The European Union’s (EU) much-anticipated Entry-Exit System (EES) is delayed yet again and is now expected to launch in November 2024.
This latest delay in the implementation of post-Brexit travel checks causes concerns about whether EU countries are prepared and how it will affect travelers crossing Schengen borders.
A shifting timeline
The EES, which was supposed to launch in 2021, has been delayed several times.
According to a report by The Independent, the new target date is November 10th, 2024, with a backup date of November 17th.
This automated border control system will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area.
European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand stated, “The roadmap for the delivery of the new IT architecture foresees that the Entry-Exit system will be ready to enter into operation in Autumn 2024.”
However, the exact date is still unconfirmed, with the Commission emphasizing that it will be announced “well in time for the start of operations.”
What travelers can expect
Under the new system, non-EU citizens will need to register their biometric information — fingerprints and facial scans — at the border during the first time they enter.
This data will be stored for three years to make entries and exits in subsequent visits smoother.
The EES will apply to all EU countries, except Cyprus and Ireland, as well as non-EU Schengen countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The main goals are to improve border security and identify travelers who stay longer than the allowed 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
(Image courtesy of Pixabay)
Challenges and concerns
The repeated delays of the EES implementation highlight the complex challenges faced by EU member states in preparing for this significant change.
Concerns have been raised about potential long lines and disruptions at busy border crossings, like airports and ferry terminals.
To address these concerns, reports suggested the introduction of a “relief valve” mechanism. This would allow border authorities to temporarily skip biometric registration during busy times to reduce congestion.
However, the European Commission has not officially confirmed this measure
Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, commented on the potential flexibility of the system.
“They will be able to dial down the amount of intervention for registration if the queueing gets excessive. That’s going to be available for all gateways into the European Union.”
ETIAS on the horizon
Closely linked to the EES is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a visa waiver program for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area.
Originally planned to launch shortly after the EES, ETIAS is now expected to be operational in spring 2025.
Travelers who need ETIAS will have to get authorization online, which will cost €7. This authorization will be valid for three years and will be linked electronically to the traveler’s passport.
(Image courtesy of Magda Ehlers via Pexels)
Travel industry response
The travel industry supports the delays, viewing them as an opportunity for better preparation.
Major airline and airport groups said in a joint statement that it is important to use more automation at national border points and to have enough resources to manage the new system.
They also asked for a public information campaign to tell travelers about the upcoming changes, emphasizing the need for a smooth start to avoid disruptions.
New waters for EU visitors and immigrants
The delayed implementation of the EES brings both challenges and opportunities for different travelers.
For short-term visitors, like tourists and business travelers, the new system should make border crossings faster in the future, even though there might be some problems at first.
Digital nomads and long-term travelers need to be careful about the 90-day limit in the Schengen Area because the EES will keep better track of entries and exits.
Students and researchers coming to the EU might find the new process helpful for multiple entries during their studies.
For non-EU family members of EU citizens, the EES could make travel easier by reducing manual checks and providing a more consistent entry process across Schengen countries.
A new era of EU travel
As the EU prepares for the eventual launch of the EES and ETIAS, both travelers and immigration authorities will need to adjust to this new digital border management system.
Even though there are still challenges, these systems could modernize and simplify travel for millions of visitors to the Schengen Area.
In the next few months, it is important for EU countries to complete their preparations, thoroughly test the systems, and make sure everything works smoothly.
For travelers, it will be important to stay informed about these changes and plan ahead to navigate the new EU travel rules after Brexit.