EU delays launch of Entry / Exit System (EES) but accepts new digital travel proposals
At a meeting of EU interior ministers on 10 October, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced that the planned 10 November 2024 launch date for the Entry/Exit System (EES) is no longer on the table.
The commissioner noted that France, Germany and the Netherlands have declared that they are not ready and that the EU could introduce the new system in a phased-in manner. No new timeline has been announced so far.
The Council adopted the regulation for the EES in November 2017. EES will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of third-country (non-EU) nationals and calculate the duration of their authorized stay. It will replace the obligation to stamp the passports of third-country nationals which is applicable to all Member States.
In the meantime, the EU is exploring new ways to digitalise travel to the Schengen area, including the following proposals.
Proposal for new digital travel application
On 8 October 2024, the European Commission adopted two proposals to digitalise passports and identity cards, also called ‘EU Digital Travel application’, for individuals travelling to and from the Schengen area.
Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens are subject to systematic checks when crossing the EU’s external borders. Currently, these checks are made physically at the border crossing point, with almost 600 million crossings recorded in 2023 alone.
The Commission is therefore proposing a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials and a new ‘EU Digital Travel application’, for travellers to create and store their digital travel credentials. The new rules will make traveling to and within the Schengen area easier and more secure.
Digital passports and ID cards
Digital travel credentials are a digital version of the data stored on passports and identity cards. The data includes information contained in the chip of the passport or ID card, including the facial image of the holder, but not fingerprint.
A digital travel document can be stored on a mobile phone. It will be completely voluntary for travellers to ask for or use this digital version of their documents, free of charge.
This will:
- Allow smoother and faster border crossings for travellers: Both EU and non-EU citizens will be able to submit their digital passports or ID cards ahead of the journey, for an advance border check, when travelling to or from the EU.
- Facilitate freedom of movement and reduce administrative burdens for EU citizens: Member States may allow EU citizens to use digital identity cards for registration and identification. For example, they could be used for registration with national authorities when taking up residence in another Member State, or to facilitate access to electronic identification schemes.
- Improve the efficiency of border controls: Border management authorities will be able to focus their time and resources on detecting cross-border criminals and migrant smuggling thanks to advance checks made possible by digital travel credentials.
- Improve the security of the Schengen area: Digital travel credentials will make it easier for authorities verify the authenticity and integrity of travel documents, making it harder for fraudsters to use fake documents or pass through borders undetected.
The EU Digital Travel application
The EU Digital Travel application will be developed by the Commission, with the support of eu-LISA, and deployed at EU level. The application will be available for all EU and non-EU citizens with a biometric passport or EU identity card travelling to or from the Schengen Area.
Thanks to the EU Digital Travel application, travellers will be able to:
- Create digital travel credentials, using their passports or, in the case of EU citizens, their identity cards.
- Submit travel plans and documents to the border authorities in advance, reducing waiting times at border crossings since most checks will be completed beforehand.
- Ensure their data is protected: The application requires user consent before processing personal data. Additionally, Member States will be required to provide border authorities with comprehensive training on data security and data protection rules before authorizing them to access the data.
The EU digital travel application will become available as of 2030. This will provide the possibility to store the digital travel credentials in the European Digital identity wallet.
Next steps
It is now for the Council and the European Parliament to agree on the proposals. Once adopted, in accordance with the relevant procedures, the EU Digital Travel application and the necessary technical standards will be developed.
Get help and support with European immigration
The Global Immigration team at 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.
