It is an infrastructure largely unknown to the general public, but nevertheless at the heart of modern border controls. The public key directory (Public Key Directory or PKD) of ICAO allows authorities, airlines and airports to verify the authenticity of electronic passports using their digital signatures.
Each biometric passport contains a secure chip. This contains data protected by a digital signature issued by the State which issued the document. The role of the PKD is precisely to allow countries to verify this signature, in order to ensure that the document is authentic and has not been falsified.
An essential point: the system does not store any personal data on travelers. It is limited to the exchange of digital certificates necessary for verification.
With the new version launched on March 27, 2026, ICAO significantly expands the capabilities of the system. The PKD is no longer limited to electronic passports alone.
It now makes it possible to consider the verification of a wider range of documents, including electronic visas (e-Visa), health certificates and even new forms of digital identities.
This development also opens the way to more advanced uses, such as remote authentication of documents via smartphone, or even early access to biometric data verified before even arrival at the airport.
As these systems are deployed, travelers could benefit from a significantly simplified journey: accelerated formalities, smoother boarding and reduced checks.
A lever to absorb the growth in global traffic
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) actively supports this development, which it considers essential to support the growth of the sector.
In its analysis, the organization estimates that global tourism could reach $16.5 trillion in GDP by 2035, accounting for 12.5% of global employment. In this context, the modernization of borders becomes a strategic issue.
According to the WTTC, smarter management of traveler flows could generate up to $401 billion more and create 14 million jobs in major economies.
Your president-general director, Gloria Guevara, souligne who “ICAO’s Next Generation Public Key Directory represents a breakthrough for the future of international travel. By enabling secure, real-time verification of digital travel documents, this initiative strengthens both security and fluidity at borders. At WTTC, we fully support this advancement, which is part of our vision of a seamless, traveler-centric journey, and which promotes the continued growth and resilience of the travel and tourism sector.”.
Beyond the technical aspect, the PKD is gradually establishing itself as an essential building block of the digital travel ecosystem.
In recent years, many countries have accelerated the dematerialization of entry formalities, with the rise of e-Visas, electronic travel authorizations and even digital arrival cards.
But without an international system capable of guaranteeing the authenticity of documents, these systems would remain fragmented. The PKD provides precisely this layer of trust, by allowing States to share and recognize their digital certificates without increasing bilateral exchanges.
Towards increasingly fluid and digital borders
To date, 107 of the 193 ICAO Member States participate in the system. The organization is now encouraging wider adoption, to strengthen interoperability globally.
In the coming months, a demonstration phase will allow private players, airlines, airports and technology suppliers, to explore the new functionalities. A program extended to these actors is expected from September 2026.
Although the physical passport remains essential today, its use is evolving rapidly. Border controls tend to become more automated, more anticipated and increasingly integrated into digital pathways.
With tools like PKD, the goal is clear: reduce friction while increasing security. Ultimately, the physical document could be just one element among others in an environment dominated by digital identity and real-time verification.
