The way British travellers enter the European Union is set for a dramatic high-tech overhaul. Get ready for the introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system designed to register non-EU visitors each time they cross an external EU border.
Scheduled for rollout in October 2024, this system will fundamentally change the border experience, replacing the manual stamping of passports with a fully digital process.
What Exactly is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a large-scale automated database that will record the name, biometric data (including fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling into the Schengen Area. This includes UK citizens following Brexit.
The primary goals of the system are to:
- Strengthen border security and prevent irregular migration.
- Automate and streamline border checks, making the process more efficient for travellers in the long run.
- Reliably identify overstayers and those who have exceeded the 90-day visa-free limit within any 180-day period.
How Will It Affect Your Journey?
For the first time you enter the EU under the new system, the process will take longer. You will need to:
- Present your passport at an automated self-service kiosk or to a border officer.
- Have your photograph taken to capture facial biometrics.
- Scan your fingerprints (four fingers from each hand).
This one-off registration will then be stored in the system. On subsequent trips, the process is designed to be much faster, using your biometrics to verify your identity quickly.
Where and When Will It Be Implemented?
The EES will be operational at all external borders of the Schengen Area. This includes:
- Airports: All international flights from the UK into the EU.
- Rail Stations: Key terminals like St Pancras for Eurostar services.
- Seaports: Ferry crossings from Dover, Holyhead, and others.
While the official launch is set for October 2024, travellers should be prepared for potential teething problems and initial delays as the new technology is bedded in across all entry points.
What About the ETIAS Authorization?
It is crucial not to confuse the EES with the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While the EES is an entry/exit database, ETIAS is a pre-travel online authorisation for visa-free travellers—similar to the ESTA for the USA. ETIAS is expected to be introduced in mid-2025, after the EES is fully operational.
The introduction of the EES marks the most significant change to EU border controls in a generation. For UK travellers, it signifies a new, digital-first era of post-Brexit travel to Europe.
