To improve the efficiency of border crossings at the European Union’s external borders, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have endorsed a proposal for digital travel credentials. The initiative aims to speed up border controls and make them more efficient for both travelers and authorities by allowing certain checks—such as verifying travel documents and entry rights—to be completed before arrival.
The Civil Liberties Committee approved the plan, which would enable travelers to create digital credentials based on their biometric passport or EU identity card. These credentials could then be submitted electronically ahead of time to border authorities, with both EU citizens and non-EU nationals eligible to use the system. However, physical ID documents would still need to be presented at the border.
A new EU digital travel application will store these credentials. Participation in the system will be voluntary, and citizens can request a digital credential free of charge when applying for a new ID document. Once implemented, border authorities must accept these digital credentials.
MEPs introduced amendments focused on data protection. Only individuals over 16 years old would be able to use the system. Additionally, MEPs propose that border authorities delete traveler data from national databases immediately after a successful crossing or within 24 hours if entry is refused.
The adopted text specifies that those who opt not to use the digital application should not face discrimination and may withdraw consent for data processing without negative consequences. The application must also ensure privacy by default.
The proposed digital travel credentials are designed to work alongside existing EU border information systems such as the Entry-Exit System (EES), which tracks short-term visits by third-country nationals, and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026. Travelers required to submit data under these systems could do so in advance through pre-clearance using their digital credentials.
MEPs advocate for implementing this system within 18 months after regulation takes effect—an earlier deadline than originally proposed by the European Commission.
Rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, Spain) commented: “By introducing a European digital travel application system, we are transforming the way people cross our external borders, making procedures faster, smoother, and more secure. This proposal will not only strengthen the EU’s capacity to protect its citizens, it will also enhance the travel experience for millions who enter or leave the Union each year”.
The draft position was adopted with 42 votes in favor, 13 against, and 17 abstentions. The negotiating mandate is expected to be announced during the December plenary session; if there are no objections, talks with member states can proceed.
According to figures from the European Commission, there were 593 million crossings at Schengen area external borders in 2023. The growing number of travelers has led to longer waiting times due in part to manual database checks—a problem this move toward digitization seeks to address.
