Today, the European Commission adopted two proposals to digitalise passports and identity cards, also called ‘EU Digital Travel application', for individuals travelling to and from the Schengen area.
Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens are subject to systematic checks when crossing the EU's external borders. Currently, these checks are made physically at the border crossing point. With almost 600 million crossings recorded in 2023 only, there is a need to speed up border controls and ensure smoother travel, while at the same time maintaining a high level of security, ensuring that each and every traveller is checked.
The Commission is therefore proposing a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials and a new ‘EU Digital Travel applicationț, for travellers to create and store their digital travel credentials. The new rules will make traveling to and within the Schengen area easier and more secure.
New rules introducing digital passports and ID cards
Digital travel credentials are a digital version of the data stored on passports and identity cards. The data includes information contained in the chip of the passport or ID card, including the facial image of the holder, but not fingerprint. A digital travel document can be stored on a mobile phone. It will be completely voluntary for travellers to ask for or use this digital version of their documents, free of charge.
This will:
- Allow smoother and faster border crossings for travellers: Both EU and non-EU citizens will be able to submit their digital passports or ID cards ahead of the journey, for an advance border check, when travelling to or from the EU.
- Facilitate freedom of movement and reduce administrative burdens for EU citizens: Member States may allow EU citizens to use digital identity cards for registration and identification. For example, they could be used for registration with national authorities when taking up residence in another Member State, or to facilitate access to electronic identification schemes.
- Improve the efficiency of border controls: Border management authorities will be able to focus their time and resources on detecting cross-border criminals and migrant smuggling thanks to advance checks made possible by digital travel credentials.
- Improve the security of the Schengen area: Digital travel credentials will make it easier for authorities verify the authenticity and integrity of travel documents, making it harder for fraudsters to use fake documents or pass through borders undetected.
The EU Digital Travel application
The EU Digital Travel application will be developed by the Commission, with the support of eu-LISA, and deployed at EU level. The application will be available for all EU and non-EU citizens with a biometric passport or EU identity card travelling to or from the Schengen Area.
Thanks to the EU Digital Travel application, 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 EU digital travel application will become available as of 2030. This will provide the possibility to store the digital travel credentials in the European Digital identity wallet.
Next steps
It is now for the Council and the European Parliament to agree on the proposals. Once adopted, in accordance with the relevant procedures, the EU Digital Travel application and the necessary technical standards will be developed.
Background
The proposals deliver on the Schengen strategy adopted in 2021, which committed to further digitalise 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 licences, medical prescriptions, and other documents.
The initiative supports the Commission's 'Digital Europe' strategy and 'Digital Compass' in the framework of the Europe's Digital Decade' targets, aiming to digitalise public services and provide all Union citizens with digital identification by 2030.
For More Information
Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing an identity card-based digital travel credential
Document security - European Commission (europa.eu)
Free movement and residence - European Commission (europa.eu)
Questions and answers on the EU Digital Travel application
Factsheet on the EU Digital Travel application
Quote(s)
Today’s proposal to digitalise passports and identity cards paves the way for a more seamless and secure travel experience. It allows travellers to move smoother and faster across the EU. We know this is what many Europeans see as an advantage of our Union.
Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency
Driving forward a digital Schengen Area, the digitalisation of travel documents proposed today represents a major leap in border management efficiency. By allowing travellers to digitally submit their documents in advance, border guards will be able to verify identities prior to arrival. This will streamline the process for all travellers, especially EU citizens, while also sharpening the focus on suspicious cases, enhancing the efficiency of systematic checks at our external borders.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life
The fact that EU citizens can travel to and within the EU using only their passport or identity card is the foundation of the right to free movement. We are now making this right fit for today’s digital world.
Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice
Digital passports are a major step forward in strengthening security in the Schengen area and making travel easier. They will allow border guards to quickly approve genuine travellers and focus better on stopping suspects of crime and terrorism.
Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs
Details
- Publication date
- 8 October 2024
- Author
- Representation in Cyprus