The European Union is set to implement its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), a significant digital upgrade to border management that will transform travel for non-EU citizens, including those from the United Kingdom, across 29 participating countries. This new automated IT system aims to register all non-EU nationals, whether they require a visa or are visa-exempt, each time they cross an external EU border.
Upon arrival, travellers will undergo a streamlined registration process, primarily at self-service kiosks in airports, ports, and train stations, or directly with border officials. This involves providing biometric data, specifically facial images and fingerprints, which will be securely stored for a period of three years. The system will also record the date, time, and location of entry and exit. Subsequent crossings will primarily require verification of existing biometric data and travel document scans.
The primary function of the EES is to accurately monitor the duration of short stays. It will automatically calculate each individual’s stay within the Schengen Area, ensuring strict adherence to the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. This electronic tracking replaces the current manual stamping of passports, providing a more reliable and efficient method for identifying overstayers or individuals who have exceeded their permitted duration.
The system applies to all EU member states that are part of the Schengen Area, as well as non-EU Schengen countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Its introduction is designed to enhance border security, automate and speed up border checks, and modernise the management of external borders, ultimately creating a more secure and efficient travel environment for millions of passengers. While initially, travellers may experience some adjustments and potential delays as the system is rolled out, the long-term goal is to streamline the process for frequent visitors and improve overall border control.
