After years of delays, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally set to debut in 2025, marking a significant step forward in modernizing border management across the Schengen Area. Proposed nearly nine years ago, the system will digitally register and monitor non-EU nationals entering and exiting the EU, enhancing border security and streamlining travel procedures.
What Is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System is an automated registration platform designed for non-EU travelers who do not require visas to enter the bloc. It will:
Register the traveler’s name, biometric data (facial scans and fingerprints), and the date and place of entry and exit.
Replace the traditional passport-stamping process with electronic records.
Require travelers to use self-service kiosks to scan their passports or travel documents.
The biometric data collected will remain valid for three years, allowing multiple trips within that period.
Why Is the EES Being Introduced?
The EES aims to bolster border security and monitor compliance with the Schengen Area’s 90/180-day rule. EU officials emphasize its importance in identifying overstays and ensuring efficient management of external borders. “With the EES, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area with a foreign passport,” said Ylva Johansson, the EU’s former home affairs commissioner.
Countries and Regions Covered by the EES
The EES will apply to non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, entering the Schengen Area for short stays. The system will operate in all EU member states except Cyprus and Ireland, as well as non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
A History of Delays
Originally slated for implementation in 2022, the EES has faced numerous delays due to IT challenges and logistical hurdles, such as installing heavy automated barriers at borders. In some cases, airports needed to reinforce floors to support the new scanners. Concerns raised by major tourist destinations like France, Germany, and the Netherlands about practical testing further postponed the rollout.
Gradual Rollout and Future Developments
The European Commission plans to initiate a phased rollout, with 10% of border crossings in each member state using the system on day one. During this initial phase, traditional passport stamping will continue alongside electronic recording. The EES is expected to become fully operational within six months, followed by the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
ETIAS will serve as a visa-waiver program for travelers aged 16 to 70, costing €7 and valid for three years. An accompanying app, currently in development, may further simplify entry and exit processes by capturing biometric data.
What Travelers Need to Know
Who It Applies To: Non-EU nationals, including Americans, Brits, and other travelers who don’t require a visa.
What’s Required: Passport scanning and biometric data registration at self-service kiosks.
Timeline: Gradual rollout in 2025, with full implementation expected within six months.
Additional Requirements: ETIAS registration six months after the EES goes live.
This system promises a more secure and efficient border crossing experience while addressing overstays and enhancing Schengen Area border management.
Source: Euronews
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