EC proposes digital passports and ID cards for easier travel
To speed up border controls and ensure smoother and more secure travel, the European Commission (EC) has proposed to digitalise passports and identity cards for anyone entering or leaving the Schengen area, the EC said.
The Commission has put forward and a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials, and 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, the EC said.
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.
The EC said that sSuch a scheme would improve security: it will be harder for fraudsters to use fake documents or pass through Schengen borders undetected.
The EU Digital Travel app 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 app, travellers will be able to create digital travel credentials and submit their travel plans and documents to the border authorities in advance, to speed up checks at the border.
The app will require user consent before processing personal data. Border authorities will also receive training on data security and data protection rules before being allowed to access the data.
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.
(Photo via the website of the European Commission)