In September, Google announced that Google Wallet would be used to store digital passports. Now, there's exciting news: they’ve started rolling out a beta version in the United States, allowing users to use a digital passport for some domestic flights.
As reported by 9to5Google, this new feature is being gradually introduced in the U.S. However, there are a few limitations—digital passports stored in Google Wallet will only be accepted for certain domestic flights and at airports that support TSA approval.
This marks the first step toward a future where you no longer need to carry your physical passport, providing peace of mind that you won’t lose it. Although the system is initially launching in the U.S., it’s highly likely that it will expand to other countries, including some in the Arab world.
How the Digital Passport in Google Wallet Works
The digital passport is set to simplify travel significantly. Google has introduced this feature to allow you to create a digital ID from your passport, which we hope will eventually reach more markets, making things far easier for travelers worldwide.
Previously, it was possible to store certain government-issued IDs in Google Wallet, but this new feature will facilitate travel through specific TSA checkpoints at airports.
Setting up your digital passport in Google Wallet is straightforward. You’ll simply need to scan your passport’s security chip and take a short selfie video to verify your identity. Within minutes, your digital passport will be ready for use.
As you might expect, your data will be encrypted, and to access it, you’ll need to use an authentication method such as a fingerprint or PIN before sharing any information. Regarding when this feature might launch in other countries, especially in the Arab world, it’s still too early to determine an exact timeline.