Deadline: 05-Nov-2026
The Accessible and Available Travel Facilitation program is part of Horizon Europe and aims to improve border management and travel systems across the European Union through advanced, inclusive, and privacy-conscious technologies.
The initiative supports solutions that make border crossing procedures:
- More accessible
- More secure
- Faster and seamless
- Inclusive for all travellers
- Safer for border practitioners
- Free from bias and discrimination
The programme also supports stronger integrated border management and modern digital travel systems.
Key Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Automated border control systems
- Seamless travel technologies
- Accessible visa and border procedures
- Biometric matching with enhanced privacy
- Digital travel credentials
- Practitioner decision-support systems
- Inclusive travel facilitation for vulnerable groups
- Reduced digital barriers at borders
- Improved passenger flow and security
Why the Program Matters
Border management systems in the European Union are rapidly evolving through technologies such as:
- Automated border gates
- No-gate border solutions
- Entry-Exit System (EES)
- Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
- Digital identity and travel credentials
However, many travellers still face challenges, including:
- Persons with disabilities
- People with reduced mobility
- Families and groups travelling together
- Individuals with low digital literacy
This programme aims to ensure that future border systems are fair, accessible, and rights-based while maintaining strong security standards.
What Projects Can Include
Supported projects may develop:
- Innovative border technologies
- AI-powered decision-support systems
- Privacy-focused biometric systems
- Operational border procedures
- Digital knowledge systems
- Automated traveller facilitation tools
Projects should minimise risks related to:
- Bias and discrimination
- Data misuse
- Privacy violations
- Accessibility barriers
Applicants are encouraged to align projects with the priorities of:
- Frontex
- eu-LISA
- European Border and Coast Guard Capability Roadmap
Funding Details
The programme operates under the Horizon Europe Innovation Actions framework.
Funding details include:
- Total call budget: €8 million
- Expected funding per project: Around €4 million
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Legal entities from any country
- International organisations
- Entities from non-associated third countries
Applicants must meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements.
Before signing a grant agreement, beneficiaries must:
- Register on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a project focused on inclusive and secure travel facilitation
- Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe regulations
- Align solutions with EU border management priorities
- Register through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal
- Obtain a PIC number
- Submit a complete project proposal before the deadline
Strong proposals should demonstrate:
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Technological innovation
- Privacy protection
- Scalability
- Security enhancement
- Practical implementation potential
Tips for Applicants
To improve proposal quality:
- Focus on user accessibility and inclusion
- Address privacy and biometric data protection
- Demonstrate real-world border management benefits
- Include measurable impact outcomes
- Align with Frontex and eu-LISA priorities
- Avoid discriminatory or biased system designs
FAQ
What is the Accessible and Available Travel Facilitation program?
It is a Horizon Europe funding initiative supporting accessible, secure, and seamless travel and border management solutions across the European Union.
How much funding is available?
The call has a total budget of €8 million, with individual projects expected to receive approximately €4 million.
Who can apply?
Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries, may apply.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects involving border technologies, biometric systems, automated travel facilitation, digital travel systems, and accessibility-focused solutions are encouraged.
What are EES and ETIAS?
EES is the Entry-Exit System, while ETIAS is the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System used within the European Union for border and travel management.
Is accessibility a major requirement?
Yes. The programme strongly prioritises accessibility for persons with disabilities, individuals with reduced mobility, and travellers with low digital skills.
Conclusion
The European Commission Accessible and Available Travel Facilitation program 2026 supports the development of inclusive, privacy-conscious, and technologically advanced border management systems across Europe. Through Horizon Europe funding, the initiative aims to create fairer, safer, and more accessible travel experiences while strengthening EU border security and digital innovation.
For more information, visit European Commission.
