Portugal has launched the Travel to Europe mobile app, an initiative under the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which allows travellers from third countries to pre-register their details before arriving at border control. The measure aims to make the process of entering Europe faster, more modern and more efficient. The app, developed within the framework of the European EES, pre-processes some of the information required at the point of entry, resulting in a smoother process for both travellers and border authorities. Pre-registration can subsequently be used at self-service kiosks, where available at the border crossing point.
Initially, Travel to Europe will be operational at Lisbon Airport, with expansion planned to the remaining national airports in the coming weeks.
// How it worksThe process is simple and entirely digital. Travellers download the app from the App Store or Google Play and fill in their travel details, specifying their country of origin, the border crossing point and their estimated time of arrival. They then enter their personal details, complete a questionnaire about their travel plans and, finally, generate a QR code. Upon arrival in Portugal, they simply need to present this code at the self-service kiosks provided.
// Optional use, but with tangible benefits
Use of the app is not mandatory and does not replace conventional border control procedures. Nevertheless, by allowing some of the information to be processed in advance, Travel to Europe represents a tangible improvement in the experience of entering Europe, with direct benefits for travellers and for operational efficiency at the borders.
The initiative forms part of the European Union’s efforts to modernise and strengthen external border controls, against a backdrop of ever-increasing international travel volumes.
