EU confirms start date for Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs has confirmed the launch date for the forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) as 10 November 2024.

The Council adopted the regulation for the EES in November 2017, but its launch has been repeatedly delayed whilst EU Member States prepared for this significant change to border crossing processes.

From 10 November, the EES will require non-EU travellers to register their biometric information when arriving at a border crossing point for the first time since the system started.

Closely linked to the EES is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a visa waiver program for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area. The ETIAS is expected to come into force during the first half of 2025.

Both of these new systems will impact most non-EU citizens travelling to the EU for short stays, including British nationals. ‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the European countries using the system.

The EES will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of third-country (non-EU) 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 system has been designed to enhance border security and monitor overstayers across Europe, whilst preserving the openness and mobility that define the region.

The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, regardless of whether they require a visa for short stays in Europe or not. However, some exemptions apply.

More information on the EES is available here.

What is the ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries.

Currently, visitors from around 60 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, can visit the EU’s Schengen area for up to 90 days in every 180-day period, without a visa. Under the ETIAS, these visa-exempt nationals will need to apply online for a visa waiver to travel to the EU for short stays.

Travellers who need an ETIAS visa waiver will need to apply online and pay a fee of €7. Once granted, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the travel document used in your application expires, whichever is soonest. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

More information on the ETIAS is available here.

Impact on EU travel

As the EU prepares for the launch of the EES and ETIAS systems, travellers will need to be aware of the impact these changes may have on their future travel plans to and within the EU.

As well as accounting for the additional cost to apply for an ETIAS authorisation, travellers will need to ensure they do not breach the 90-in-180-day maximum stay rule, or risk being identified as an overstayer by the EES system when crossing the border.

When the EES scheme launches in November, travellers should also be prepared for delays and long queues as passport control officers collect biometric data from passengers at busy border crossings like airports and ferry terminals.

However, this should ease over time as it will be a quicker process for officials to verify the biometric information of travellers who have crossed the border more than once since the launch of the EES, as their data will already be held in the system.

Although travellers and immigration authorities are likely to face some teething problems with the initial rollout of the schemes, in the longer term these digital systems have the potential to simplify and modernise the customer experience for millions of visitors to the Schengen area.

Get help and support with European immigration

Smith Stone Walters is on hand to provide up to date advice and guidance to individuals and employers on travelling to Europe, including assessing eligibility for a Schengen visa and preparing for the new EES and ETIAS requirements.

To speak to an immigration advisor, please call 0208 461 6660 or email info@smithstonewalters.com.