IATA: Europeans are the most cautious about biometrics and digital passports in travel

Europeans are the most cautious users of digital technologies in travel

European travelers are the 'most cautious' when it comes to adopting digital technologies in tourism, according to the 2026 Global Passenger Survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as reported by euronews. The survey covered more than 10,000 respondents from 200 countries. Europeans are the least willing to share biometric data for airport procedures: 70% of respondents agree to this, versus 78% globally on average. The greatest willingness was shown by travelers from the Middle East and Africa — 84% and 82% respectively. Europeans are also less eager to adopt the digital passport for online check-in: 79% versus 84% worldwide.

Data concerns are not holding back the spread of biometrics

The survey links Europeans' caution to their attitude toward personal data: 59% of respondents fear data leaks, 49% are concerned about information being shared with other organizations, and 41% pointed to the lack of transparency in how personal information is processed. Despite this, IATA calls biometrics a 'mainstream' part of travel: 58% of passengers have gone through biometric procedures at least once in the past 12 months — compared with 34% in 2022. 'More and more passengers are encountering biometric technologies during their journeys. They like it, and they want to use it more often,' said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security. According to him, for biometrics to become the norm for international travel, governments need to agree on a single system for issuing and recognizing secure digital passports — Digital Travel Credentials.

Readiness for digital services and the role of AI

At the same time, the survey records a high readiness for digital services: 82% of respondents are willing to share their digital passport with an airline at the booking stage in exchange for personalized services, including information on visa requirements, and the same share would use a smartphone that combines a digital wallet, passport and loyalty cards for booking, payment and airport procedures. AI has already become a planning tool: 49% of travelers used it when preparing a trip — 21% to search for flights to a specific destination, 19% to find the cheapest options, and 17% for inspiration. Careen noted that it is important for airlines not only to be present in AI systems' answers, but also to create convenient mechanisms for turning an AI conversation into an actual booking.

Immigration requirements — a growing barrier

Immigration rules remain the main obstacle: they deter 43% of travelers worldwide from visiting a particular country — up from 33% in the 2025 survey. The highest figure is among residents of Africa — 52%; in Europe, entry requirements deterred 38% of respondents. Among those deterred by the procedures, 53% called the process too complicated, while 17% each cited it as too expensive and as a privacy concern. At the same time, 86% are willing to submit immigration information digitally in advance, 45% would prefer to complete the formalities before arriving at the airport, and 60% would like to apply for visas online — versus 25% who chose in-person submission at a consulate. Careen emphasized that more than 100 countries issue electronic visas, but their verification is poorly standardized, and he called on governments to implement the existing unified standards.