A date for the start of the EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) has finally been announced.
Officials have said that Europe’s new digital border system for non-EU nationals will be rolled out beginning on 12 October this year.
“The launch sets up a step closer in making the EU the most advanced travel destination in the world,” Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said in a statement.
“By working closely with Member States and the transport sector, we are creating a secure, efficient, and travel-friendly framework that reflects Europe’s commitment to both security and technological innovation.”
🌎 When will the EU’s EES be fully launched?
The EES is being introduced to bolster border security and identify travellers who overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180-day period).
The new system requires Europe's border crossings to have dedicated infrastructure installed. The UK government has reportedly provided Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover with £3.5 million (€4.1 million) each to spend on registration kiosks.
From 12 October onwards, EU Member States will start introducing the EES gradually over a period of six months, the European Commission has said in a statement.
Border authorities will progressively register the data of third-country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points, according to the Commission.
🌎 What does the EES mean for travellers?
The EES will be a registration system for UK, US and other non-EU travellers.
Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border. It will not apply to legal EU citizens or residents or those with long-stay visas.
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