Frontex, the EU’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, has introduced the Travel to Europe app to simplify border checks by allowing travellers to pre-register their biometric data.

“For example, travellers, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom will all need an ETIAS before authorization to enter Schengen countries.”

While promising faster processing at EU borders, its effectiveness will depend on widespread adoption and implementation.

So, what’s the secret behind this app? It’s simple: travellers can upload their passport details and a selfie before even arriving in Europe. “Applying for ETIAS is a straightforward process, and the system is designed to make it as easy as possible. The application will be available online and should only take about 10 minutes to complete”, an official source stated.

This means that much of the information border officers normally must manually enter into the Entry/Exit System (EES) at passport control is already waiting for them. The expected outcome? Faster processing, happier travellers, and – hopefully – less chaos at busy airports.

But don’t get rid of your passport just yet. Frontex emphasises that the app won’t replace traditional border checks—it’s meant to speed things up and make them more efficient, not eliminate them. It’s like trading in a horse and carriage for a sports car: you still must show up, but the journey will be much quicker.

Sweden takes the lead

The rollout begins later this year, starting with Sweden’s Arlanda Airport—perfect news for travellers headed to the Nordic region. By 2026, pilot programs will launch at key entry points in the Netherlands, France, and Italy, according to Frontex.

Meanwhile, Portugal, Greece, and Hungary have also expressed strong interest in joining the digital border transformation.

Although the app’s use remains voluntary, Frontex clearly aims to promote early adoption. With the Entry/Exit System (EES) scheduled to launch later this year, the app provides member states with a ready-made solution. Rather than developing individual systems from the ground up, countries can choose to integrate with Frontex’s existing infrastructure. However, not all EU member states have committed to the app; the decision to implement it and determine its deployment lies with national authorities.

Author

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.

Tereza Pedro