Traveling to the European Union is about to become a lot more complicated. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live on October 12. This new system enhances security by continuously tracking travelers as they come into and go out of the country. It dramatically reduces actual crime and illegal cross-border migration. The EES will make it easier for visitors to comply with their limited stays. This partly answers the criticism that they’re overstaying their welcome.
The rollout of the EES is just one step in a wider move by EU officials to automate and digitize border control procedures. The newly-launched Entry/Exit System logs the biometric information of every traveler crossing the external border of the Schengen Area—both entering and leaving. This new feature greatly increases the ability to track visitor patterns. This project is very important with respect to third-country nationals. It’s an issue for British citizens, too, who are limited to spending 90 days out of every 180 days in the EU.
Implementation Timeline
The EES will be released in stages over six months. By three months after go-live, the system needs to be capturing around a third (35%) of travelers. This shortfall figure is projected to grow to approximately 50% by 150 days after launching. One thing is clear – all EU member states need to have all their border crossing points up and running with the EES by April 9. This deadline will be 180 days after the first limited rollout.
Throughout this transitional period, at least one border crossing point in each EU country should use the EES. Once completed, the system will allow real-time tracking at all crossing points including by sea, air and land. This is why it’s rolling out as the EU’s most important border control tool.
Data Collection and Privacy Concerns
As a component of the entry process, the EES will photograph travelers and collect other biometric data. Currently, we capture both a set of fingerprints and a photo of the traveler’s face. These will then be associated with critical passport data such as your name and date of birth. Additionally, law enforcement agencies must retain the data collected for at least three years. That would provide them with a 360-degree view of travelers’ whereabouts.
All travelers will increasingly care about privacy concerns with the growing collection of biometric data. That’s precisely what EU officials stress these measures are intended to do – increase security and help enforce compliance with visa rules. If you are submitting an application for a child under 12, no fingerprints are required. They still need to undergo the typical EES processing.
Replacement of Passport Stamps
The EES has already done something huge by phasing out traditional passport stamps. Now, it’s travelers who are getting digital records instead. Once the system is fully implemented on April 9, travelers will no longer receive a physical stamp in their passports. Rather, they’ll have their entries and exits from the Schengen Area tracked electronically. Their check-in and checkout each will be recorded electronically, enabling a more efficient and precise system of tracking counts.
This change has been in alignment with the international trend toward electronic border management. It will significantly improve the travel experience for the tens of millions of visitors that come to the EU annually. Travelers will need to familiarize themselves with these new requirements and come prepared in order to successfully navigate the EES.
