{"id":18054,"date":"2022-09-22T20:09:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T20:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=18054"},"modified":"2023-08-27T16:46:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T16:46:42","slug":"travel-documents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Documents [EU]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Integration_of_biometric_features_in_passports_and_travel_documents\" title=\"Integration of biometric features in passports and travel documents\">Integration of biometric features in passports and travel documents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#European_image-archiving_system\" title=\"European image-archiving system\">European image-archiving system<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Key_Points\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-2\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-2\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Emergency_travel_document_ETD\" title=\"Emergency travel document (ETD)\">Emergency travel document (ETD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Key_Points-2\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-3\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Emergency_travel_document_ETD-2\" title=\"Emergency travel document (ETD)\">Emergency travel document (ETD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Procedure\" title=\"Procedure\">Procedure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Uniform_format\" title=\"Uniform format\">Uniform format<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Cost\" title=\"Cost\">Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Transposition_monitoring_and_evaluation\" title=\"Transposition, monitoring and evaluation\">Transposition, monitoring and evaluation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-4\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-3\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Facilitated_transit_document_FTD_and_facilitated_rail_transit_document_FRTD\" title=\"Facilitated transit document (FTD) and facilitated rail transit document (FRTD)\">Facilitated transit document (FTD) and facilitated rail transit document (FRTD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Scope_and_validity\" title=\"Scope and validity\">Scope and validity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Conditions_and_issuing_procedure\" title=\"Conditions and issuing procedure\">Conditions and issuing procedure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Issuing_and_refusal_of_the_document\" title=\"Issuing and refusal of the document\">Issuing and refusal of the document<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Decisions_to_issue_FTDsFRTDs\" title=\"Decisions to issue FTDs\/FRTDs\">Decisions to issue FTDs\/FRTDs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Uniform_formats\" title=\"Uniform formats\">Uniform formats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-5\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-4\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#EU_format_for_residence_permits\" title=\"EU format for residence permits\">EU format for residence permits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Key_Points-3\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-6\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-5\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#The_European_Travel_Information_and_Authorisation_System_ETIAS\" title=\"The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)\">The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Key_Points-4\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Authorisation\" title=\"Authorisation\">Authorisation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#Application_Background-7\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/travel-documents\/#MAIN_DOCUMENTS\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENTS\">MAIN DOCUMENTS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integration_of_biometric_features_in_passports_and_travel_documents\"><\/span>Integration of biometric features in passports and travel documents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 2252\/2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by EU countries<\/p>\n<p>It seeks to harmonise the security features, including biometric identifiers*, for EU country passports and travel documents to protect against their falsification.<br \/>\nIt was amended by Regulation (EC) No 444\/2009 in 2009 mainly to define exceptions for children under 6 and for people who are physically unable to give fingerprints for travel documents.<\/p>\n<p>Key Points<\/p>\n<p>The biometric features in passports and travel documents will be used only for verifying the authenticity of the document and the identity of the holder, who will have the right to verify the personal data contained in the passport or travel document and, where appropriate, to ask for rectification or erasure. The collection and storage of biometric data will be exclusively for the purpose of issuing passports and travel documents.<\/p>\n<p>Passports and travel documents must include a high-security storage medium(chip) for memorising digital data and have sufficient capacity to guarantee the integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of that data. The storage medium contains a facial image and two fingerprints taken flat(rather than rolling individual fingers, nail to nail). These data, which must be in interoperable formats, must be secured.<\/p>\n<p>EU countries designate the authorities and bodies authorised to have access to the data contained in the storage medium of documents under their national legislation, subject to any relevant provisions of EU law or international agreements. To ensure that the classified information on security features and production details are not made available to more parties than necessary, each EU country designates one body to be responsible for producing passports and travel documents. EU countries remain free to change that body, if required. For security reasons, each EU country communicates the name of the competent body to the European Commission and the other EU countries.<\/p>\n<p>The minimum security standards with which passports and travel documents issued by EU countries must comply are set out in the annex to the regulation. These are specifications that are not secret. These specifications are supplemented by specifications which may remain secret in order to prevent the risk of counterfeiting and falsifications. These additional specifications are adopted by means of implementing acts by the Commission, are in accordance with international standards, and relate to:<\/p>\n<p>further security features;<br \/>\nthe storage medium and its security;<br \/>\ncommon quality requirements for the facial image and the fingerprints.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, the Commission adopted an implementing decision laying down the technical specifications regarding the standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents which repealed and replaced similar earlier decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Under amending Regulation (EC) No 444\/2009, children under 12 (provisional age limit) and persons for whom it is physically impossible, are exempted from fingerprinting. Only qualified and duly authorised staff of national authorities who are responsible for issuing passports and travel documents may take biometric identifiers. Passports and travel documents must be issued as individual documents in accordance with international requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Under the provisions of the Schengen body of law (acquis), Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland did not take part in this regulation and so were not bound by it. Denmark, however, decided to implement it in its national law. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, although not part of the EU, will be involved in implementing the regulation.<\/p>\n<p>The regulation does not apply to identity cards issued by EU countries to their nationals or to temporary passports and travel documents valid for 12 months or less.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU countries had to apply this regulation:<\/p>\n<p>as regards the facial image by 28 August 2006;<br \/>\nas regards fingerprints by 28 June 2009.<br \/>\nFor more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Document security (European Commission).<br \/>\nBiometric identifiers: personal data resulting from specific technical processing relating to the physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics of an individual, which allows or confirms the unique identification of that person, such as facial images or fingerprint data.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 2252\/2004 of 13 December 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States (OJ L 385, 29.12.2004, pp. 1-6)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 2252\/2004 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Commission Implementing Decision of 30.11.2018 laying down the technical specifications regarding the standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States and repealing Decisions C(2006) 2909 and C(2008) 8657 (C(2018) 7774 final, 30.11.2018)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>SUMMARY OF:<\/p>\n<p>Joint Action 98\/700\/JHA concerning the setting up of a<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"European_image-archiving_system\"><\/span>European image-archiving system<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It sets up a European Union (EU) internet-based image archiving system known as FADO (False and Authentic Documents Online). This allows the rapid sharing between EU countries of images of genuine, false and forged documents, in order to aid in combating document and identity fraud.<\/p>\n<p>Joint Action 98\/700\/JHA is repealed and will be replaced in a few years by Regulation (EU) 2020\/493 (see summary), although the existing information has been transferred to the new FADO system to be set up by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The system is multilingual, designed to be user-friendly and based on very strict codification to ensure the standardisation and security of the information.<br \/>\nOne central service in each participating country links to the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, but each EU and Schengen country is free to copy the system or develop its own system for secured internal data distribution.<\/p>\n<p>The system ensures that the information can be transmitted quickly to the national central services.<br \/>\nThe setting up of the EU system does not prevent EU countries from developing their own national systems to meet their own border security and document verification requirements.<\/p>\n<p>The system is in particular designed to allow for:<br \/>\nviewing zoomed images of documents, where necessary;<br \/>\non-screen comparison between original and forged documents;<br \/>\naccess to information on forgery and security techniques;<br \/>\ncross-referencing so that users can find related information rapidly;<br \/>\nnotifications about particular false documents.<\/p>\n<p>Priority is given to EU countries\u2019 documents and those of non-EU countries from where there are regular immigration flows.<br \/>\nOn 1 December 2014, the United Kingdom (1) notified the European Commission that in the field of police cooperation it wished to go on participating in the joint action. This was confirmed by Commission Decision 2014\/858\/EU.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-2\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Joint Action 98\/700\/JHA is repealed by Regulation (EU) 2020\/493.<\/p>\n<p>It has applied since 10 December 1998.<\/p>\n<p>The increasing number of genuine and false travel, identity and other supporting documents, such as passports, residence permits and visas, and increasingly sophisticated forgery techniques mean that the tools needed to combat document and identity fraud have to include fast and efficient information sharing.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Document security (European Commission).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-2\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Joint Action 98\/700\/JHA of 3 December 1998 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union concerning the setting up of a European Image Archiving System (FADO) (OJ L 333, 9.12.1998, pp. 4-7)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Commission Decision 2014\/858\/EU of 1 December 2014 on the notification by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of its wish to participate in acts of the Union in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters adopted before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and which are not part of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 345, 1.12.2014, pp. 6-9)<\/p>\n<p>Council Decision 2000\/261\/JHA of 27 March 2000 on the improved exchange of information to combat counterfeit travel documents (OJ L 81, 1.4.2000, pp. 1-3)<\/p>\n<p>last update 20.05.2020<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(1) The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union and became a third country (non-EU country) as of 1 February 2020.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_travel_document_ETD\"><\/span>Emergency travel document (ETD)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Decision 96\/409\/CSFP on the drawing up of an emergency travel document<\/p>\n<p>It establishes a standard model for an emergency travel document (ETD) that can be issued in the event of the loss, destruction, theft or other temporary unavailability of an EU citizen\u2019s passport.<br \/>\nIt allows for the issuing of ETDs to EU citizens for a single journey back to their EU country of origin, their country of permanent residence, or, in exceptional cases, to another destination (inside or outside the EU).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points-2\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The decision does not apply to passports that have expired; it is specifically confined to cases where travel documents have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or are temporarily unavailable.<\/p>\n<p>Obtaining an ETD<\/p>\n<p>Embassies and consulates of EU countries issue ETDs in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n<p>the applicant is an EU national whose passport or travel document has been lost, stolen or destroyed or is temporarily unavailable;<br \/>\nthe applicant is in a country in which their EU country of origin has no accessible embassy or consulate able to issue a travel document, or is not otherwise represented;<br \/>\nclearance has been obtained from the authorities of the applicant\u2019s country of origin.<br \/>\nThe applicant for an ETD must send an application form, together with certified photocopies of any available proof of identity and nationality to the authority designated by their country of origin.<\/p>\n<p>Charges and fees<\/p>\n<p>The EU country issuing the ETD collects from the applicant the same charges and fees as those it normally charges for issuing an emergency passport. An applicant who is unable to cover other local-related expenditure will receive, where appropriate, the necessary funds as instructed by his\/her country of origin, in accordance with Decision 95\/553\/EC (which will be repealed by Directive (EU) 2015\/637 as of 1 May 2018).<\/p>\n<p>Validity period<\/p>\n<p>To ensure that citizens are able to return to a given place, the ETD should be valid for slightly longer than the minimum time needed to complete the journey for which it is issued. In calculating this period, the need for overnight stops and for making travel connections should be taken into consideration.<\/p>\n<p>Security measures<\/p>\n<p>Annex III of the decision deals with the security measures relating to the ETD. These include aspects such as the type of paper and the numbering system to be used, as well as how the seal of the issuing authority is affixed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-3\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Consular protection\u2019 on the European Commission&#8217;s website.<br \/>\nMAIN DOCUMENT<\/p>\n<p>Decision 96\/409\/CSFP of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council of 25 June 1996 on the establishment of an emergency travel document (OJ L 168, 6.7.1996, pp. 4\u201311)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Decision 96\/409\/CSFP have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Decision 95\/553\/EC of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 19 December 1995 regarding protection for citizens of the European Union by diplomatic and consular representations (OJ L 314, 28.12.1995, pp. 73\u201376)<\/p>\n<p>Council Directive (EU) 2015\/637 of 20 April 2015 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries and repealing Decision 95\/553\/EC (OJ L 106, 24.4.2015, pp. 1\u201313)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_travel_document_ETD-2\"><\/span>Emergency travel document (ETD)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/997 establishing an EU Emergency Travel Document<\/p>\n<p>The EU Emergency Travel Document (EU ETD) is a travel document issued on request by an EU Member State to an unrepresented* European Union (EU) citizen if, for example, their passport has been stolen, lost or destroyed, or cannot be obtained within a reasonable time.<br \/>\nThe directive sets out rules and procedures for obtaining the document and establishes a uniform format. It allows the same kind of diplomatic and consular protection in the country visited as enjoyed by the nationals of the Member State which issues the document.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedure\"><\/span>Procedure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unrepresented citizens may apply for an EU ETD at the embassy or consulate of any Member State. When a Member State receives an application, it must, as soon as possible, and no later than 2 working days after receipt, consult the Member State of nationality to verify the nationality and identity of the applicant. It must provide all relevant information, in particular:<br \/>\nthe applicant\u2019s name, nationality, date of birth and gender;<br \/>\na full-face photograph;<br \/>\na copy or scanned copy of all available means of identification, such as an identity card, driving licence or social security number.<\/p>\n<p>Normally within 3 days of receiving the information, the Member State of the person\u2019s nationality confirms whether the applicant is one of its nationals. The Member State dealing with the application will then issue the EU ETD within 2 working days.<\/p>\n<p>If the Member State of nationality objects to an EU ETD being issued to one of its nationals, the document will not be issued and the Member State of nationality will then be responsible for consular protection.<br \/>\nIn extremely urgent cases, the Member State dealing with the application may issue an EU ETD without consultation, but must have exhausted all available means of communication and must inform the Member State of nationality as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<p>The holder is asked, for security reasons, to return the EU ETD, regardless of whether it has expired, upon arrival at the final destination.<br \/>\nThe European Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing a standard application form.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uniform_format\"><\/span>Uniform format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The directive defines the standard format to be used for EU ETDs, consisting of a standard form and an accompanying sticker. It must contain all the necessary information and meet high technical standards, in particular safeguards against counterfeiting and falsification.<br \/>\nThe Commission will adopt implementing acts containing additional technical specifications for EU ETDs on the following aspects:<br \/>\nthe design, format and colours of the standard EU ETD form and sticker;<br \/>\nthe materials and printing techniques of the standard EU ETD form;<br \/>\nsecurity features;<br \/>\nany additional rules to be observed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost\"><\/span>Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Member State dealing with an application must charge the applicant the same fee as it charges its own nationals for emergency documents, and may choose to waive the charge generally or in any specific situation it determines.<\/p>\n<p>Validity<\/p>\n<p>An EU ETD is valid for the period required to complete the journey for which it is issued, allowing for necessary overnight stops and connections. The period of validity includes a 2-day \u2018period of grace\u2019. Validity will not normally exceed 15 days.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transposition_monitoring_and_evaluation\"><\/span>Transposition, monitoring and evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Member States ensure regular monitoring of how the directive is applied.<br \/>\nMember States have 2 years from the adoption of the additional technical specifications to pass the laws, regulations and administrative rules necessary to comply with the directive. No sooner than 5 years after the date of transposition, the Commission evaluates the directive and reports its main findings to the European Parliament and to the Council of the European Union. The report includes an evaluation of the appropriateness of the level of personal data security, the impact on fundamental rights and the possible introduction of a uniform fee for EU ETDs.<br \/>\nThe directive repeals Decision 96\/409\/CFSP.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-4\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It entered into force on 10 July 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Consular protection (European Commission)<br \/>\nConsular protection (Council of the European Union).<\/p>\n<p>KEY TERMS<br \/>\nUnrepresented EU citizen. A citizen holding the nationality of a Member State which is not represented in a non-EU country, i.e. which has no permanent embassy or consulate or which has no embassy, consulate or honorary consul there that is effectively in a position to provide consular protection in a given case.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-3\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Directive (EU) 2019\/997 of 18 June 2019 establishing an EU Emergency Travel Document and repealing Decision 96\/409\/CFSP (OJ L 163, 20.6.2019, pp. 1\u201312).<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<br \/>\nCouncil Directive (EU) 2015\/637 of 20 April 2015 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries and repealing Decision 95\/553\/EC (OJ L 106, 24.4.2015, pp. 1\u201313).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facilitated_transit_document_FTD_and_facilitated_rail_transit_document_FRTD\"><\/span>Facilitated transit document (FTD) and facilitated rail transit document (FRTD)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 693\/2003 establishing a specific Facilitated Transit Document, a Facilitated Rail Transit Document and amending the Common Consular Instructions and the Common Manual<\/p>\n<p>It seeks to establish a facilitated transit document (FTD)* and a facilitated rail transit document (FRTD)* for the specific and direct transit by land of non-EU country nationals who must necessarily cross the territory of one or more EU countries in order to travel between two parts of their own country which are not geographically contiguous.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_and_validity\"><\/span>Scope and validity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The FTD and the FRTD have the same value as transit visas and are territorially valid for the issuing EU country.<br \/>\nThe FTD is valid for a maximum period of up to 3 years and transit based on the FTD must not exceed 24 hours.<br \/>\nThe FRTD is valid for a maximum period of up to 3 months and transit based on the FRTD will not exceed 6 hours.<\/p>\n<p>No FTD\/FRTD can be affixed in a travel document that has expired or with a period of validity shorter than that of the FTD\/FRTD.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conditions_and_issuing_procedure\"><\/span>Conditions and issuing procedure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To obtain an FTD\/FRTD, applicants must meet the following conditions:<br \/>\npossess a valid document, authorising them to cross external borders;<br \/>\nnot be persons for whom an alert has been issued for the purposes of refusing entry;<br \/>\nnot be considered to be a threat to public policy or the international relations of any of the EU countries;<br \/>\nfor the FTD, have valid reasons for frequent travelling between the two parts of the territory of their country.<\/p>\n<p>The application for an FTD\/FRTD is made to the consular authorities of an EU country. Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating the need for frequent travel, such as documents concerning family links or social, economic or other motives.<br \/>\nThe fee corresponding to the administrative costs of processing the application for an FTD is \u20ac5.<br \/>\nThe FRTD is issued free of charge.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issuing_and_refusal_of_the_document\"><\/span>Issuing and refusal of the document<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>FTDs and FRTDs are issued by the consular offices of the EU countries and may not be issued at the border.<br \/>\nThe procedures, and appeal in cases where the consular post of an EU country refuses to examine an application or issue an FTD\/FRTD, are governed by national law of the respective country.<br \/>\nIf an FTD\/FRTD is refused, the reason must be communicated to the applicant, where required by national law.<br \/>\nPenalties are imposed on the holder of the FTD\/FRTD in the case of misuse. Penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, and include the possibility of cancelling or revoking the FTD\/FRTD.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decisions_to_issue_FTDsFRTDs\"><\/span>Decisions to issue FTDs\/FRTDs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU countries deciding to issue the FTD and the FRTD must communicate this decision to the Council and the European Commission and the latter will publish it in the Official Journal (OJ).<br \/>\nIf EU countries decide to stop issuing the FTD and the FRTD they must communicate that decision to the Council and the Commission and the latter will publish it in the OJ.<br \/>\nThe Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the FTD\/FRTD scheme at the latest 3 years after the entry into force of the first decision taken by an EU country to issue FTDs\/FRTDs.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uniform_formats\"><\/span>Uniform formats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>FTDs and FRTDs are produced in the form of a uniform format (sticker) and have the same value as transit visas. They conform to the specifications set out in Annexes I and II to Regulation (EC) No 694\/2003, adopted at the same time as Regulation (EC) No 693\/2003.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-5\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has applied since 18 April 2003.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Kaliningrad: Commission proposes set of measures to ease transit after enlargement \u2014 press release (European Commission).<br \/>\nKEY TERMS<\/p>\n<p>Facilitated transit document (FTD): a specific authorisation allowing for a facilitated transit, which may be issued by EU countries for multiple entries by any means of land transport. The FTD must be issued in the form of uniform formats in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 694\/2003.<br \/>\nFacilitated rail transit document (FRTD): a specific authorisation allowing for facilitated transit, which may be issued by EU countries for a single entry and return by rail. The FRTD must be issued in the form of uniform formats in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 694\/2003.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-4\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 693\/2003 of 14 April 2003 establishing a specific Facilitated Transit Document (FTD), a Facilitated Rail Transit Document (FRTD) and amending the Common Consular Instructions and the Common Manual (OJ L 99, 17.4.2003, pp. 8-14)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 694\/2003 of 14 April 2003 on uniform formats for Facilitated Transit Documents (FTD) and Facilitated Rail Transit Documents (FRTD) provided for in Regulation (EC) No 693\/2003 (OJ L 99, 17.4.2003, pp. 15-21)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EU_format_for_residence_permits\"><\/span>EU format for residence permits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 1030\/2002 \u2014 uniform format for residence permits for non-EU nationals<\/p>\n<p>It sets out a uniform format for residence permits, and the information they must contain, for non-EU nationals living legally in the EU.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points-3\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The permits must be stand-alone documents in card form (initially they could also be stickers attached to another official paper).<br \/>\nThe regulation specifies the form and content of all the visible information to be given on the document, such as an individual\u2019s surname and first name (in that order), and the start and end of a permit\u2019s validity.<\/p>\n<p>Technical specifications cover the colour, printing process and techniques, and material to be used for the permits.<br \/>\nThe specifications include security features to prevent forgery and counterfeiting. These are kept secret and only made known to the national authorities responsible for printing the permits.<\/p>\n<p>EU countries may add further national security features in compliance with the list in the annex to the regulation if they wish, so long as they do not change the uniform appearance of the card.<br \/>\nThe regulation does not apply to:<br \/>\nfamilies of European citizens exercising their right to live in another EU country;<br \/>\nvisa holders; or<br \/>\nthose non-EU citizens who may stay for up to 3 months without requiring a visa.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 380\/2008 amends Regulation (EC) No 1030\/2002 as regards the integration of biometric identifiers* into the uniform format for residence permits.<\/p>\n<p>Biometric identifiers are used to verify the permit\u2019s authenticity and the holder\u2019s identity. These consist of an applicant\u2019s recent photo and 2 fingerprints.<\/p>\n<p>The procedure for taking these identifiers must respect national legislation and the safeguards contained in the United Nations human rights and rights of the child conventions.<br \/>\nThe data from the biometric identifiers must be stored and secured so that their integrity, authenticity and confidentiality are guaranteed.<br \/>\nBecause the current format for residence permits has been used for over 20 years, Regulation (EU) 2017\/1954 was adopted.<\/p>\n<p>It introduces a new uniform template for permits with new security features so as to prevent forgery. The images and text specifications contained in the annex to Regulation (EU) 2017\/1954 replace those in the annex to the original 2002 regulation. EU countries have a 6-month transitional period to use up existing stocks of residence permits.<\/p>\n<p>Neither Ireland nor the UK (1) is bound by this regulation, and Denmark can decide within 6 months of its adoption whether it should become law in Denmark.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-6\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 1030\/2002 has applied since 15 June 2002.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2017\/1954 applies no later than 15 months after the European Commission adopts new additional technical specifications for residence permits.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Document security (European Commission).<\/p>\n<p>KEY TERMS<\/p>\n<p>Biometric indentifiers: the use of one or more physical characteristics of an individual (fingerprints, facial structure, iris), stored on a medium such as a smart card, bar code or document, to check the identity of the person presenting a document.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-5\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 1030\/2002 of 13 June 2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals (OJ L 157, 15.6.2002, pp. 1-7)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1030\/2002 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENT<\/p>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 539\/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, pp. 1-7)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>(1) The United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union and becomes a third country (non-EU country) as of 1 February 2020.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_European_Travel_Information_and_Authorisation_System_ETIAS\"><\/span>The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1240 \u2014 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1241 \u2014 amending Regulation (EU) 2016\/794 for the purpose of establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)<\/p>\n<p>They aim to strengthen security checks on non-EU citizens travelling visa free to the Schengen area contributing to:<\/p>\n<p>a high level of security;<br \/>\nthe prevention of illegal immigration;<br \/>\nthe protection of public health;<br \/>\nmore-effective border checks;<br \/>\nthe objectives of the Schengen Information System;<br \/>\nthe prevention, detention and investigation of terrorist offences or other serious crimes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points-4\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>ETIAS is an automated IT system created to identify any security or irregular migratory risks posed by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen area whilst ensuring fundamental rights and data protection.<br \/>\nIt will be developed by eu-LISA and aims to be operational by 2022.<br \/>\nNon-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorisation (ETIAS) prior to their trip.<br \/>\nAfter filling in an online application form, the system will conduct checks against EU information systems for borders and security.<\/p>\n<p>Prior verification of visa-exempt non-EU citizens will:<br \/>\nfacilitate border checks;<br \/>\navoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers when presenting themselves at the borders;<br \/>\nensure a coordinated and harmonised risk assessment of non-EU nationals; and<br \/>\nsubstantially reduce the number of refusals of entry at border crossing points.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Authorisation\"><\/span>Authorisation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The ETIAS travel authorisation costs \u20ac7.00 and is valid for 3 years. The travel authorisation can be revoked, should the conditions for issuing it be no longer met, or cancelled where the conditions were not met at the time of issuance.<br \/>\nIf travel authorisation is refused, the applicant retains the right to appeal. Appeals can be launched in the EU country which took the decision on the application, in accordance with its national law.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-7\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These regulations will apply from the date determined by the European Commission (on the basis of certain conditions being fulfilled) with the exception of certain articles of Regulation (EU) 2018\/1240 which have applied since 9 October 2018.<\/p>\n<p>ETIAS factsheet (European Commission).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENTS\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENTS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 September 2018 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amending Regulations (EU) No 1077\/2011, (EU) No 515\/2014, (EU) 2016\/399, (EU) 2016\/1624 and (EU) 2017\/2226 (OJ L 236, 19.9.2018, pp. 1-71)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) 2018\/1240 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 September 2018 amending Regulation (EU) 2016\/794 for the purpose of establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) (OJ L 236, 19.9.2018, pp. 72-73)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2019\/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of borders and visa and amending Regulations (EC) No 767\/2008, (EU) 2016\/399, (EU) 2017\/2226, (EU) 2018\/1240, (EU) 2018\/1726 and (EU) 2018\/1861 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decisions 2004\/512\/EC and 2008\/633\/JHA (OJ L 135, 22.5.2019, pp. 27-84)<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2019\/818 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration and amending Regulations (EU) 2018\/1726, (EU) 2018\/1862 and (EU) 2019\/816 (OJ L 135, 22.5.2019, pp. 85-135)<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1861 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 November 2018 on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of border checks, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, and amending and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1987\/2006 (OJ L 312, 7.12.2018, pp. 14-55)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1862 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 November 2018 on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, amending and repealing Council Decision 2007\/533\/JHA, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1986\/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Decision 2010\/261\/EU (OJ L 312, 7.12.2018, pp. 56-106)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2018\/1726 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and amending Regulation (EC) No 1987\/2006 and Council Decision 2007\/533\/JHA and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1077\/2011 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, pp. 99-137)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2017\/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry\/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States and determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No 767\/2008 and (EU) No 1077\/2011 (OJ L 327, 9.12.2017, pp. 20-82)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2016\/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009\/371\/JHA, 2009\/934\/JHA, 2009\/935\/JHA, 2009\/936\/JHA and 2009\/968\/JHA (OJ L 135, 24.5.2016, pp. 53-114)<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EC) No 767\/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 concerning the Visa Information System (VIS) and the exchange of data between Member States on short-stay visas (VIS Regulation) (OJ L 218, 13.8.2008, pp. 60-81)<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-18054\" data-postid=\"18054\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-18054 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Integration of biometric features in passports and travel documents Regulation (EC) No 2252\/2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by EU countries It seeks to harmonise the security features, including biometric identifiers*, for EU country passports and travel documents to protect against their falsification. It was amended by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[221],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18054"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18054"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18306,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18054\/revisions\/18306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}