Europe is beefing up border security and earning praise from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The EU is adopting a new strategy to monitor migration in and out of the Schengen area using the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Currently, there is a lack of information related to visa-exempt, third-country nationals arriving at the Schengen external borders. The European Commission has proposed and is adopting a new, automated system that would gather information on visa-exempt travelers before they arrive to determine any irregular migration, security or public-health.
The model is similar to ones that already exist in the U.S., Canada, and Australia and has now been adopted by the EU.
When ETIAS begins, visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen area will need to apply for a pre-travel authorization designed to simplify border checks.
The WTTC praised the move.
"We see this as an important first step in the digitalization of travel," said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the WTTC.
"The ultimate aim will be the use of biometric technology to ensure seamless, more efficient and more secure travel," Guevara added. "WTTC is committed to enhancing security and improving the entire passenger journey. This will essentially maximize the potential of travel and tourism to create jobs and drive economic growth."
ETIAS will not be free, however. Though travelers will pay 7 euros, those under age 18 and over age 70 will be free of charge.
The aim is to make the application process quick and easy, requiring just an Internet connection and a credit card. Eligibility will be determined within minutes.
The new system is scheduled to begin operation in 2021.
Biometrics are becoming increasingly prevalent when monitoring travelers. Airports and airlines are working to further ease the travel experience using facial recognition technology and fingerprint data for bordering passes and security checks. It won't be long before paper boarding passes-and maybe even passports-will be a thing of the past.
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