Finland became something of a trailblazer when it announced its groundbreaking Digital Passport sometime around last month. The revolutionary move would not only significantly ease the security checks while travelling internationally, but it would also improve security and border control. It is worth asking whether this digital passport will be applied to the rest of the European Union. Here’s what you need to know about these Digital Travel Credentials with regard to their EU application.
Will The Finland Digital Passport Apply To The Rest Of The EU?
According to an article recently published by India TV, the Finnish initiative is part of a larger movement within the EU to enhance travel technology. So yes, it is very likely that the digital passport will be applied across the EU once the pilot programme in Finland is deemed a success.
The article also mentions that the EU has a new EES in the pipeline which is slated to launch in November this year. EES means Entry/Exit System. The new EES will be fully automated and will eliminate the need for digital passports. It will register non-EU passengers as well, as per the article.
The EES is programmed to register all passengers who cross EU External borders and record data like name, biometric data, date and place of exit and entry, and the type of travel document used. It is also said that the system will greatly improve security and border control.
Also Read: Finland Launches World’s 1st Digital Passport; Here’s All You Need To Know About It!
About The Digital Travel Credentials
The Digital Travel Credentials, colloquially known as the digital passport, will omit the need for physical passports. Finland is the first country to launch a digital passport. For now, it is only in partnership with Finnair, a Finnish airline, and Finavia, an airport operator.
This means that only passengers flying via Finnair will be able to avail of this new digital passport for now. Further, only the passengers travelling to Edinburgh, London and Manchester will be able to avail it. Passengers will have to download the FIN DTC app to get the DTC on their phones.
Also Read: Millionaires Not Above Law In Finland; Businessman Fined ₹1 Crore For Speeding Based On Income
Do you have any concerns about this new digital passport? How do you think it will be helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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