15 October 2024: The European Commission has proposed two initiatives to digitalise passports and identity cards, known as the 'EU Digital Travel Application,' for individuals travelling to and from the Schengen area, with the aim of streamlining border crossings and reducing waiting times for both EU and non-EU citizens.

The Commission is therefore proposing a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials alongside a new EU Digital Travel Application, for travellers to create and store their digital travel information. 

These proposals support the 2021 Schengen strategy's goal of digitalising border processes and are linked to the development of European Digital Identity Wallets. This aligns with the broader objectives of the EU’s 'Digital Europe' strategy and 'Digital Compass,' which aim to fully digitalise public services and provide all citizens with digital identification by 2030.

Digital travel credentials are essentially a digital version of the data stored on passports and ID cards. This includes information from the passport or ID chip, such as the holder's facial image, but excludes fingerprints. Travellers can store these digital credentials on their mobile phones, and using this digital option will be entirely voluntary and free of charge.

The EU Digital Travel Application, developed by the Commission with support from eu-LISA, will be implemented across the EU. It will be accessible to all EU and non-EU citizens who hold biometric passports or EU identity cards and are traveling to or from the Schengen Area.

The application is expected to launch by 2030 and will allow travellers to store their digital credentials in the European Digital Identity Wallet.

The Council and the European Parliament must now approve these proposals. Once adopted, the EU Digital Travel application and its required technical standards will be developed accordingly.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_5047 [1]