Friday, August 23, 2024 Starting November 10, 2024, non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area will face a new layer of border security as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes operational. The EES, a significant post-Brexit development, will introduce automated registration for travelers at EU borders, aiming to enhance security and streamline immigration control. This article explores the impact of the EES, the concerns surrounding its implementation, and the future introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ).
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border control system designed for non-EU travelers who do not require a visa to enter the EU. Upon its launch in November 2024, travelers will be required to scan their passports or travel documents at self-service kiosks at EU external borders. The system will record the traveler’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit.
Facial scans and fingerprint data will be collected every three years and will remain valid for multiple trips within that period. Who Needs to Use the EES? The EES will apply to all non-EU travelers, including UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area. However, it will not affect legal EU citizens or residents, nor those holding long-stay visas.
The system will be operational at all EU member states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, as well as four non-EU countries in the Schengen Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Why is the EES Being Introduced? The primary objective of the EES is to bolster border security across the Schengen Area. The system will help authorities monitor the movement of non-EU travelers, ensuring they do not overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180-day period).
By collecting biometric data, the EES aims to prevent irregular migration and reduce the use of fake passports by criminals, terrorists, and other malicious actors. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized the importance of the EES during a visit to the EU agency eu-LISA, which is responsible for the IT infrastructure behind the system. “With the EES, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area with a foreign passport.
It will help counter irregular migration and make it harder for criminals to use fake passports thanks to biometric identification,” Johansson said. Potential Travel Delays and Concerns While the EES is a significant step forward in enhancing border security, it has raised concerns about potential travel delays. The implementation of the system has faced multiple setbacks, primarily due to IT issues and delays in installing the necessary automated barriers at international land, maritime, and air borders.
In the UK, where the EES will be operational at major entry points such as the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel, there are fears that the new system could lead to long queues and delays. French authorities are working closely with the UK government to minimize the impact on border flows, but concerns remain about the potential waiting times. A European Council report highlighted that various countries have expressed concerns over the EES implementation delays.
As the launch date approaches, the time available to test the system and train personnel is rapidly decreasing. To address these concerns, the UK’s transport department has announced a “six-month soft launch” of the EES to simplify the process and reduce complications during the initial phase. Gradual Implementation and Flexibility To mitigate potential disruptions, the European Commission has suggested that the EES may need to be introduced gradually and flexibly.
This approach aims to reduce the likelihood of long waiting times at borders and ensure a smoother transition to the new system. Government agencies and representatives of the tourism industry are closely monitoring the situation to avoid significant disruptions to travel. What About ETIAS? Following the launch of the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to be introduced.
Originally scheduled for November 2023, ETIAS is now expected to be operational by 2025. This new system will require non-EU citizens who do not need a visa to obtain travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Unlike the EES, which monitors border crossings, ETIAS will serve as a visa waiver program.
Travelers will be able to apply for ETIAS online at a cost of €7. Once approved, the travel authorization will be electronically linked to their passport and will be valid for three years. While the exact launch date for ETIAS has not been provided, the EU has indicated that it will likely be introduced five to six months after the EES, with a gradual implementation period.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) marks a significant change The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) marks a significant change in how non-EU travelers will experience border control when entering the Schengen Area. While the system aims to enhance security and streamline immigration processes, it also raises concerns about potential travel delays. The gradual and flexible implementation of the EES, along with the upcoming launch of ETIAS, will shape the future of travel to and within the EU.
As the November 10 launch date approaches, travelers, carriers, and authorities alike are preparing for the changes that lie ahead..
