The European Union Agrees On New Digital Travel App Rules

Airport In Frankfurt, Germany/ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Hudson Grave

JAKARTA - EU member states (EU) approved the EU Council's negotiation mandate regarding regulations that would present digital travel applications, allowing travelers to send travel data before arriving at the outside border.

As reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, November 19, the regulation, which was approved by representatives of member states in the Coreper, stipulates rules for making proof of digital travel identity voluntarily and its use when crossing the outer EU border, according to a statement.

Under the plan, travelers will be able to provide their travel information digitally first, which allows border guards to verify travel documents remotely and carry out inspections of border databases, police, and migrations before arrival.

EU officials said it would shorten waiting times and strengthen security checks at border crossings.

The digital system will include mobile applications, backend validation services, and travelers routers, eu-LISA. Through mobile components, EU citizens and third nationals will be able to make digital copies of the data stored in their passports or identity cards, even though their participation remains optional.

The backend system will electronically verify the travel document chip to ensure its digital version matches the original document. Travelers will allow users to securely share their digital identity evidence with border authorities.

Travelers using the app will be able to send their documents ahead of travel, so border officers can focus resources on suspicious marked cases.

The council said the app would also support the existing EU border management system. Travelers should be able to use their digital identity evidence when sending information first to the Entry/Outing System, which will start operating in October 2025.

Once ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is launched in 2026, non-EU citizens will also be able to rely on digital identity evidence when applying for travel authorization or visa.

With the adoption of the position, the council's presidency is now ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament after members of the European Parliament agreed on their negotiating stance.

According to the European Commission, 593 million EU border crossings were recorded in 2022, putting pressure on border authorities and causing long lines for travelers.

The digital travel app aims to ease the burden by simplifying procedures and improving document authenticity checks.