Immigration Minister Kevin Foster has suggested biometric data and a “digital identity” may replace the new Brexit passport introduced this year. Fingerprints, voice recognition, facial patterns and body movements are among the information which can be included in biometric data.
Addressing MPs, Mr Foster said: “We’re starting to look to the future where actually people may well travel on biometrics and a digital identity rather than purely having to travel on passports.
“Although that is probably something a few years away given that would require technology reciprocated in other nations.”
He stressed other nations would need similar technology for such a system to be in place.
The traditional blue coloured British passport returned for the first time in almost 30 years after the UK left the EU.
They are replacing burgundy passports which were gradually rolled out from 1988.
Digital identity measures could end weeks of waiting for a new passport – especially after coronavirus caused a backlog of 410,000 applications.
The outbreak of COVID-19 meant HM Passport Office was still operating at reduced staffing levels to allow for social distancing measures.
Digital biometric technology has also started to be trialled at Heathrow Airport as a proof of health status to check travellers are not infected with COVID-19.
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Dr Bradley Perkins, chief medical officer of The Commons Project, said: “Without the ability to trust COVID-19 tests – and eventually vaccine records – across international borders, many countries will feel compelled to retain full travel bans and mandatory quarantines for as long as the pandemic persists.”
Dr Perkins said with trusted individual health data, countries can “implement more nuanced health screening requirements for entry”.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world.
“By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”
