The European Commission has come forward with two proposals aimed at facilitating travel for everyone entering and leaving the Schengen area, including non-EU citizens.
In a press release, the EU Commission revealed plans to adopt a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials, as well as a new application that would help travellers store their credentials, Schengen.News reports.
The framework would be used for digital travel credentials, which is the digital version of the data collected on passports and identity cards, including information about the chip of the passport or ID card but not fingerprints.
The New Scheme Could Improve Security
The proposed scheme would include several changes, as travellers from non-EU countries, as well as EU citizens, will be checked when crossing the EU’s external borders.
The scheme aims to improve security, as it will be harder for people to use fake documents or the Schengen border undetected. In addition, it aims to improve border control efficiency and allow faster border crossings.
Thanks to these thorough checks, authorities can now be dedicated to combating migrant smuggling and detecting criminals at EU external borders.
The biggest benefit for travellers is that this scheme will reduce the administrative requirements for EU citizens, which will enable them to use digital identity cards for identification and registration.
EU Digital Travel Application to Speed Up Checks at the Border
In addition to the new scheme, the EU Commission has also come forward with a proposal for generating the EU Digital Travel Application, which allows travellers to create their digital credentials and store all the necessary information about travelling.
This application will work by allowing travellers to store their travel documents by uploading images and using the application for check-ups. The application will verify the document and detect whether it matches traveller’s face. The use of this application is expected to reduce waiting times at border crossings and to be more efficient in verifying travellers.
Proposals to Improve the Use of Upcoming Entry/Exit System
The Entry/Exit system is an automated system for non-EU nationals to register their travel dates to the zone for stays of up to 90 days. It will require foreigners to register each time they enter the zone, and it aims to control migration while also ensuring a smooth and safe travel process.
The EU Digital Travel application will be very handy once the EU Entry/Exit system is launched, which is scheduled for November.
Source: https://schengen.news/eu-commission-proposes-to-digitalise-passports-id-cards-for-everyone-entering-leaving-schengen-area/
