U.S. State Department Issues Passport Warning To Americans Traveling Internationally

Digital passports are becoming more common in the United States, but many travelers are still unsure about where and when they can be used. This week, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement clarifying the rules surrounding them.

While digital IDs can be used at select airport security checkpoints, the agency warns they are not valid for international travel—a distinction that has surprised many travelers.

Instead of clarifying matters, the warning has prompted online commenters to wonder what the point of a digital passport is if it can't be used abroad.

Here’s what officials are saying about the limits of digital IDs and why they aren’t accepted for international travel.

The State Department Is Warning Americans That Digital Passports Are Not Valid For International Travel.

The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to travelers that digital passports cannot be used for international travel, even as more travelers begin using digital IDs for domestic flights.

While a digital passport can be used at select TSA checkpoints in the United States, travelers must still carry a physical passport book when flying internationally.

Which States And Agencies Support Digital ID Use:

Digital ID in Apple Wallet California, Louisiana, Ohio

ID pass for Google Wallet
Colorado, Maryland, Puerto Rico

Clear ID Georgia, Montana, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Virginia, Arkansas, Illinois, New York, West Virginia, Arizona, Iowa, North Dakota

Although usable for domestic travel, many travelers question the purpose of digital IDs if they can’t be used internationally.

Travelers Are Questioning Why Digital Passports Exist If They Can't Be Used Abroad

Following the State Department’s warning, many travelers took to Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to express confusion—and frustration—over the limitations of digital passports.

Commenters wrote:

"So what’s the point?"

"The [requirement] to have a passport book for international travel is… stupid. Most developed countries no longer stamp the book anymore, and information can be encrypted in a passport card chip for security."

"[What] is it useful for if it is not accepted for international travel—the primary purpose of a passport."

"Then, what good is it? And why do 75% of your TSA ID verification kiosks never work?"

While the idea of a fully digital passport is appealing, the current reality is that international travel systems are not yet built to support it.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets global standards for travel documents, passports must meet specific physical and biometric requirements—including a machine-readable zone and standardized security features—to be accepted at international borders.

These standards, outlined in ICAO Doc 9303, do not currently include mobile-only digital credentials, which is why digital passports cannot yet replace physical ones for international travel.

The TSA’s Digital ID Rollout Earlier This Year Left Some Travelers Confused

When the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expanded its digital ID program—like the Department of State's most recent warning—the agency made it clear that travelers must still carry their physical ID.

https://www.thetravel.com/author/karla-demery/