The European Union is set to implement a new Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 12. This system will track the movements of non-EU citizens within the Schengen area by collecting biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. The change aims to enhance border security and ensure visitors comply with stay limits.
Key Takeaways
- The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live on October 12.
- It will collect biometric data (fingerprints, facial photos) from non-EU visitors to the Schengen area.
- The system aims to reduce crime, prevent illegal immigration, and track overstays.
- Initial registration will take longer, using self-service kiosks at border points.
- The rollout will be staggered, with full implementation expected by April 9.
Understanding the New Entry/Exit System
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management initiative by the European Union. Its primary function is to register non-EU citizens each time they cross an external border of the Schengen area. This includes both entry and exit points.
Unlike previous methods that relied solely on passport stamps, EES will create a digital record of each traveler's movements. This process will involve capturing specific biometric information to create a comprehensive profile for each visitor.
"The new system will track cross-border movements in the Schengen area of 29 countries. This will be done by capturing the biometric data of visitors – just as other countries, including the US, already do," an EU official stated, highlighting the shift towards digital tracking.
Schengen Area Coverage
The Schengen area comprises 29 countries. This includes nearly all EU member states, with the exceptions of Cyprus and Ireland. Additionally, non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are part of the Schengen zone.
How Biometric Data Collection Works
For non-EU citizens, the first interaction with the EES will involve a more detailed registration process. Travelers will have their photo taken and fingerprints scanned. Their passport data, including full name and date of birth, will also be recorded digitally.
Border crossings across the Schengen area have been equipped with self-service kiosks. These kiosks are designed to facilitate the initial registration process, allowing travelers to input their details and capture their biometrics directly. This is similar to how visitors are fingerprinted when entering the United States.
On subsequent visits, the system will verify the traveler's identity against the previously stored biometric data. If a traveler has a biometric passport and the border crossing uses E-gates, entry should be faster after the initial registration.
Purpose of EES
The EES has two main objectives. First, it aims to enhance security by reducing crime and preventing illegal cross-border movements. Second, it is designed to ensure that non-EU visitors do not overstay their permitted time in the Schengen area. Non-EU citizens are generally allowed to spend 90 days out of every 180-day period within the bloc.
Staggered Implementation and Rollout Schedule
The EES will not be fully operational at all border points immediately. To prevent potential logistical issues and delays, the rollout will be staggered across member states. Each country has some flexibility in deciding how and where to implement the system.
However, there are specific targets for adoption: within 30 days of the launch, countries must be registering 10% of travelers. This increases to 35% at 90 days and 50% at 150 days. By day 180, which is April 9, all travelers must be registered in the system.
At least one border crossing point in each EU country must have the system operational from October 12. The European Commission has advised member states to implement the system at various crossing points, including sea, air, and land borders, to ensure broad coverage.
Details of Collected Biometric and Personal Data
The biometric data collected will include fingerprints and a facial photograph. These are captured using the self-service kiosks or at border control desks.
In addition to biometrics, the system will record essential passport information. This includes the traveler's full name and date of birth. The dates and specific locations of entry into and exit from the Schengen area will also be logged. If a traveler is refused entry, this information will also be noted within the system.
Travelers may also be asked about their intended accommodation during their trip and whether they possess sufficient funds to cover their expenses. This information helps border officials assess compliance with entry conditions.
Potential for Initial Delays and Future Changes
Officials acknowledge that there might be some delays during the initial phase of EES implementation. An EU official noted that while efforts are being made to minimize disruptions through gradual rollout, "there might be some delays at the beginning." The introduction of self-service kiosks is expected to help streamline the process once travelers become familiar with it.
The new system will eventually replace traditional passport stamps. However, during the six-month staggered rollout, passports may still be stamped at some border crossings. This is to ensure that countries not yet fully integrated with the EES can still track visitor days. Once the system is fully effective on April 9, passport stamps for non-EU citizens will largely be phased out.
- Data Storage: Information collected by EES will be stored for three years. For frequent travelers, this data will be automatically renewed with each visit. If a traveler does not enter the Schengen area for more than three years, they will need to re-register their details on their next trip.
- New Passports: If a traveler obtains a new passport, they will not need to re-register their biometric data. The system will simply update their new passport number linked to their existing biometric profile.
Exemptions and Specific Cases
Who Does Not Need to Register?
EU citizens are exempt from the EES because their biometric data is already part of existing EU databases. The same exemption applies to legal residents of EU countries, regardless of their nationality. These residents will have already provided their biometric data as part of their residency application process.
Children under 12 years old are exempt from providing fingerprints. However, they must still go through the other parts of the registration process, including having their photo taken and passport details recorded.
British Citizens and Overstay Rules
Following Brexit, British citizens are now categorized as third-party nationals. This means they are subject to the EES requirements, similar to other non-EU citizens. The only exceptions are British citizens who are legal residents in an EU country or are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
It is important for all non-EU citizens to accurately track their days spent in the Schengen area. The rule allows for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can lead to penalties ranging from fines to deportation and even bans from the entire bloc.
Travelers who need assistance calculating their remaining days can use official online calculators provided by the EU to ensure compliance.
Future Travel: The ETIAS System
Looking ahead, the EU is also planning to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This will be a pre-travel visa waiver, similar to the ESTA system used for travel to the United States.
The ETIAS launch has faced multiple postponements. An EU spokesperson indicated that it is now expected to launch "probably" by the end of next year. An information campaign is planned to begin six months before the official launch, providing travelers with ample notice about the new requirements.
