Sunday, August 25, 2024 Europe is set to implement new border control measures starting in November 2024, introducing a biometric passport system designed to streamline entry and exit processes for travelers. This system will be followed by a new travel authorization requirement for many visitors, expected to roll out six months later. Here’s what you need to know about these upcoming changes.
The European Union (EU) will launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on November 10, 2024, as confirmed by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson. The EES will utilize biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial recognition—to allow short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers to enter and exit Schengen-area countries via electronic gates. This system is intended to replace the traditional passport stamps, which are currently used across European borders but are time-consuming and ineffective at tracking overstayers—travelers who remain in the Schengen area beyond the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.
The EES will register a traveler’s name, travel document type, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit, making it one of the most advanced border management systems in the world. “With the Entry/Exit System, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen area with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long, countering irregular migration.
And the Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, terrorists, or Russian spies to use fake passports thanks to biometric identification, photos, and fingerprints,” Johansson said. The Schengen area includes 29 countries, comprising 25 of the 27 EU member states and all countries in the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). This region, covering 4 million square kilometers and home to nearly 420 million people, allows for the free movement of people within its borders.
Ireland and Cyprus are the two EU countries not currently in the Schengen area. Following the introduction of the EES, Europe will roll out the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. This system will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply for authorization before entering any participating European country.
The ETIAS process will resemble the ESTA scheme used by the United States, requiring travelers to register online before their trip. ETIAS will affect approximately 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
While the application process will be quick and straightforward, travelers are advised to apply at least 96 hours before their flight. The authorization will be valid for three years, and travelers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the $7 fee. As Europe implements these new border controls, American travelers should plan for potential delays when transferring through European airports.
The new systems are designed to enhance security and streamline border crossings but may initially require additional processing time. These upcoming changes reflect Europe’s commitment to enhancing security and managing the flow of travelers more efficiently. While the new systems may introduce some initial hurdles, they ultimately aim to create a safer and more organized travel experience within the Schengen area.
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