What happens when you add your passport to Apple Wallet

When you add your passport to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or iPad, you create a digital copy that you can show at airport security, border control, or customs without pulling out your physical passport. Apple stores the data on your device using the same encryption that protects your payment cards. The passport information stays on your phone — it does not upload to Apple's servers or to any government database.

You still carry your physical passport. The digital version is a convenience, not a replacement. At this point, only a handful of airports and countries accept the digital passport in Apple Wallet, so you will need the paper document for most travel. The list of places that accept it is growing, but slowly.

The feature works on iPhone XS and newer, and iPad Pro (3rd generation) and newer, running iOS 15.1 or later. You need a compatible device and a valid passport from a country that supports the feature — currently the United States, the Netherlands, and a few others, with more expected to be added over time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a U.S. passport to Apple Wallet by opening the Wallet app, tapping the plus icon, selecting "Passport," and following the prompts to scan your passport and take a photo.
  • Apple Wallet stores your passport data on your device using encryption, and the information does not go to Apple's servers or government agencies.
  • The digital passport is a convenience option, not a replacement for your physical passport, which you must still carry when traveling.
  • Only a limited number of airports and border crossings currently accept digital passports in Apple Wallet, so check before you travel to see if your destination supports it.
  • If your passport expires or is lost, you can remove it from Apple Wallet when ready, and the digital copy becomes unusable.

Step-by-step: Adding your passport to Apple Wallet

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select "Passport" from the list of document types. If you do not see "Passport" as an option, your device does not support the feature or your iOS version is too old — update to iOS 15.1 or later and try again.

Tap "Continue." You will be asked to choose your country. Select "United States" (or whichever country issued your passport). The app will then ask you to scan your passport's data page — the page with your photo, name, and passport number. Hold your device steady, position the page in the frame, and let the camera read the information automatically. Do not take a photo manually; let the app capture the data.

Next, you will be asked to take a selfie. This is a liveness check — the app confirms you are the person in the passport photo. Follow the on-screen instructions: look at the camera, blink when prompted, and move your head as directed. The process takes about 10 seconds. If the photo fails, you can try again.

Once the scan and selfie are complete, review the information on your screen to make sure it matches your passport. Tap "Add" to finish. Your passport now appears in Apple Wallet alongside your payment cards and other documents.

Which countries and airports accept digital passports right now

As of early 2024, the United States, the Netherlands, and a small number of other countries support digital passports in Apple Wallet. Within the United States, a growing list of airports accepts the digital version at security checkpoints, including major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. However, the list changes, and not every airport has rolled out the feature yet.

Before you travel, check the TSA website or your airline's website to confirm whether your departure airport accepts digital passports. If it does not, you will need to show your physical passport at security. For international travel, check the customs and border control website of your destination country — most countries do not yet accept digital passports, and you will need your physical document.

The feature is expanding, but adoption is slow. Do not assume your destination will accept it. Carry your physical passport on every trip.

Security and privacy: What Apple does and does not do with your data

Your passport information is encrypted on your device using the same technology that protects your credit card data in Apple Wallet. The data does not sync to iCloud, does not upload to Apple's servers, and does not go to any government agency. If someone steals your phone, they cannot access your passport without your Face ID or passcode.

When you show your passport at an airport or border crossing, the officer scans a code on your screen using a special reader. That reader can see your name, photo, passport number, and expiration date — the same information they would see if you handed them your physical passport. The officer's system records the scan, just as it would with a paper document. Apple does not receive any information about where you traveled or when.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your passport from Apple Wallet when ready by signing into iCloud.com on another device, going to Find My, and erasing your phone remotely. The digital passport becomes unusable the moment you remove it.

What to do if your passport expires or is lost

If your passport expires, you should remove it from Apple Wallet. Open the Wallet app, tap and hold the passport, and select "Remove." The digital copy is no longer valid, and you cannot use it for travel. When you renew your passport and receive a new one, you can add the new passport to Apple Wallet by following the same steps as before.

If your physical passport is lost or stolen, remove the digital version from Apple Wallet right away. Then report the loss to your country's passport office — in the United States, that is the State Department. A new passport will be issued with a new number, and you can add that to Apple Wallet once it arrives.

If your phone is lost or stolen before you can remove the passport, sign into iCloud.com from another device and use Find My to erase your phone remotely. This removes all data, including the passport, from the device.

Deciding whether to use Apple Wallet for your passport

The digital passport is useful if your airport or border crossing supports it and you want one less thing to carry. It is not necessary — your physical passport works everywhere. The decision comes down to your own comfort level with the technology and whether the places you travel accept it.

If you travel frequently through airports that support digital passports, adding it to Apple Wallet saves you a few seconds at security. If you travel internationally or to places that do not yet support it, the digital version is a convenience you may never use. There is no penalty for adding it, and you can remove it at any time.

The physical passport remains the safest, most widely accepted form of travel ID. The digital version is an option, not an obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Wallet passport on an Android phone?

No. Apple Wallet is exclusive to iPhones and iPads. Google is developing a similar feature for Android devices, but it is not yet widely available. If you use Android, you will need to carry your physical passport for now.

What if the airport scanner cannot read my digital passport?

If the scanner fails, straightforward show your physical passport instead. The officer will process you the same way. Always carry your physical passport as a backup, even if your airport supports digital passports.

Is it safe to store my passport on my phone?

Your passport data is encrypted and protected by your Face ID or passcode, the same way your payment cards are protected. The risk is similar to carrying a physical passport — if someone steals your phone, they have access to your information. The encryption makes it harder to misuse than a paper document, but the safest approach is to not lose your phone in the first place.

Can I add my passport if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your country of citizenship. The United States, the Netherlands, and a few others support digital passports in Apple Wallet. If your country does not yet support the feature, you cannot add your passport. Check Apple's support page or your country's passport office to see if your passport is supported.

What happens if my phone dies while I am at the airport?

You will need to show your physical passport instead. This is another reason to always carry the paper document. If your phone battery is low, you can still show the digital passport if your device has enough power to unlock and open Apple Wallet.