Travellers will not need to show passports to enter UK in new trial

“Smart” passport gates that allow travellers to cross the UK border without showing a passport could be trialled as early as this year. According to The Times, Phil Douglas, director-general of the UK Border Force, is aiming for “much more frictionless facial recognition than we currently do”. The aim is to upgrade the current eGates […]

Could Airlines Require Immunity Passports for Travelers to Fly Again?

Although the coronavirus is still proliferating around the globe, airlines have begun to look at what it will take to get fliers back on planes en masse in a post-pandemic world. Blocking middle seats in the name of social distancing and deep sanitizing of plane cabins will likely be sticking around for the foreseeable future, […]

American launches passport scanning in updated app

Checking in for an international flight just got easier as American Airlines launches passport scanning in its mobile app. American is the first airline to offer passport chip scanning that securely transmits passport information directly from the near field communication chip embedded in the passport. This allows customers to head directly to the gate for […]

One ID: Creating a truly seamless passenger experience by facilitating trust

According to IATA, in order to reduce repetitive identity checks and create a seamless flow, its One ID concept seeks to introduce a robust, integrated identity management across the end-to-end passenger process that allows an individual to assert their identity online or in person. This should be done to the required level at every process […]

This country has the most powerful passport in the world

When you’re leaving for an international trip, a passport is the single most important thing to double-check you remembered. Remembering to pack it is almost as important as remembering these important things to know about your passport. After all, it’s your one ticket to get out of the country—and get back in. Passports are powerful, […]

Venezuelans Forced to Use Petro Cryptocurrency to Pay for Passports

Venezuelans are now being forced to pay for passports with the country’s controversial petro cryptocurrency, a report indicates. According to Bloomberg, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in a press conference on Friday that a new passport will cost citizens two petros, an amount worth 7,200 bolivars. With that amount being four times the minimum monthly […]

MIA opens first passport clearance facility with facial recognition

Today, officials from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Miami International Airport’s newly renovated Concourse E federal inspection facility for international arrivals. The facility is the first in the country completely dedicated to providing expedited passport screening via facial recognition. The new technology […]

Qatar waives visas for 80 nationalities amid Gulf boycott

Qatar announced on Wednesday a program to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries to encourage air transport and tourism amid a two-month boycott imposed on the Gulf state by its neighbors. Nationals from dozens of countries in Europe and elsewhere including India, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States only need […]

Women in aviation and tourism: non-traditional career

The objective is to present the subject of gender issues in the workplace of the aviation industry and tourism. More specifically, the article addresses the continuing gender imbalance by making some relevant issues and challenges that women face pursuing career in the male-dominated industry more visible. The article raises both theoretical and practical issues, endeavouring […]