New EES System: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Europe later this year, you might have heard about some significant changes coming to the way we travel across borders. This autumn, Europe is rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch on November 10, 2024, with a possible delay until November 17. The EES aims to streamline border control and enhance security, but what exactly does it mean for your travels? Read on to find out how this new system will impact your journey and what you need to know to navigate it smoothly.

What is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The European Entry/Exit System is a new border control mechanism designed to record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals into and out of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes 29 European countries where passport-free travel is permitted. With the EES, the traditional manual passport stamping process is being replaced with a more advanced and automated system.

What Does the EES Involve?

When the EES is fully implemented, travelers will need to provide their personal details—such as name, nationality, and passport information—along with biometric data including fingerprints and facial scans. This biometric information will help authorities track the duration of your stay and ensure that you do not exceed the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.

How Will My Data Be Collected?

To collect your data, self-service kiosks will be installed at major airports, ports, and train stations throughout Europe. Here’s how the process will work:

Registration at Kiosks:

Upon arrival, you will register your passport details, scan four fingerprints, and take a facial scan at one of these kiosks.

Quicker Processing:

For future trips, you will only need to provide one piece of biometric data—either a fingerprint or a facial scan. Your details will remain valid for three years, provided your passport does not expire within that time.

Potential Delays and How to Avoid Them

While the EES is designed to streamline border checks, there might be some teething problems, particularly during the initial phase. First-time registrants could experience longer wait times, as getting accustomed to the new system may take some time.

France’s Special Arrangements

For those traveling from the UK, France has established border control officers at key locations, such as the Port of Dover, Eurostar terminal in St Pancras, and Eurotunnel LeShuttle terminal in Folkestone. This is due to a reciprocal border control arrangement between the UK and the EU, which means you’ll go through border checks before boarding your transport.

Benefits of the EES

Despite potential initial delays, the EES offers several long-term advantages:

Enhanced Efficiency:

The automated system aims to reduce waiting times and streamline border control processes.

Better Monitoring:

It will help EU authorities monitor the duration of stay more accurately and identify overstayers.

Increased Security:

By improving identity verification, the EES will assist in combating terrorism and organized crime, thereby enhancing overall security.

The EU views the EES as a crucial step towards more effective border management and improved oversight of who is crossing the EU’s external borders.

What This Means for Your Journey

Travel periods like Christmas and other holidays are likely to see increased traffic, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Check for any updates on travel conditions and be prepared for potential delays during the system’s initial rollout.

Soft Launch Period

There might be a ‘soft launch’ period of about six months where manual passport stamping could be used if the system causes significant delays. Eventually, an app will be introduced to allow passengers to pre-register some details, though biometric data collection will still be done in person.

How Are Companies Preparing for the EES?

Several transport companies are already making preparations to integrate the EES into their operations:

LeShuttle

LeShuttle has invested £67 million in upgrading its Folkestone and Calais terminals. They are installing 224 self-registration kiosks in a designated area. Although this upgrade might add around 4 to 7 minutes to journey times, the company is confident that the impact on customers will be minimal.

Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is setting up new processes for passengers arriving by coach. They will disembark to register at kiosks, go through passport control, and then reboard their coach, which will be sealed and transported to the ferry terminal. Car drivers will initially register their details on tablets, with plans to eventually use kiosks.

HS1 Eurostar

HS1, the line used by Eurostar, is installing 49 kiosks at London St Pancras International and doubling the number of manual border control positions from nine to eighteen. While first-time travelers might experience a slightly longer registration time, the goal is to minimize any additional queuing.

What About Airports?

For travelers arriving at airports, the EES process should be relatively straightforward. You will complete your registration after landing in the EU country, which should ideally reduce the time spent waiting compared to traditional passport stamping.

Exemptions to the EES

Certain groups will be exempt from the EES registration:

EU Passengers: Citizens of EU countries do not need to register their details.
Irish Citizens: Although Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, Irish citizens are also exempt.
Long-Stay Visa Holders: Non-EU nationals with long-stay visas or legal residency will not need to register.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

In addition to the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will come into effect around mid-2025. ETIAS is a visa waiver system that will require UK nationals, and other non-EU travelers who previously did not need a visa, to apply for travel authorization.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS will authorize travel for up to 90 days within a three-year period. It will function similarly to the US ESTA system and will cost €7. Travelers will need to apply for a new ETIAS if they get a new passport.

Conclusion:The introduction of the European Entry/Exit System marks a significant shift in border control within the Schengen Area. While there may be some initial hiccups as the system rolls out, its long-term benefits include enhanced security and more efficient processing for travelers. By understanding how the EES works and preparing for potential changes, you can ensure a smoother travel experience.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on current plans and announcements regarding the European Entry/Exit System (EES). Changes to the system’s implementation and other relevant travel regulations may occur. Always check for the most up-to-date information from official sources before your trip.

Source: www.saga.co.uk

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