The European Union has created an app that works alongside the new Entry/Exit System (EES)
The European Union has created the Travel to Europe app to make border control easier.(Image: Getty Images)
Since the new Entry/Exit System (EES) was rolled out on April 10, travellers have had mixed experiences with the border control checks. While some Brits have reported sailing through, others have experienced frustrating delays due to three hour long queues.
Stepping away from the traditional system of having your passport stamped by a border control officer, Brits – along with travellers from other third-party countries such as America and Australia – now need to provide a fingerprint and facial recognition, fill out a questionnaire and provide passport data in order to cross the border.
While this system is meant to make crossing the border quicker in the future, at the moment it is causing chaos for many holidaymakers traveling to and from the Schengen area. As a result, Greece announced it would be temporarily suspending the EES system, while some Spanish airports are now implementing a 25 minute rule.
While this may put travellers off going abroad, there is a new mobile app created by the European Union that many of us didn’t know about. Named the Travel to Europe app, this application is designed to help “save time and speed up border checks”.
News of this app came to light in a Foreign Office travel update for Portugal, which reads: “Prior to travelling to Portugal, you can use the EU’s Travel to Europe mobile application to complete an entry questionnaire. The application is optional, but it can help you save time and speed up border checks.”
What is the EU’s Travel to Europe mobile app?
The Travel to Europe app is designed for non-EU travellers who are subject to EES registration. The app allows people to pre-register certain data that is used at the digital systems, such as passport data, entry questionnaire, or facial image.
How does the Travel to Europe app work?
The app allows non-EU nationals to pre-register their data within 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country that is currently using the app. While the app does not replace the new border checks, it has been designed to make border crossing “smoother, faster and more efficient”.
The use of the app is optional, but it is important that if you are using it to make sure the European country you are travelling to supports the app.
Who can use the app?
The app is designed for non-EU nationals that are subject to EES registration and hold a biometric passport. This includes travellers from the UK, Canada, Australia and America.
In which countries can you use the app?
At the current moment only Sweden and Portugal support the Travel to Europe app, with different criteria. Other European countries using the EES may later make support available for the app, however specific functionalities may vary from country to country.
Sweden – allows passengers to input passport data, facial image and fill out the entry questionnaire.
Portugal – only supports use of the entry questionnaire.
How to use the app?
The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. It should be noted that app functionalities vary from country to country so the below steps may not apply for all destinations.
- Create a new journey by selecting the European country using the EES you are arriving in or leaving from no earlier than 72 hours before the start of your journey.
- Select the border crossing point and the time of your expected arrival there.
- Scan the personal details page and the chip of your passport.
- Take a selfie to confirm your identity.
- Answer a few questions about your travel plans.
- Optional – add co-travellers and repeat above steps.
- Submit your journey.
From there travellers should receive confirmation that their journey has been accepted. Once at the airport follow the border guard’s instructions.
Who has access to your personal data?
The EU states that before travellers submit their journey, you will be the only one to access your personal data. Additionally, border authorities of your selected country will only see this data once it has been submitted. Any unsubmitted drafts will be deleted after seven days.
