Some years in the making, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) finally came into effect on Friday, April 10, after several delays and issues with the technology.
The new system applies to all non-EU Nationals who travel to an EU country for a short-term stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). The automated process requires valid travel documents and will collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, as well as travelers’ exact dates and places of entry and exit.
The rollout of the new technology across European airports started this October, beginning with Croatia and Estonia. The European Commission says the system is now “fully operational” as of April 10, but it appears not all countries and airports are ready to begin processing visitors in this way. According to Simon Calder, travel expert at The Independent, France, Greece, Poland and Spain are among the destinations that are “far from ready” to launch the new EES system.
Here’s everything you need to know about the EU’s Entry/Exit system—including the new rules, the countries in the Schengen area that will be enforcing the new system, and how it might impact airport wait times.
What is the new Entry/Exit system (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new border crossing procedure that collects and registers the biometric data of non-EU nationals visiting European Union member states. The system, which is being implemented at both international train and airport terminals, “will replace passport stamping with digitally recorded entries, exits, or refusals of entry of non-EU nationals coming for short stays,” the European Commission said in a statement. “Travelers’ facial image, fingerprints, and personal data from the travel document will be also recorded. ”
Travelers will need to register in the system every time they cross a border entering or leaving the EU, but not when moving between EU member countries. This will be completed by border control agents at passport checkpoints, or via automated kiosks or eGates. The scheme is designed to identify suspected criminals, combat identity fraud, and to police the EU’s limit on 90-day stays within a 180-day period, according to the European Commission.
How does it work?
The first time you enter an EU nation while EES is operational, a passport control officer will take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints. (You can also register your data in advance by using the Travel to Europe mobile app.) After that initial scan, your information will be recorded in the EES system. Then, the next time you encounter an EU border check, an officer will either verify that your data matches (as opposed to taking your photo or scanning your fingerprints again) or, if available, you’ll be able to use a self-service kiosk. Upon each border crossing, EES will document the date and place of your entry and exit.
