Digital Passports and the EU Travel App: The Future of Travel and Immigration

In 2025, the European Commission launched an ambitious initiative to digitize passports and create a unified travel app for EU citizens and third-country nationals. The goal is for travelers to store their passport, health insurance, driver’s license, and other documents on their smartphone — with no need to carry paper copies. These innovations are expected to reduce border queues, simplify checks, and make travel safer.

What does this mean for those planning to work or travel legally to Europe? New opportunities — and new rules. In this article, we explain how the EU migration system is changing, what a digital passport is, and how to prepare. Keep reading — it’s worth it.

What Is the Digital Passport and EU Travel App?

Digital Passport

This is more than just a passport scan on your smartphone. It’s a fully integrated digital document connected with border control systems. Before travel, users can submit their data to the relevant authorities to undergo pre-checks before arrival in the destination country. This will significantly reduce border wait times, especially at airports, and speed up entry.

In addition, the digital passport can include extra information: visas, residence or work permits — making it especially convenient for migrants and workers from outside the EU.

This mobile application will function as a "digital wallet" for official documents. It will allow users to store:

• Digital passport;

• Driver’s license;

• Health insurance cards;

• Work or study permits.

All documents will be accessible on a smartphone and protected by biometric authentication. This will make travel not only more convenient but also more secure. Losing your phone won’t mean losing your documents — the data will be stored on secure servers and will be recoverable.

These innovations are especially relevant for those planning to work abroad, applying for relocation documents, or frequently traveling between EU countries.

Benefits for Travelers and Migrants

• Faster border crossing: Pre-submission of data will reduce inspection times at the border.

• Convenience: All essential documents available in one app.

• Security: Digital documents reduce the risk of loss or theft of physical documents.

• Accessibility: The app will be available for both EU citizens and third-country nationals with biometric passports.

  
  

When Will It Be Implemented?

Conclusion

The EU is confidently moving toward a digital future where travel becomes faster, more convenient, and safer. The introduction of digital passports and the unified travel app is not just innovation — it’s a strategic step toward modernizing the entire European mobility system. For those planning to live and work in the EU, this means less bureaucracy and more transparency in the process.

That’s why it’s essential to start preparing for the new standards today. If you’re planning to legally work in Europe, GLW is your trusted guide in this process. We don’t just match you with job vacancies — we support every step: from documentation to arrival. Our experience and understanding of the new immigration landscape guarantee you peace of mind and confidence.

Dream starts with us.