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EU application for the electronic submission of travel data

In “A new era for European Defence and Security”

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The Commission announced a legislative initiative to digitalise travel documents in its 2021 Schengen strategy. Included initially in the Commissions’ 2023 work programme, the initiative was presented in October 2024. The EU Digital Travel package comprises of a proposal on the issuance and technical standards for the digital travel credentials based on identity cards, and a proposal to establish a EU Digital Travel application allowing travellers to create and store their digital travel credentials.

The proposal on a EU Digital Travel application aims to establish a uniform standard for digital travel credentials and a common EU application for using them. Digital travel credentials are a digital version of the data stored on passports and identity cards. The EU Digital Travel 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. It will allow travellers to create digital travel credentials, using their passports or, in the case of EU citizens, their identity cards. Travellers will be able to submit travel plans and documents to the border authorities in advance, reducing waiting times at border crossings since most checks will be completed beforehand. The application will require user consent before processing personal data.

The EU digital travel application will be developed by the Commission with the support of the eu-LISA. It should become available as of 2030.

The proposal falls under the ordinary legislative procedure, where the European Parliament and the Council are co-legislators. In the Parliament, the file was assigned to the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).

References:

Author: Costica Dumbrava, Members' Research Service, legislative-train@europarl.europa.eu

As of 20/03/2025.