The European Union is set to introduce two significant border control systems aimed at enhancing security and streamlining travel across the Schengen area. On Friday, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will officially be operational on November 10, 2024. This digital system will replace the traditional passport-stamping process for non-EU citizens, ensuring a more efficient way to monitor entry and exit at the external borders of the Schengen zone.
The EES will digitally record the movements of non-EU travelers, helping authorities track overstays and strengthen border security. This is part of a broader EU initiative to improve how borders are managed, addressing challenges related to irregular migration and security.
Following the implementation of the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to launch in 2025. ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before entering the Schengen area, enhancing pre-travel security checks. This system is designed to identify potential risks related to security, immigration, or public health before travelers arrive at EU borders.
Commissioner Johansson announced these developments during her visit to eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for managing large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security, and justice, based in Tallinn, Estonia. “This is a pivotal moment,” Johansson stated. “We are in the final testing phase, and there is a strong sense of momentum as all stakeholders, including airlines, train operators, and border officials, prepare for the big day.”
Johansson emphasized the significance of these systems for Europe's security, noting that more than 700 million tourists visited Europe last year. The EES, she explained, will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of millions of Europeans by preventing the use of fraudulent documents and reducing irregular migration.
The EES has been described as the "most advanced border management system in the world," integrating existing national and European databases to provide a unified platform for monitoring the movement of non-EU citizens. The launch date was strategically chosen to avoid peak travel periods, particularly around major events like the Paris Olympics.
The introduction of these systems has faced several delays due to technical challenges and concerns about the readiness of border officials and travel operators. Industry leaders have raised concerns about potential delays at busy borders, such as those between the UK and France, which handle millions of passengers each year.
Overview of EES and ETIAS
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed across 29 European countries, tracking the entry and exit of non-EU travelers to ensure compliance with the 90-day limit for short stays within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. The traditional passport stamping process will be replaced by self-service kiosks where travelers scan their passports, with biometric data like fingerprints and photos collected during their first entry.
Certain groups, including citizens of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, as well as Vatican passport holders and non-EU nationals with long-term residence permits, will be exempt from the EES requirements.
ETIAS, meanwhile, will introduce a new requirement for travelers from visa-free countries, mandating that they obtain travel authorization before their trip. This system will pre-assess potential security, immigration, and public health risks well before travelers reach EU borders.
To support travelers in navigating these new requirements, the European Commission has launched an official website providing detailed information on both the EES and ETIAS systems. Additionally, ETIAS Registration is available to assist applicants with their ETIAS applications, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
