Travel to Europe App Takes Aim at Wait Times

by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:50 PM ET, Tue March 31, 2026

A new app is aiming to reduce wait times for visitors to one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Portugal has now joined Sweden in offering the “Travel to Europe” mobile app. Using the app is not mandatory, but in an attempt to speed up lengthy waits at border crossings, it allows eligible travelers to submit passport details and a facial image before arrival.

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been causing lengthy delays for travellers during its roll-out phase. With plans to fully implement the system — which replaces passport stamps — in April, finding ways to make the process smoother is paramount.

The app is designed for travellers who are non-EU nationals required to register under the EES and who hold a biometric passport. The app is available for download from major app stores.

Users can begin the process up to 72 hours before their trip. To use it, travellers create a journey, select their destination country and border crossing point, and scan their passport. They then take a selfie and answer questions related to their trip before submitting the information.

Related: EU Entry-Exit System Creating Three-Hour Delays at Key Airports

The system also allows users to add co-travelers, making it possible for families or groups to complete the process together.

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, takes care to point out that the app does not replace border control procedures, nor does it mean users can avoid the lines, rather that the process is a little faster.

Remember, pre-registration with the app does not grant an automatic right to cross the external border of the EU. When travellers arrive at the border, they will still go through border checks and, fingerprints will also need to be scanned at the border in the presence of a border guard.

According to ETIAS.com, each country will be able to decide whether and how to use the app.

Currently, Sweden allows travelers to submit passport data, a facial image, and entry-related questions. Portugal currently supports the entry questionnaire function, with the possibility of expanding features later.

So far, only Sweden and now Portugal have implemented its use, although more countries are expected to join.