Passport Stamping in Ireland and Cyprus Continues Despite Introduction of EES

Ireland and Cyprus will maintain the practice of manually stamping passports despite the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in the European Union. This article explores the factors contributing to this exception and examines the impact of the EES on other countries, including Romania and Bulgaria.

• Manish Khandelwal
• 13/07/2023
• Visas & Passports

As you may be aware that the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to become operational by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. While the EES aims to replace manual passport stamping with a digital system, Ireland and Cyprus will continue to stamp travellers’ passports.

This article explores the reasons behind this exception and highlights the impact of the EES on other countries.

Passport Stamping in Cyprus and Ireland

Despite being EU member states, Cyprus and Ireland still rely on manual passport stamping, as confirmed by the EU on the official EES website. The primary reason for this practice is that neither country is part of the Schengen Zone.

Cyprus faces border issues with the other half of the Cypriot island, hindering its accession procedures. On the other hand, Ireland made the decision not to join Schengen in 1985.

The Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES is a recently developed automated IT system within the EU that aims to monitor travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area. One of its key features is the replacement of traditional passport stamping with a digital process.

Delay in Implementation

Originally planned for May of this year, the effective implementation of the EES has been postponed to an undisclosed date. The agency responsible for its operation, eu-LISA, has confirmed the uncertainty surrounding the system’s operational commencement.

Impact on Romania and Bulgaria

Although Ireland and Cyprus are exempt, the EES will apply to Romania and Bulgaria, both of which are still in the process of joining the Schengen Area.

It is important to note that these countries do not issue Schengen visas but utilize the EES. Travellers planning to visit Bulgaria and Romania must consider specific rules when organizing their trips.