Digitalisation of border controls in the European Union: starting November 10

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Digitalisation of border controls in the European Union: starting November 10

Voted in 2017, the EES was originally supposed to be applied in 2022 but had been postponed until now, when the European Union has confirmed the imminent implementation of this new entry/exit system (EES): operational on November 10, it will have a significant impact on non-European foreign travellers wishing to stay in Europe.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System is an automated registration system for all non-EU travelers. Its implementation has been delayed several times to allow member states to adapt to the changes that will mark the process of crossing borders in all of them except Cyprus and Ireland. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which are part of the Schengen area but not EU members, are also not affected.

High-tech European borders: What will the Entry/Exit System change and what are its objectives?

-Modernise the management of the European Union’s external borders;
-Enable better tracking of entries, exits, and entry refusals;
-Identify people who have overstayed their permitted duration of stay;
-Collect biometric data to reduce the risk of identity fraud;
-Share information in real-time across all EU countries.

Impact on foreign travelers

The implementation of the EES will not impact European Union citizens, who already move freely within the Schengen area, nor long-stay visa holders. Non-European travelers, whether they need a visa to travel or not, are affected: the new control system will apply to any non-European citizen wishing to enter the country, regardless of whether they need a visa.

Among non-European nationals, two main groups are affected:

– People who do not need a visa to enter Europe: If you are a citizen of a country that currently does not require a visa for Europe for tourism or business purposes for a maximum of 90 days, you will be subject to this new EES control. This means that your data will be recorded every time you enter and leave the country.
– People who need a visa to enter Europe: For them, the procedure is quite similar to the current one, but the data will now be digitally recorded by the EES. This new control not only speeds up the process but also (and more importantly) helps authorities ensure compliance with visa conditions.
This marks the end of passport stamps for them, which had been the rule until now and allowed for some abuses. When crossing an external border, these travelers will need to scan their passport at a self-service kiosk, which, before allowing them to pass (or not), will record their name, biometric data, as well as their entry and exit dates. The information will be valid for three years.
This new protocol could generate some complexity, especially for travelers less comfortable with digital technology. Air passengers will likely need to allow extra time at the airport to ensure they have completed all necessary steps, a significant challenge during peak travel periods.
Concerns particularly focus on potential delays at border control points with the UK. French authorities are working with the British government to minimise the impact of this new control type, but fears persist regarding the ferries between Dover and Calais.

Difference between the EES and ETIAS

There is sometimes confusion between the EES and ETIAS, as both systems have been in the works for several years, but they are very different things:

EES system: This is an entry/exit control system that collects the biometric and travel data of non-European citizens, whether they need a visa or not. It records the entry and exit of a person in Spain and other Schengen countries.
ETIAS: This is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a pre-travel authorisation request for citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter Schengen area countries. In principle, before traveling, you will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation online, similar to the ESTA system in the United States.
Summarising, the EES controls physical entries and exits at the border, while ETIAS is a prerequisite for obtaining entry. The launch of the latter has been delayed multiple times, with its new entry date now set for February 2025.

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