British travellers heading to Portugal or Sweden this summer are being urged to download a free app before they fly to avoid long queues at border control. The app, called Travel to Europe, allows passengers to pre-register their biometrics and answer entry questions up to 72 hours before arrival.
The app generates a QR code that can be scanned at self-service kiosks, speeding up the process. It is designed to work with the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals, including Britons.
Currently, the app is only operational in Portugal and Sweden, but it will be rolled out across the entire Schengen area soon. Travellers are advised to enable notifications to stay updated on new countries.
The app asks about the purpose of your visit, how much money you will have access to, and whether you have booked accommodation and return tickets. You can also add fellow travellers to your group, so not everyone needs to download it individually.
The Travel to Europe website assures users that personal data is protected under EU law, and only border authorities of the selected country can see it after submission. Unsubmitted drafts are automatically deleted after seven days.
