Changes to EU Passports and ID. News. The European Commission has announced a plan to make passports and ID cards digital for people traveling to and from the Schengen area. The new digital travel documents can be stored on smartphones, making border control faster. This initiative aims to make crossing borders easier and improve security and crime detection. How will digital passports work, and what will this mean for travellers?
Changes to passports and ID cards in the EU
The new European Commission rules plan to introduce the EU Digital Travel app, which will let EU citizens and travellers from other countries use digital versions of their passports and ID cards. These digital documents will help speed up border checks, as travellers can share their information with border officers in advance.
How does it work?
Travellers can store their digital passports in the app, which will be used for identification and registration at borders. Before crossing, users must agree to the processing of their data to ensure their protection. Border authorities will access this information, allowing for quicker and more efficient checks – indicates RP.pl.
Benefits of digitalization
Digital passports will not only speed up border processes but also make it harder to use fake documents, increasing security. Additionally, reducing the time spent on traditional checks will allow authorities to focus more on combating crime, including migrant smuggling.
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Whats next?
The digital passport project still requires approval from the European Parliament and the European Council. If everything goes as planned, the EU Digital Travel app will be launched by 2030, providing travellers with a more convenient and secure way to cross borders.