Published: June 18, 2025
In this article, we explore how identity verification is evolving to meet the needs of modern travel within the European Union. You’ll discover why passports remain the gold standard and how solutions like the MOBILE SCAN SDK and the MOBILE CHIP SDK from OVD Kinegram are driving the next generation of secure and trustworthy digital mobility.
As global mobility increases and travel becomes more digitized, the way we verify identity at borders and checkpoints is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Within the European Union especially, the push for interconnected, efficient, and secure travel systems has never been stronger. At the heart of these systems lies the need for reliable identity verification – something that remains inseparable from the passport, even in an increasingly digital world. As we look to the future, the integration of mobile technologies with trusted identity documents will play a central role in shaping secure and seamless travel experiences.
This article explores the significance of verified passports, the evolving requirements of EU travel, and why advanced solutions like OVD Kinegram’s MOBILE SCAN SDK and MOBILE CHIP SDK are poised to lead the way.
As cross-border mobility within the EU continues to grow, the need for efficient and secure identity verification becomes more urgent. Traditional methods of identification are giving way to digital systems that can seamlessly integrate across national borders. These systems must be scalable, reliable, and interoperable to support the demands of modern travel. With increasing digitalization, travelers and authorities alike require identity checks that are both secure and user-friendly. Ensuring a harmonized approach across member states will be key to the future of free and safe travel within the EU.
Despite technological advancements, the physical passport remains the most reliable and globally accepted form of identification. A verified passport contains biometric and personal data that can be cross-checked for authenticity and validity. As identity systems evolve, the passport serves as a secure anchor point for digital authentication processes. It ensures that any linked digital identity is grounded in a trusted document issued by a sovereign authority. This makes the passport not only essential for current travel needs but also a critical component of future integrated systems.
The MOBILE CHIP SDK from OVD Kinegram is uniquely designed with security and reliability as its core priorities, operating entirely on-premise to prevent unauthorized access to data. This processing ensures that sensitive biometric and personal data is never transferred to external servers, greatly reducing the risk of breaches. In an era of growing cyber threats, this level of protection offers peace of mind to both governments and travelers. On-premise solutions are especially vital in scenarios where compliance with strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, is mandatory. The MOBILE CHIP SDK thus provides a trustworthy foundation for secure and private identity verification.
Read more in our series of articles “Why Our Solution is Secure”.
A key feature of the MOBILE CHIP SDK is its ability to prove that the physical passport was present during the verification process. This reduces the risk of identity fraud through copied or altered digital credentials. By requiring the actual chip to be read in real-time, the MOBILE CHIP SDK ensures that verification is not only digital but also tied to a genuine physical document. This approach enhances security in mobile and remote identity checks, such as at automated border control gates or digital check-ins. As travel systems increasingly move toward mobile-first solutions, this capability becomes indispensable.
Authenticity of data is critical in any identity verification process, and the MOBILE CHIP SDK addresses this by reading data directly from the chip embedded in the passport. This ensures that all personal and biometric information is original, unaltered, and officially issued. Digital signatures embedded in the chip are verified on the device, confirming the legitimacy of the data without needing to rely on external databases. This end-to-end integrity check forms a solid basis for building trust in digital identity ecosystems. In future travel infrastructures, such verified authenticity will be a non-negotiable standard.
Ensuring the traveler’s photo is both accurate and up to date is essential for reliable identity checks, especially in automated systems. The MOBILE CHIP SDK retrieves the facial image stored in the passport’s chip, which is protected against tampering and forgery. This image is often captured at the time of passport issuance, usually under strict supervision, making it a highly trustworthy biometric reference. By comparing this trusted image with a live capture, authorities can confidently verify the identity of the traveler. This functionality is a cornerstone in creating seamless and secure travel experiences in the digital age.
The importance of passports is evolving – from a physical document to a gateway for secure digital identity. As travel across the European Union and beyond becomes more connected and data-driven, the need for trustworthy, privacy-focused solutions is greater than ever. The MOBILE CHIP SDK from OVD Kinegram offers a future-proof way to verify identity documents with confidence, ensuring the passport remains at the heart of secure, seamless travel.
If your organization is looking to modernize identity verification while meeting the highest standards of data protection and user experience, now is the time to act.
Get in touch with our experts today to learn how the MOBILE CHIP SDK can help you build a travel infrastructure that’s not only smarter – but safer and more trusted for all.
Identity Week Europe 2025