EU’s Biometric Entry/Exit System Set to Launch in October 2024

Europe’s long-awaited biometric border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), may finally have a launch date of October 6, 2024.

Eurotunnel, the company managing the underwater railway tunnel connecting the UK and France, announced the target date, though it is still pending confirmation from the Home Affairs Department of the European Commission, as reported by The Independent.

However, with the target date still unconfirmed by the European Commission and concerns from airlines mounting, questions remain about the EES’s smooth implementation.

What is the EES and who does it affect?

The EES aims to automate the registration of non-EU nationals, both visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, at external EU borders. This includes capturing facial scans, fingerprints, travel document details, and entry/exit timestamps.

The system replaces manual passport stamping and promises faster border checks, improved security, and easier identification of overstayers.

The ETIAS factor: Another layer of travel checks

Following the EES rollout in Fall 2024, the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is slated for mid-2025 with a six-month grace period.

ETIAS will require visa-exempt travellers, including UK and US citizens, to pre-register online and obtain authorization before heading to Europe.

Challenges and Concerns from the Airline Industry

The EES launch has drawn criticism from airlines like Ryanair, who submitted a document to the UK Parliament expressing concerns about:

• Complication for last-minute travel: Requiring registration 48 hours before departure could restrict spontaneous trips from the UK, further impacted by Brexit.
• Duplication with visa processing: Ryanair views EES as redundant for existing visa-based travel procedures.
• Operational burdens: Airlines and border control authorities may face significant resource strain in verifying travel eligibility and managing biometric checks.

France seeks delay beyond Paris Olympics

France, hosting the 2024 Olympics, has requested a postponement of EES implementation to avoid potential disruptions during the Games. This aligns with the airline industry’s call for more preparation time.

Uncertainties remain despite a potential launch date

While October 2024 seems like a concrete target for the EES, the lack of official confirmation from the EU and ongoing pushback from airlines underscore the uncertainty surrounding its smooth rollout.

Addressing operational challenges and collaborating with stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring a successful implementation that balances security with efficient travel for non-EU visitors.