EU confirms new timeline
for EES and ETIAS
implementation
1 November 2023
The European Council has announced a new timetable for the implementation of the Entry/Exit system (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Both IT systems are designed to increase security and protect the EU’s borders, reduce illegal immigration and improve the systematic identification of overstayers. The implementation process for the EES and ETIAS has been subject to delays, with the launch dates for both systems being continuously postponed.
Once in place, the EES and ETIAS systems will apply to third-country nationals, including British citizens.
The new delivery roadmap foresees that the EES will be ready to enter into operation in Autumn 2024 and the ETIAS will be ready to enter into operation in Spring 2025.
The Entry / Exit System (EES)
The Council adopted the regulation for the Entry/Exit System (EES) in November 2017.
The EES will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of third-country nationals, and calculate the duration of their authorised stay. It will replace the obligation to stamp the passports of third-country nationals which is applicable to all Member States.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
The Council adopted the regulation establishing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in September 2018.
The ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation system for visa exempt travellers. Its key function is to verify if a third country national meets entry requirements before travelling to the Schengen area. The information submitted, via an online application ahead of their arrival at borders enabling pre-travel assessment of irregular migration risks, security or public health risk checks. It will be similar to existing systems in place in the US, Canada and Australia, among others.
Keep up to date with the latest immigration news
Smith Stone Walters will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update when further information on the implementation is available.
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