EU Confirms November 10 Launch Date for New Biometric Entry/Exit System

In November 2024, the European Union is set to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), a state-of-the-art digital border management system. This new system is designed to revolutionize how non-EU travellers enter and exit the Schengen Area.

Launch Date and Purpose

The Entry/Exit System is scheduled to go live on November 10, 2024. It aims to enhance security and efficiency at Europe’s borders. According to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, the EES is “the most modern digital border management system in the world.”

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES will replace traditional passport stamps with a fully digital process. Non-EU travellers will no longer receive physical stamps. Instead, their entry and exit details will be recorded digitally. This ensures compliance with the rule that limits non-EU citizens to a 90-day stay within any 180 days.

Key Features of the EES

Digital Registration: The EES will replace traditional passport stamps with digital records, tracking the entry and exit points of non-EU citizens.

Biometric Data: Travelers will be required to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics upon their first crossing. Subsequent crossings will involve a simple passport scan.

Enhanced Security: The system aims to improve security by detecting overstayers, irregular migration, and fraudulent passports.

How Will EES Work?

On their first entry into the Schengen Area, travellers will need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition. This data will be securely stored and linked to their passport. For future trips, a simple passport scan at self-service kiosks will match their identity with the stored biometric data.

This system is designed to improve border security by preventing irregular migration and identifying potential threats. “We will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area with a foreign passport,” said Commissioner Johansson, highlighting the system’s robust biometric identification capabilities.

Benefits of the EES

Streamlined Border Crossings: Once fully operational, the EES will automate and digitize border checks, significantly reducing wait times and making the process faster for travellers.

Improved Security: The EES will bolster border security by using biometric data to accurately identify travellers, helping to detect and prevent irregular migration and other security threats.

Efficient Data Management: Authorities will benefit from a centralized database that digitally records and tracks all entry and exit information, ensuring better management and quick access to crucial data.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite its benefits, there are concerns about the EES’s implementation. Some worry that biometric checks could lead to longer queues at busy border crossings, especially between the UK and France.

To address these issues, there have been calls for a soft rollout or even a postponement. Additionally, doubts remain about whether the system will be fully ready by November 10.

Possible Delays and Future Rollouts

The EES has already faced several delays, initially planned for 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, logistical challenges, and the Olympic Games. A backup launch date of November 17, 2024, has been set in case of last-minute issues.

Travelers should also be aware of the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to launch in 2025. ETIAS will require visitors from 60 visa-free countries to obtain travel authorization and pay a small fee before visiting any of the 29 European nations covered by the scheme.

The Road Ahead

The EES marks a significant advancement in European border management. While challenges remain, its benefits are clear. As the launch date approaches, it will be important to monitor the system’s implementation and address any potential issues.