E-Passport and E-Visa Market Report By Type (E-passport Chip, System Integration, Biometrics, RFID, PKI), By Application (Leisure Travel, Business Travel, Identification/Proof, Immigration/Border Control), By Hardware Components (Processor/Chip, Antenna), By Region And Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, And Forecast 2032

The E-passport and E-visa market size was valued at USD 27.9 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 56.0 billion by 2032, with a projected CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

There are numerous factors for the E-passport and E-visa market growth such as hassle-free document verification for the international tourists, fast immigration clearance process and the chance for the airport security staff to concentrate upon the investigation of suspicious tourists.

The surge for multi-modal biometrics is increasing along with the frequency of cyberattacks. Multi-modal biometrics are used for fingerprint, face and iris recognition, and other biometric identifications. It is helping to overcome the inaccuracies that are caused by traditional biometrics and give an enhanced security layer.

Technological progression and digitalization plays a major role in transforming the e-passport and e-visa market. These advancements have introduced new solutions that improvise security, streamline processes and offer convenience to tourists and government authorities. E-passport and E-visa reduces the risk of identification frauds and accelerates immigration methods in travel documents by enabling automated border control systems.

This also makes sure about high level data security and improves the whole integrity of personal data. E-passport and E-visa also helps in reducing bureaucratic obstacles and eradicates the need for physical paperwork. Through these digital platforms and portals, the applicants can submit their paper works, track the application and receive the approval without any legal issues.

For example, Estonia has introduced the implementation of digital identities and e-residency programs that allows people to conduct safe and secure online transactions and access a range of services anywhere. These programs highlight the broader trends of connecting technology to streamline document processes and improve the efficiency of governance.

Furthermore, the E-passport and E-visa market offers contactless smart chip technology and are likely to be combined with computer chips and implemented antennas. These are used by the tourists for business and relaxation purposes, therefore they are surging in demand as individuals do want to lay down their living life.

The immigration control board plays a crucial role in this process. It ensures border security, high level of online transactions, regulatory needs and partnership between the government and technology service providers. Government is focusing upon enhancing the border control capabilities. The surge in requirements for these new technologies will contribute to the expanding e-passport and e-visa market in the forecast period.

Driving Factors

Advanced Verification Methods Drive E-Passport and E-Visa Market Growth

Utilizing modern authentication methods has been key in driving growth of the E-Passport and E-Visa markets. Biometric verification technologies such as fingerprint and facial recognition included with these travel documents increase security by making it harder for counterfeiters or alterers to alter documents; further helping address issues surrounding national security as well as illegal immigration.

Security being of primary concern in international travel, the demand for high-end, secure travel documents that are not tamper proof is on the rise. Longer term innovations of verification techniques like iris scans and voice recognition should further improve security and authenticity in passports and e-visas, thereby supporting further market expansion.

Government Efforts in Modernizing Travel Documentation Propel E-Passport and E-Visa Adoption

Government initiatives play a key role in driving adoption and expansion of e-passport and e-visa markets worldwide. Many governments worldwide are undertaking programs to upgrade traditional travel documents with electronic versions for improved security and immigration processes, often as part of larger efforts to modernize national security infrastructure.

By mandating the use of electronic passports for all citizens, governments can more efficiently regulate and monitor cross-border travel - which assists efforts against terrorism and other forms of transnational crime. Their continued commitment to adopt these advanced travel documents serves as a strong indicator of sustained market expansion.

The Convenience Factor in Digital Documentation Enhance E-Passport and E-Visa Market Appeal

E-passports and e-visas stand out in their market appeal due to their convenience. These electronic documents speed up travel by expediting border control checks faster, reducing wait times, and making visa application simpler; for travelers the added bonus is that e-visas allow them to apply and obtain authorization online without visiting consulates or embassies directly.

As travelers seek easier and simpler travel experiences, demand for electronic passports and visas is expected to increase. This trend will likely continue as more countries adopt these systems to enhance travel efficiency.

Airport Infrastructure Development Supports E-Passport and E-Visa Integration

Airport infrastructure development is key to expanding the e-passport and e-visa markets. Airports around the globe are adapting their systems and facilities to accommodate processing of digital travel documents; including installing biometric scanners, automated border control gates, and systems to verify e-visas quickly and accurately.

As airports modernize their infrastructure to handle e-passports and e-visas efficiently, it encourages wider adoption of these technologies by countries and travelers alike. This infrastructural evolution is crucial for the seamless integration of digital travel documents into the global travel ecosystem.

Restraining Factors

Privacy Concerns Restrain E-Passport and E-Visa Market Growth

Privacy issues significantly limit the growth of the e-passport and e-visa market. Digitizing personal information - including biometric data raises concerns over its storage, access, and usage.

At a time when data privacy is of the utmost importance, many individuals are wary about sharing personal or biometric information for fear of misuse or unauthorized access - an anxiety which could prevent some from adopting electronic travel documents due to fears over personal and biometric privacy violations, thus hindering market expansion of e-passports and visas.

Cybersecurity Risks Restrain E-Passport and E-Visa Market Growth

Cybersecurity risks pose another barrier to market expansion for e-passports and visas. Because they store sensitive personal data electronically, these documents are vulnerable to threats such as hacking, data breaches, identity theft and hacking attacks - raising concern among travelers as well as authorities regarding their integrity and reliability of e-passport and e-visa systems.

Implementation and acceptance of electronic passports/visas will depend heavily upon having robust cybersecurity measures implemented, but new cyber threats pose additional hurdles that require advanced technologies as deterrences against wider implementation and adoption/acceptance.

E-Passport and E-Visa Market Segment Analysis

By Type

The e-passport chip is at the core of every e-passport system and represents its most essential component, making it the market leader. These chips store holders' personal information, biometric data, and digital signature to significantly enhance security and reduce risks such as forgery or identity theft. Growth of this market segment is being spurred by global travelers' increasing need for enhanced safety when traveling internationally and by adoption of standard protocols for border control and immigration checks worldwide.

System integration services are essential in ensuring the efficient functioning of e-passport systems. Biometric technologies like fingerprint and facial recognition play an integral part in verifying identity of passport holders; RFID allows quick wireless reading of passport data at airports; while Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) serves as a secure framework for encrypting and digitally signing information stored on these passports.

By Application

Leisure travel dominates the application of e-passports and e-visas, driven by the growth in global tourism and the ease of travel facilitated by these technologies. E-passports streamline the process of identity verification and border crossings, making international travel more convenient and secure for tourists.

Business travel also benefits from the expedited processing enabled by e-passports. In identification and proof applications, e-passports provide a reliable form of identification for various purposes. For immigration and border control, these technologies enhance the security and efficiency of entry and exit processes at borders.

By Hardware Components

The processor or chip within an e-passport is the primary hardware component, responsible for storing and processing all the data. Its dominance in the hardware segment is due to its integral role in the functionality and security of e-passports. The chip’s ability to securely store biometric and personal information is key to preventing unauthorized access and duplication.

The antenna, while a less dominant component, is essential for the RFID technology in e-passports. It enables the wireless communication necessary for the reading and verification of passport data at checkpoints.

Key Market Segments

By Type

• E-passport Chip
• System Integration
• Biometrics
• RFID
• PKI

By Application

• Leisure Travel
• Business Travel
• Identification/Proof
• Immigration/Border Control

By Hardware Components

• Processor/Chip
• Antenna

Growth Opportunities

Mobile-Based Passports Offer Growth Opportunity

Mobile-based passports are revolutionizing the e-passport and e-visa market. Their integration with smartphones facilitates seamless travel experiences. This innovation not only enhances user convenience but also aligns with the increasing adoption of digital solutions in everyday life.

The growing smartphone penetration, estimated at over 6 billion users globally, underpins this trend. Mobile passports can potentially reduce processing times, decongest airports, and streamline security checks. Their adoption is poised to grow, driven by user demand for digital solutions and the travel industry's pursuit of efficiency.

Growing Need for Border Security Bolsters E-Passport and E-Visa Market

A rapidly increasing need for robust border security systems has driven the rapid expansion of e-passport and e-visa markets worldwide. At a time when global travel poses increased security challenges, advanced features like biometric data are providing advanced protection of cross-border movements; governments around the world are investing in these technologies in order to bolster border security.

As biometric systems play such an integral part of passports and visas systems globally, their projected growth indicates its positive effect on other sectors as well as on this one in particular.

Technological Advancements Propel E-Passport and E-Visa Market Forward

Technological advancements are a cornerstone in the growth of the e-passport and e-visa market. Innovations in areas like biometrics, RFID, and digital security are making e-passports and e-visas more secure and user-friendly. These advancements also facilitate better integration with other digital travel systems, enhancing the overall efficiency of travel processes.

The continuous evolution of technology in areas like artificial intelligence and blockchain holds promise for further innovations in e-passport and e-visa systems, making them more secure, reliable, and convenient for users and authorities alike.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates with 30% Market Share in the E-Passport and E-Visa Market

North America dominates the global e-passport and e-visa market with 30% share, thanks to advanced technological infrastructure and an emphasis on security and immigration control. Key contributors to its high market share include stringent security measures at travel and border controls and biometric technology being adopted into passports and visas to speed verification processes.

North American market dynamics are heavily impacted by its technological capabilities and presence of key technology providers driving innovation within the e-passport and e-visa space. Furthermore, post-9/11 security concerns have spurred significant investments to increase travel document security.

Forecast period predict that North America will remain at the forefront of the e-passport and e-visa market in coming years. Focus on national security coupled with biometric and RFID advances is projected to fuel further market expansion. Furthermore, health concerns highlighted by COVID-19 pandemic may prompt people to switch towards digital travel documents more frequently; which could accelerate adoption of e-passports and e-visas even further.

Europe

Europe has a notable presence in the e-passport and e-visa market due to European Union efforts to enhance border security and streamline travel across member states. Due to border-free travel in Schengen Area countries, strong security measures must be put in place and widespread adoption of e-passports and e-visas is widespread.

The European market is projected to experience steady expansion, due to regional collaboration on security, the standardization of travel documents and technological innovations that enhance document protection and traveler verification.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific countries are expanding their market share for electronic passports and visas quickly due to economic expansion, increased international travel and increased security concerns. India and China are investing significantly in biometric identification technologies as they seek to meet these growing market needs.

Asia-Pacific market size is expected to experience substantial expansion, driven by government efforts aimed at strengthening border security and improving traveler convenience. A large population and rising middle class, both with ample disposable income for travel expenses, are major forces behind expanding e-passport/visa markets in this region.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• The US
• Canada
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Market Player Analysis

The e-passport and e-visa market is characterized by the strategic positioning of technology firms and security solution providers, each playing a significant role in shaping the industry. Oberthur Technologies and Safran Identity Security are notable for their advanced security features and strong presence in the global market, setting industry standards for electronic identification documents.

Cardlogic Ltd. and The Infineon Technologies contribute with their expertise in smart card technologies and semiconductor solutions, essential for the development of secure and efficient e-passports and e-visas. Their strategic focus on innovation and reliability positions them as key players in enhancing travel document security.

4G Identity Solutions and Ask are recognized for their specialized focus on biometric and RFID technology, and product launches catering to the growing need for enhanced security features in travel documents. Eastcompeace and Iris stand out for their expertise in data encryption and optical security, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of e-passports and e-visas.

Datacard Group and Muhlbauer Group bring comprehensive solutions to the market, from document personalization to issuance systems, addressing a broad spectrum of requirements for e-passport and e-visa programs.

Collectively, these key players drive the e-passport and e-visa market through a blend of technological advancements, security enhancements, and a focus on meeting the evolving needs of government and international travel security standards, playing a crucial role in the future of secure and efficient international travel.

Major Players in E-passport and E-visa Market

• Oberthur Technologies
• Cardlogic Ltd.
• Safran Identity Security
• Infineon Technologies Ag
• Entrust Corporation
• Thales Group
• Eastcompeace Technology Co, Ltd
• Safran Identity And Security
• Canadian Bank Note
• Semlex Group
• India Security Press
• 4G Identity Solutions
• Ask
• Eastcompeace
• Iris Corporate Solutions Private Limited
• Goznak, IDEMIA
• Bundesdruckerei Gmbh
• Veridos Gmbh
• Datacard Group
• Muhlbauer Group

Recent Developments

• In October 2023, Saudi Arabia announced a significant visa change, extending its e-visa program to six new countries. The Ministry of Tourism introduced e-visas for visitors from Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
• In September 2023, Bahrain announces the introduction of a new system for expatriates to renew their visas while they are outside the country. Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA), made the announcement.
• In September 2023, Atlys successfully raised $12 million in its Series A funding round. The funding was led by Elevation Capital and Peak XV Partners, with participation from existing investors, including musical duo Chainsmokers, Pinterest founders, South Park Commons, and others.
• In August 2023, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal announced that the e-passport service will be introduced in 80 Bangladesh missions across the world. He inaugurated the e-passport program at the Bangladesh Embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

Report Scope