Digital visas reinvent international travel

01-09-25

The way we explore the world is changing at a dizzying pace thanks to electronic visas and digital travel authorizations, which have ceased to be merely a novelty and have become a key element in the global competitiveness of destinations. According to estimates from UN Tourism, more than 60% of destinations worldwide have at least partially incorporated digital visa processes over the past decade, a trend that accelerated with the pandemic due to the urgent need to reduce physical contact and optimize procedures without sacrificing security.

Until recently, obtaining a visa was synonymous with bureaucracy, endless paperwork, in-person procedures at embassies, and waiting periods that complicated travel. Today, however, citizens can apply for nearly instant visas through electronic platforms from anywhere in the world and receive approval within minutes or just a few hours, drastically shortening both time and effort.

Within this evolving landscape, the European Union is preparing to launch in 2026 the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which will require prior digital authorization for visa-exempt travelers planning to enter the Schengen area. Most applications will be processed online and resolved within minutes, further facilitating integration and travel accessibility across the continent. In parallel, the United Kingdom has already implemented its ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system, mandatory for visitors from visa-exempt countries after Brexit, valid for two years and processed entirely online.

On a global scale, other key examples stand out, such as Saudi Arabia, which has integrated electronic visas as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and boost tourism, allowing travelers holding valid visas for the EU, UK, or US to obtain visas upon arrival. India has consolidated one of the most extensive e-Visa programs in the world, available to citizens of more than 160 countries; since 2020, it has issued over 9.6 million electronic visas. Thailand has also made firm progress: as of January 1, 2025, its e-Visa is available worldwide, and since May 1, travelers are required to present a digital arrival card (TDAC), replacing the old paper form. In Latin America, Brazil and Colombia are advancing with bilateral agreements and digital procedures in collaboration with the United States, Canada, and the EU.

Technological evolution continues with the integration of biometric visas and digital passports. In Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, airports have already deployed pilot programs where passengers can be verified using facial or iris recognition without the need to present physical documents, reducing waiting times by up to 60%, equivalent to just 10 seconds per traveler. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have installed “Smart Gates” that fully automate entry and exit controls without stamps or manual intervention.

This digitalization process has also transformed the role of travel agencies, making their management easier and allowing them to offer more agile services. At the same time, it reinforces their role as specialized advisors for travelers less accustomed to electronic procedures or visiting destinations with more complex regulations.

Beyond its immediate usefulness, digital visas represent a revolution in the way international mobility is conceived. They make destinations more accessible, reduce friction, and improve the traveler experience; moreover, by digitalizing procedures and reducing the need for in-person steps, they strengthen security, minimize bureaucratic errors, and enable more efficient management of migratory flows.

The future of travel is already taking shape as digital and biometric, where borders can be crossed with a single flash of facial recognition or the approval of an online form. And this vision not only reduces waiting times but also transforms the tourist experience into something more seamless, secure, and connected.

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