(MENAFN) On Wednesday, EU member states approved the EU Council's negotiating mandate for a new law aimed at launching an EU digital travel application.

This initiative will allow travelers to provide their travel information ahead of arriving at the bloc’s external borders.

The regulation, endorsed by member states’ representatives in Coreper, establishes guidelines for the optional creation of digital travel credentials and their use when crossing EU external borders, according to a statement.

Under this framework, travelers can submit their travel data digitally in advance, enabling border authorities to verify travel documents remotely and perform checks against border, police, and migration databases before the traveler’s arrival.

EU officials emphasize that the system is expected to reduce waiting times and enhance security screening at border checkpoints.

The digital platform will consist of a mobile application, a backend validation system, and a traveler router managed by eu-LISA.

Through the mobile app, both EU citizens and third-country nationals can create a digital copy of the information stored on their passport or ID card, although participation will remain optional.

The backend system will electronically authenticate the chip in the travel document, ensuring that the digital version matches the original.

The traveler router will provide a secure method for users to share their digital credentials with border authorities.

By pre-submitting their documents, travelers can allow border officers to dedicate more attention to cases identified as potentially suspicious, improving efficiency and security at external entry points.

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