Digital Travel Credentials Forecast to Reach 1.2 Billion Passengers by 2035

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More than 1.2 billion passengers worldwide are expected to adopt digital travel credentials by 2035, as governments and airports seek to reduce queues and boost efficiency in border crossings, according to Juniper Research.

In its new Digital Travel Credential Market: 2026-2035 report, Juniper Research forecasts adoption will rise from 105.4 million passengers in 2027, representing growth of more than 1,000% over eight years. Global spending on digital travel credential verification is also projected to increase significantly from $533.3 million in 2026 to $4.7 billion in 2035.

Digital travel credentials allow travellers to store and present passport information electronically, typically alongside biometric checks such as facial recognition. Juniper said “frustration with current border practices, such as the European Entry/Exit System (EES),” would increase passenger demand for easier processing.

Early digital travel credential initiatives include the EU APTITUDE consortium and Singapore’s passport-free biometric immigration clearance. However, progress is expected to be gradual because countries must agree on how identity data can be securely shared and recognized.

Report author Shane O’Sullivan said: 

The technical components of biometric travel are ready, and governments are increasingly recognising the value of interoperable digital identity frameworks. While reciprocal trust between sovereign nations remains complex, growing collaboration around international standards and bilateral agreements will enable digital travel credentials to scale globally.

Fully digital, passport-free international travel is not expected before 2040, meaning physical passports will continue to serve as a “necessary fallback.” Juniper said the principal barrier was not the technology, but whether governments could develop compatible legal and trust frameworks.