Starting November 10, 2024, the European Union will introduce a new automated system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the external borders of the Schengen area. This system is set to replace the traditional passport stamping process for non-EU nationals, using automated terminals for border checks instead. The system will not affect EU citizens, Schengen area residents, or individuals holding long-term D visas or residence permits.
Brussels has been gearing up for this launch, stating, “It seemed like this day would never come, but now carriers, operators, stations, and airports are all preparing for this significant change.” Initially planned for 2022, the EES faced delays due to technical challenges and issues with the installation of automated barriers at Schengen area land, sea, and air borders.
The EES aims to streamline and digitize the collection of personal data for non-EU travelers, ensuring automated control over border crossings. This system applies to all non-EU citizens, regardless of visa requirements, and replaces manual passport stamping with self-service terminals. Travelers will need to scan their passport or travel document at these terminals whenever they cross an external EU border. Notably, the system does not apply to those with residence permits or long-term visas in EU countries.
The EES will store personal data, including names, biometric information (facial scans and fingerprints), and details about entry and exit points. Biometric data will be collected only once every three years and will remain valid for multiple entries during that time.
EU border authorities will benefit from real-time information sharing through the EES, which is expected to aid in identifying illegal migrants, detecting forged documents, and ensuring compliance with stay limits within the Schengen area (e.g., exceeding the 90-day limit on a C visa within a 180-day period).
It’s important to note that the system will operate at all EU borders, except in Cyprus and Ireland, where manual stamping will continue. Additionally, the system will be enforced in the non-EU Schengen countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
According to EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ilva Johansson, the new system will significantly improve border security. “With the EES, we will have precise knowledge of who is entering the Schengen area with a foreign passport. This will help us track overstayers and combat illegal migration. Furthermore, the biometric identification features of EES, such as photographs and fingerprints, will make it harder for criminals, terrorists, or spies to use fake passports,” Johansson explained.
Source: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, dom.com.cy