EU 'Travel to Europe' App: Passport Scan and Selfie Guide for EES
In short. Non-EU travelers can use the new Frontex 'Travel to Europe' app to pre-register passport data and selfies up to 72 hours before crossing Schengen borders.
- The official 'Travel to Europe' app by Frontex allows EES pre-registration up to 72 hours before travel.
- You must scan your biometric passport's NFC chip and take a live selfie that matches the chip's photo.
- Selfies require a plain background, no glasses, and full facial visibility.
- Fingerprints cannot be registered in the app and must still be provided in person at the border.
- The app is currently voluntary and rolling out gradually across Schengen travel hubs in 2025 and 2026.
As the European Union rolls out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), Frontex has introduced the official Travel to Europe mobile app. Designed to reduce wait times at Schengen borders, the app allows non-EU travelers to pre-register their passport details, answer entry questions, and submit a facial recognition selfie up to 72 hours before their journey. While the app is voluntary and currently being piloted in select countries like Sweden, with broader adoption expected across France, Italy, and the Netherlands in 2026, using it correctly can significantly speed up your border crossing.
What Changed: The 'Travel to Europe' App
Previously, all biometric data collection and questionnaire responses had to be completed in person at the border booth, leading to longer processing times. The new app shifts much of this administrative work to your smartphone.
| Feature | Without the App (Standard EES) | With the Travel to Europe App |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Data Entry | Manual scan by border guard or kiosk | Pre-scanned via smartphone NFC chip reader |
| Facial Image (Selfie) | Taken at the border booth | Taken in the app up to 72 hours in advance |
| Entry Questionnaire | Answered verbally at the border | Completed digitally in the app |
| Fingerprints | Collected at the border | Collected at the border (cannot be done in-app) |
Who It Affects
The app is designed for non-EU nationals who are subject to the EES and are traveling to a participating European country for a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). This includes visa-exempt travelers, such as Ukrainian citizens, as well as those holding short-stay Schengen visas.
You should not use the app if you hold a valid residence permit or a long-stay visa issued by an EU member state, as you are exempt from the EES registration requirements.
How to Scan Your Passport Chip
To use the app, you must have a biometric passport and a compatible smartphone (iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16+, or an Android device with NFC functionality). Follow these steps to successfully scan your document:
- Remove the cover: Take off any plastic or leather passport covers, as they can block the NFC signal.
- Scan the data page: Use your phone's camera to scan the personal details page of your passport as prompted by the app.
- Read the NFC chip: Place your phone against the passport to read the biometric chip. The chip is usually located in the back cover of the passport. Since the NFC reader's location varies by phone model, you may need to slowly slide the phone across the back cover until it connects.
EES Selfie Requirements
After scanning your passport, the app requires you to take a live selfie. This image is instantly compared against the high-resolution photo stored securely on your passport's NFC chip. To avoid verification failures, you must strictly follow these official photo rules:
- Lighting and Background: You must be in a well-lit environment with a plain, light, and uniform background.
- No Glasses: Even if you wear glasses daily, you must remove them to prevent glare and frame obstruction. Remove any other items that might cover your eyes.
- Full Face Visibility: Your full facial features must be shown. Ensure your face is clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, including both edges of your face.
- Eyes Open: Your eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera.
- No Head Coverings: Hats and head coverings are strictly prohibited, except for verified medical or religious reasons.
What to Do Now
- Check availability: Verify if your destination country currently supports the app. Sweden is the first to implement it, with Portugal, France, Italy, and the Netherlands following in 2025 and 2026.
- Download the official app: Search for "Travel to Europe" by the European Union in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Beware of unofficial third-party apps charging fees; the official app is completely free.
- Pre-register on time: You can create your journey and submit your data no earlier than 72 hours before your expected arrival or departure.
- Prepare for the border: Remember that your biographic data is saved in the app for 7 days. However, you must still present yourself to a border guard to provide your fingerprints and finalize the entry process.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to scan fingerprints: The app cannot scan fingerprints. Do not waste time looking for this feature; it will be done at the border.
- Leaving glasses on for the selfie: This is the most common reason for facial verification failure in the app.
- Registering too early: Submitting your journey more than 72 hours in advance is not permitted by the system.
Rules change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official government source provided above before taking action.
Official sources
Questions
- Can I register my fingerprints in the Travel to Europe app?
- No. For technical and security reasons, fingerprints cannot be collected via the mobile app. You must provide them in person at the border crossing point.
- How long is my data stored in the app?
- Your biographic passport data is kept in the app for 7 days. If you travel again within this timeframe, you only need to retake your selfie.
- Do I still need to see a border guard if I use the app?
- Yes. The app speeds up the process by sending your data in advance, but it does not replace physical border checks or guarantee entry into the Schengen area.
- Why is the app rejecting my selfie?
- The app compares your selfie to the photo stored on your passport's NFC chip. Ensure you are in a well-lit area with a plain background, remove your glasses, and ensure your full face is visible.