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A date has finally been announced for the launch of the long-delayed EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
Europe’s new digital border system for non-EU citizens will officially go live on October 12 this year.
“The launch is another step towards making the EU the most advanced travel destination in the world,” said Henna Virkkunen, Vice President for Technical Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, in a statement.
“Working closely with Member States and the transport sector, we are creating a secure, efficient, and travel-friendly framework that reflects Europe’s commitment to security and technological innovation.”
When will the EU’s EES be fully implemented?
The EES is being introduced to increase border security and identify travelers who exceed their authorized stay in the Schengen area (90 days within a 180-day period).
The new system requires European border crossings to be equipped with special infrastructure. According to reports, the UK government has provided Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover with £3.5 million (€4.1 million) each to purchase registration kiosks.
Starting October 12, EU member states will gradually introduce the EES over a period of six months, according to a statement from the European Commission.
Border authorities will gradually register the data of third-country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully implemented at all border crossing points, the Commission said.
What does the EES mean for travelers?
The EES will be a registration system for travelers from the UK, the US, and other non-EU countries.
Travelers will have to scan their passport or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border. The system does not apply to legal EU citizens, EU residents, or people with long-term visas.
The system will record the traveler’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. The facial scans and fingerprints taken during initial registration will be stored in the EES database for three years.
During this period, travelers will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border upon entry and exit, which will be compared with the stored data.
Will the EES cause delays at the borders?
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is whether the new system will lead to queues and long waiting times at borders.
This is because travelers will have to cope with the new scanning technology that will be installed at all international land, sea, and air crossings in the Schengen area.
The Commission says it will continue to work closely with Member States to ensure a “smooth and effective rollout of the system.”
As the launch date approaches, travelers can expect information campaigns and awareness-raising measures at border crossing points, including airports across the EU, it added.
The EES will be followed by ETIAS in 2026
The EES will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) at the end of 2026, with a transition period of at least six months, meaning that it will not become mandatory until 2027.
Non-EU travelers who do not require a visa will then have to obtain authorization before entering the Schengen area.
To do so, they will have to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a fee of €20. This authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
Travelers from 60 non-EU countries must comply with ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee but must still apply for authorization.
Eurostar doubles the number of cabins for EES introduction
The Eurostar train line is already taking precautions to avoid delays at the border.
In view of overcrowding due to the limited capacity of London’s historic St. Pancras station, it is allowing passengers to board trains earlier.
Passengers can now take their seats 30 minutes before departure instead of waiting in the departure lounge.
According to the operator, this measure will avoid additional delays at check-in, security, and border controls when the EES system and, later, the ETIAS system are introduced.
Eurostar will also double the number of border officials and booths where checks are carried out.
As not all new EES kiosks (from 24 to 49) can be accommodated in their traditional location, they will be installed at various other locations throughout the station, which is currently used by both domestic rail companies and the HS1 high-speed line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel.
Eurostar has also assured passengers that “specially trained staff” will be available at the new counters at all times.
- source: euronews.com/picture: pixabay.com
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