The European Union’s (EU’s) Entry/Exit System (EES) was first on our radar in early 2022.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System – the EES – was slated to be implemented this November. However, despite the EU has describing it as “the most modern digital border management system in the world”, this has now been indefinitely delayed. There will now be an initial pilot scheme although it is unclear which airports will be involved – we will update when we know more.
While the majority of us will not be affected by this for the time being, it is still worth looking ahead. The information below will help you be fully aware of what to expect and how to factor it into your travel plans.
What is the EU’s Entry/Exit System?
The EES is an automated IT system that will operate at airports, land borders and ports within the Schengen Area. It will register all the movements of “third-country nationals” (visitors from non-EU countries), who’ve booked a short stay in 25 EU countries (it will not apply in Ireland or Cyprus), Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
As British passport holders are “third-country nationals” each time we travel from the UK to an EU country we’ll be required to join a new queue. Passports (or other travel documents) will then be scanned at an automated self-service kiosk before you are free to cross the border.
Thanks to instant technology, our passports or travel documents will be scanned. The first time anyone completes the process, their biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be captured and recorded on the system. Also, the time, date and place of our entry/exit will be registered so the duration of our authorised stay can be calculated.
This is in addition to the following checks that border officials are required to note:
- The purpose of your visit.
- That you haven’t stayed for over 90 days within the past 180 days.
- You have an onward or return ticket, alongside additional monies to fund the entire length of your stay.
Where will EES checks take place?
Across Europe when you arrive and leave your destination’s airport or port. However, travel via the Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel and you’ll only need to complete the EES process when passing through passport control in the UK when departing. This is because there is a dual border.
You may be questioning -how long the queues will be at peak times when the EES comes into force at Dover. There’s no need to worry. £10.5 million has been pledged by the government to prepare the port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel for the upcoming EU digital border system.
What are the benefits of the EES?
Manual passport stamping will end because the EES is set to replace it. So, border control should be less time-consuming. Only in Cyprus and Ireland will your passport be stamped manually.
Do you travel regularly to an EU country? You’ll only need to register and submit your fingerprint and provide a facial biometric once every three years. After your first visit to the region, only your facial biometric will be used.
When walking through the EES System with a valid passport you’ll have the freedom to travel around the EU. Then when you need to renew your passport, you’ll only be required to register a new facial biometric registration.
Follow our travel advice on passports to ensure you have the freedom to travel.
What makes the EU’s Entry/Exit System stand out?
The Entry/Exit System is developed and managed by the eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). The eu-LISA aims to collect valid and reliable data at border control throughout the European Union.
The eu-LISA’S objectives for the EES are:
- To ensure visitors who’ve exceeded the maximum duration of their stay are detected.
- To detect, document and identify fraud instantly.
- To prevent irregular migration, to enhance the safety and security of EU citizens.
- Detect, prevent and investigate terrorist offences. Plus further criminal offences that could cause serious harm.
Also, it is hoped that third country nationals will be able to travel quicker and more comfortably due to this new large-scale IT system that uses automated biometric technology.
Should I be concerned about how my biometric data will be stored?
Collecting biometrics can have an impact on your privacy. However, the technology used ensures that travellers fundamental rights are protected.
View more information and answers about the EES.
What will follow the EES?
Another large-scale IT system that will follow the launch of the EES is planned 6 months after the full launch of the EES.
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorisation system. It’s for visa-exempt travellers – a visa-waiver.
Again, it will apply to all British passport holders to tighten security and border controls. Also, it will be valid for three years – or until your passport is invalid. However, you can complete it online before leaving home, rather than do so at border control.
From May 2025 a transitional period of six months will follow the ETIAS’s launch, to allow all British travellers to apply.
Learn more about the ETIAS and how to apply for yours before visiting Europe.
Travel With Confidence to Europe
If you’re planning a European holiday next year or further in the future – remember that the EES may be one more hoop you’ll have to jump through.
We hope we’ve provided you with all the travel advice and information you’ll need to be fully prepared for border control throughout Europe.
To travel with confidence, don’t forget to add Free Spirit Travel Insurance to your kit list for your next adventure to Europe.