. With testing already underway at Helsinki Airport, this innovation signals a potential transformation in international travel, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
From August 28, 2023, until February 2024, passengers at Helsinki Airport will have the unique opportunity to experience the next evolution of travel documentation.
The pilot program, known as the Digital Travel Credentials (DTC) project, is a collaborative effort between the Finnish airline Finnair, local law enforcement, and airport management company Finavia.
To initiate this groundbreaking trial, Finnair has extended invitations to passengers commuting between Helsinki and destinations including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Those participating in the DTC project will relish the convenience of swift border crossings, bypassing the traditionally long queues.
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But what exactly is the DTC? It's a digital counterpart to the traditional Finnish passport. The Finnish Border Guard assures that this revolutionary mode of identification facilitates swifter international travel without sacrificing security protocols. For travellers eager to be part of this historical transition, registration on the Border Guard's official website is mandatory. Once registered, they can download the dedicated DTC application. Before embarking on their journey to the UK, passengers are required to provide their details to the Border Guard, anywhere between 4 and 36 hours prior.
Officials have clarified that this pilot is, in essence, a test for digital border control, marking a world-first in the domain of international travel. They further emphasized the reliability of the digital passport, equating its authenticity to its physical counterpart.
In recognition of this pioneering initiative, the European Commission has granted Finland a generous sum of 2.3 million euros. Following its trial in Finland, this avant-garde project is set to be tested in Croatia.