EU takes new step: Digital passports to make travel faster and safer!

Europe
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 9:09 GMT
The European Commission's digital passport initiative is expected to bring significant changes for travelers to the Schengen area.
EU takes new step: Digital passports to make travel faster and safer!

According to Euronews, the new system introduced by the European Commission will allow travelers entering and exiting the European Union's (EU) Schengen area to use digital versions of their passports and ID documents. Travelers can store these documents on their smartphones, making border crossings faster and more secure.

The Era of Digital Passports Begins
The new digital passport service will enable travelers to store travel documents on their mobile devices. This allows travelers to present their documents digitally at border controls, reducing time spent at crossings. The initiative aims to simplify border transitions without the need for physical passports or IDs.

Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová highlighted the system's potential to enhance convenience and security. "Today's digital passport proposal will revolutionize the travel experience. Passengers will save time at border crossings by presenting their documents digitally, ensuring a more secure journey," she said.

Free and Voluntary System
The digital passport system will be entirely voluntary and free of charge for travelers. The European Commission plans to fully implement the system by 2030. Travelers who prefer traditional methods will still be able to use their physical passports and IDs.

Faster Border Crossings
One of the key benefits of the new system is time-saving at border checkpoints. Travelers will be able to submit their documents digitally before crossing, significantly reducing processing times. This pre-verification process will allow authorities to focus on more complex cases.

Compatible with New Entry-Exit System
The digital passport initiative aligns with the EU's new entry-exit system, set to launch in November 2024. This system will require biometric scanning for non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen area, and digital passport access will streamline these processes.

Despite potential delays in the rollout of the entry-exit system, the European Commission is confident that these innovations will enhance travel efficiency and improve security within the region.

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