The way we travel is evolving rapidly, with digital identity playing a central role in making journeys smoother and more secure. One key innovation leading this transformation is the Digital Travel Credential (DTC). Developed under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the DTC is designed to offer a secure, efficient, and privacy-preserving alternative to traditional passports.

At Neoke, we are at the forefront of integrating digital identity innovations into the travel industry. By embracing solutions like DTCs, we aim to redefine the way identity is managed and verified in the travel ecosystem.

What is a Digital Travel Credential (DTC)?

A Digital Travel Credential (DTC) is a digital representation of a traveller’s identity that can be used in place of a physical passport. Built on ICAO standards (Doc 9303), it maintains the same level of security as an electronic passport while integrating seamlessly into existing border control and travel systems.

DTCs consist of two key components:

• Virtual Component: A cryptographically secured digital file containing identity information, structured according to the Logical Data Structure (LDS) standard.
• Physical Component: A device (such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or e-passport) that holds and authenticates the Virtual Component, ensuring secure identity verification.

Types of Digital Travel Credentials

ICAO categorises DTCs into three types, each offering different levels of security and interoperability:

• DTC Type 1 – Generated directly by a traveller by reading the chip in their e-passport via a mobile device or self-service kiosk. The passport remains the primary physical component.
• DTC Type 2 – Issued and digitally signed by a passport authority, linking the DTC not only to the passport but also to an additional cryptographic physical component (such as a mobile device).
• DTC Type 3 – Independently issued and digitally signed by an authority without needing to be linked to a traditional passport. The traveller’s device becomes the sole physical component.

The Benefits of Digital Travel Credentials

DTCs bring several advantages to travellers, governments, and the travel industry:

1. Enhanced Security & Fraud Prevention DTCs are cryptographically secured, making them tamper-proof and resistant to identity fraud. Unlike traditional passports, which can be lost or forged, DTCs provide a higher level of protection against unauthorised access.
2. Faster & More Efficient Border Processing By enabling pre-registration and biometric verification before arrival, DTCs reduce manual document checks and long queues at immigration and security checkpoints. This improves efficiency for both travellers and border control agencies.
3. Privacy-Preserving & User-Controlled DTCs enable privacy-by-design, allowing travellers to store their identity information securely on their own devices. Travellers can selectively share only the data necessary for verification, reducing exposure of personal information.
4. Reduced Compliance & Storage Costs for Businesses Airlines, hotels, and travel service providers no longer need to store and manage large volumes of personal data, minimising regulatory risks and compliance costs while enhancing security.

The Future of Travel with DTCs

DTCs are set to revolutionise how travellers move through airports, hotels, and borders. Imagine a world where:

• Check-in, security clearance, and boarding happen seamlessly through biometric authentication.
• Hotels and rental services can verify guest identities with a quick scan, eliminating the need for manual document checks.
• Governments can enhance border security while processing travellers more efficiently.

As digital identity standards continue to evolve, DTCs will play a critical role in enabling secure, frictionless, and privacy-centric travel experiences.

At Neoke, we are committed to building the future of digital identity and consent management. By integrating DTCs into our secure digital identity and wallet framework, we empower travel providers to streamline identity verification while ensuring compliance with global regulations.