A new digital wallet app is about to be released by the UK government, which is expected to revolutionize foreign travel.
This new software will make it easier and more comfortable for UK people to travel by enabling them to save all the information they need on their cellphones.
By 2027, it is anticipated that the app will be completely functional and capable of storing a digital copy of the British passport on users' phones.
Other important documents that can be saved via a smartphone include driving licences, birth certificates and even a person's Universal Credit account.
This new smartphone app will initially be rolled out for domestic use with the hope of implementing it for international travel, which will be subject to certain agreements.
The new digital app will work similar to how wallets are used on Google and Apple devices and will be tied to an individual's ID.
The app will be available on both Android phones and iOS, with the idea of these digitising passport apps first being announced by Finland.
Finland, and their natives, have already been able to simply use their phones when travelling to the UK which was part of a pilot programme.
The app allows users to submit their digital passports or ID cards prior to their journey when using an advanced border check and will look to ease interactions with government services in the future.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the new Government app will look to wrap "services around individual people's needs".
He told The Times: "The key function you want from the passport is being able to travel with it without constantly being worried you forgot your passport.
"But it's not dependent on Britain, it depends on the country you're travelling to.
"So we're keeping a close eye on international standards."
The Gov.uk app will also include several services, including applying for childcare or reporting lost passports.
The new digital app will initially launch in June using a veteran's card which will be followed by a pilot of driving licences.
If successful, the app will become a hub for all government credentials of a person including National Insurance numbers, marriage, power of attorney, rights to work and rent and DBS certificates.
Mr Kyle added this new digital "wallet" will not be compulsory and stressed to all those concerned about internet issues they may have on their phone that they would not be "left behind" with this new scheme.
1
2
3
4
.svg)
