Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens are subject to systematic checks in person when crossing the EU’s external borders. In 2023 alone, there were almost 600 million crossings recorded. To speed up border controls and ensure smoother and more secure travel, the Commission has proposed to digitalize passports and identity cards for anyone entering or leaving the Schengen area: EU Digital Travel’ app.

The proposals deliver on the Schengen strategy adopted in 2021, which committed to further digitalize procedures at the external borders. The proposals are also linked to the establishment of European Digital Identity Wallets where digital passports and ID cards can be stored alongside digital driving licenses, medical prescriptions, and other documents.

Specifically, the Commission has put forward:

• a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials
• a new ‘EU Digital Travel’ app, for travellers to create and store their digital travel credentials

Digital travel credentials are a digital version of the data stored on passports and identity cards. They include the information contained in the chip of the passport or ID card, including a facial image of the holder but not their fingerprints. A digital travel document can be stored on a mobile phone and, once available, in the EU Digital Travel application. It will be completely voluntary for travellers to ask for or use this digital version of their documents, free of charge.

Such a scheme will:

• Improve security: it will be harder for fraudsters to use fake documents or pass through Schengen borders undetected.
• Improve border controls’ efficiency: thanks to advance checks made possible by digital travel credentials, border management authorities can focus more directly on migrant smuggling and detecting cross-border criminals
• Allow for smoother and faster border crossings: travellers will be able to submit their digital passports or ID cards ahead of the journey, for an advanced border check
• Reduce administrative burdens for EU citizens: EU countries may allow their citizens to use digital identity cards for other forms of registration and identification.

Thanks to the EU Digital Travel app, travellers will be able to:

• Create digital travel credentials, using their passports or, in the case of EU citizens, their identity cards.
• Submit travel plans and documents to the border authorities in advance, reducing waiting times at border crossings since most checks will be completed beforehand.
• Ensure their data is protected: The application requires user consent before processing personal data. Additionally, Member States will be required to provide border authorities with comprehensive training on data security and data protection rules before authorising them to access the data.

“The proposed digitalization of travel documents represents a major step forward in border management efficiency, driving a digital Schengen space. By allowing travelers to submit their documents digitally in advance, border guards will be able to verify identities before arrival. This will streamline the process for all travelers, especially EU citizens, while focusing more attention on suspicious cases and enhancing systematic checks at our external borders.”

commented Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting Our European Way of Life

“The fact that EU citizens can travel within and to the EU using only their passport or ID document forms the basis of the right to free movement. Now we are adapting this right to today’s digital world.”

said Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice

“Digital passports are an important step forward in strengthening security within the Schengen Area and facilitating travel. They will allow border guards to swiftly process legitimate travelers and focus more on stopping suspects of crime and terrorism.”

said Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

It is now for the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to agree on the proposals. Once adopted, the EU Digital Travel application and the necessary technical standards will be developed.

Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!