The EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally set to roll out in 2025, bringing significant changes for non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area. The system, designed to streamline border crossings and enhance security, will introduce biometric data collection and automated passport control for visitors. After multiple setbacks, the European Commission (EC) is now aiming to implement the system progressively across EU borders in the coming years.
What is the EES and How Will It Work?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated registration system for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens post-Brexit, who enter the EU without requiring a visa. This system will capture passport details and biometric data, including facial scans and fingerprints, at self-service kiosks during entry and exit at external borders.
The EES will apply to travelers visiting for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It will not affect EU citizens or those with long-term visas. Once deployed, the system will register key information about each traveler, including their name, biometric data, and the dates and locations of their entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
Key Features: Biometric Data and Enhanced Security
A key feature of the EES is the collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, which will be taken every three years and stored for multiple visits. The goal is to create a secure, data-driven record of travel activity, making it easier to track overstays and improve border security. The system is expected to significantly reduce the administrative burden at borders and help identify individuals who overstay their allowed time.
Ylva Johansson, former EU Home Affairs Commissioner, highlighted the importance of the EES in tracking foreign visitors accurately and addressing overstays, which is a major concern for the Schengen Area’s security.
Delays and Implementation Challenges
The EES has faced numerous delays since its original proposal in 2016. IT issues and the installation of new automated border control systems have been cited as the primary reasons for the delays. For instance, countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, which are major tourist destinations, have voiced concerns about the readiness of the system, citing the need for further testing of the required infrastructure.
Additionally, adjustments to existing infrastructure, such as reinforcing airport floors to accommodate new biometric scanners, have contributed to the delays. While December 2023 was initially set as the launch date, it has now been postponed to 2025.
Gradual Rollout: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
The EES will be introduced gradually, with a soft launch at 10% of border crossings across member states, allowing countries to fine-tune the system during the initial six months. During this period, passports will still be stamped alongside the electronic tracking. After the first six months, the system is expected to be fully operational, with biometric data playing a central role in border control.
In addition to the EES, travelers will also need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting in 2026. The ETIAS will be a visa-waiver program for nationals of countries that do not require a visa to visit the EU. Travelers aged 16 to 70 will need to pay a fee of €7, and the authorization will be valid for three years.
Which Countries Will Be Affected?
The EES will apply to all Schengen Area countries, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. Additionally, four non-EU countries within the Schengen Area—Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—will also implement the system.
Conclusion
While the Entry/Exit System will enhance security and simplify border processes for non-EU nationals, its gradual rollout will require cooperation between EU member states and technological adaptation. Once fully operational, it promises to streamline travel across the EU while improving tracking of visitors. This marks a significant step toward modernizing border controls in Europe, making them more efficient, secure, and data-driven.
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