Two rooms, two atmospheres: while the United States plans additional constraints for travellers, and that UK targets dual nationalsFrance is preparing a smoother travel experience at airports. Passengers will be able to use their smartphones to check in and board their flights, thanks to the France Identité application.
In practical terms, passengers will be able to use this digital version of their identity card on their smartphone. And they will be able to do so from summer 2026, in all French airports. France Inter has obtained confirmation of this from the DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile). SNCF already accepts France ID documents on board its TGV and Ouigo services.
However, the scope of acceptance of the identity card, whether digital or physical, remains the same. A passport remains essential for travel to destinations outside Europe. What's more, France Identities is only compatible with the new generation of bankcard-format ID cards.
