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EU Digital Travel application and amendments to travel credential regulations

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This regulation establishes an EU Digital Travel application to create and submit digital travel credentials, aiming to make border checks more efficient and secure. It allows for the electronic submission of travel data, complementing physical travel documents.

The application will affect travellers entering or leaving the Schengen area, including EU citizens and third-country nationals over 16 years old who possess compatible travel documents. It also impacts border authorities responsible for checks.

Key changes include the introduction of a digital representation of identity derived from travel document chips, enabling advance verification of authenticity and traveller identity. This aims to reduce waiting times and improve resource management at borders.

Travellers can choose to use the digital credential or their physical document. The application will be developed and managed by eu-LISA, with Member States ensuring secure national connections for data reception. Information campaigns will promote its use.

Documents

Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 2252/2004

report · EN · 2026-04-01

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Analysis

AI-generated·2 Apr 2026·Source document·Unverified

The proposal establishes an application for the electronic submission of travel data, named the 'EU Digital Travel application'.

What changes

Establishes a new regulation for an EU Digital Travel application and digital travel credentials.
Amends Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code) regarding the use of digital travel credentials and advance border checks.
Amends Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 concerning the tasks of eu-LISA in relation to the EU Digital Travel application.
Amends Council Regulation (EC) No 2252/2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents to establish a Union standard specification for digital travel credentials.

Expected impact

The regulation introduces a common technical solution for electronic travel data submission, aiming for a uniform approach across the Union and maximizing gains in travel facilitation and economies of scale.
The regulation aims to enhance border security and efficiency by enabling border authorities to conduct advance checks using digital travel credentials.
The use of digital travel credentials is voluntary, and travellers can choose to use a physical travel document, with no discrimination against those who do not use the digital application.

Limitations

The document is a legislative proposal and report, focusing on the legal framework and proposed changes rather than the full implementation details or specific technical standards which are to be adopted later.
Specific dates for the start of operations and the full implementation timeline are not yet definitively established in this document, with references to placeholder dates or periods after entry into force.
The document refers to other regulations and legal acts, but does not contain the full text of those referenced acts, limiting a complete understanding of the interplay without consulting those other sources.

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