Digital Visas Are Changing Travel
International travel is becoming increasingly digital. Passports, visas, travel authorisations and passenger information are gradually moving from physical documents towards digital solutions.
For passengers, this can make international travel faster and more convenient. For airlines and passenger handling staff, however, digitalisation also creates new challenges.
A Digital Visa Still Needs to Be Verified
IATA recently highlighted an important question: when a passenger arrives at the airport with an electronic visa, how does the airline know that the visa is authentic and valid?
Before accepting a passenger for an international flight, the airline must ensure that the passenger holds the documentation required by the destination and, where applicable, transit countries.
The challenge is that there is currently no single standard method for verifying electronic visas. Evidence of an eVisa may appear as an email, PDF or QR code, require verification through a website, or involve access to a government database.
For check-in and passenger handling staff, digitalisation does not necessarily make document checking simpler at least not yet.
A screenshot of the Schengen Area Travel Documents eLearning course.
Passenger Handling Knowledge Remains Important
During this transition, passenger handling personnel still need to understand travel document requirements and recognise the different documents and authorisations passengers may present.
This is particularly important when accepting passengers travelling to or within the Schengen Area.
Incorrect document acceptance can lead to denied entry, operational disruption, additional costs and penalties for airlines. Technology can support the process, but competent passenger handling personnel remain essential for ensuring that passengers are accepted correctly.
Schengen Area Travel Documents eLearning Course
Airport College International's Schengen Area Travel Documents eLearning course is designed for airline and ground handling personnel working directly with passengers, including booking, check-in, gate, transfer, transit and arrival services.
The course provides practical knowledge of the documents and conditions required for entry into the Schengen Area. Participants learn how to check travel documents, understand Schengen visa categories and residence permits, and apply best practices to help prevent inadequately documented passengers from arriving in the Schengen Area.
The online course takes approximately one hour to complete and includes a final test and eCertificate upon successful completion.
Course price: EUR 80 per participant. Special pricing is available for 10 or more participants.
Learn more about our Schengen Area Travel Documents: https://www.airportcollege.com/courses/schengen-area-travel-documents-elearning
We Are the Global Leader in Ground Handling eLearning
Our online training programmes are used by leading aviation companies in more than 140 countries worldwide. As an IATA Strategic Partner and an ASA World ATAP accredited training provider, Airport College International supports airlines, airports and ground handling companies with aviation-specific digital training.
Our courses are available in several languages, helping organisations overcome training challenges across diverse teams, countries and regions.
Would You Like to Know More?
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For more information about our Passenger Handling eLearning solutions, contact Airport College International at sales@airportcollege.com
Best regards,
Pertti
