The European Commission has formally announced a phased rollout of its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES).
The EES is a digital border management tool to track the comings and goings of non-European Union (non-EU) citizens and residents in the Schengen Area.
According to officials, the EES will launch in 2025, though exact dates are yet to be confirmed.
The EES’s planned phased rollout
The EES aims to enhance border security and efficiency using biometric data instead of manual passport stamping.
Travelers must register their biometric data during their first border crossing, which will then be stored in a secure database for future use.
The system will store personal details, including names, travel document information, and biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.
Automating the process will help border officials quickly identify overstays and irregular migration, improving border checks for travelers.
The EES was initially set to launch in 2022 but has been delayed due to technical challenges.
Several EU countries needed more time to prepare for the new technology and manage expected long border wait times.
Recognizing the challenges of implementing such a complex system, the European Commission has proposed a phased rollout for the EES.
During the first six months, Member States will gradually integrate the EES into their border operations.
Initially, 10 percent of EU external border crossings will use the EES to process travelers.
This percentage will increase over time as authorities become more familiar with the technology.
The European Commission expects the EES to be fully implemented by the end of the six-month period.
This gradual approach will allow border officials time to adapt and to ensure that the system operates effectively before it is fully deployed.
It provides time for technical adjustments, operational training, and safe implementation of the new system.
To monitor progress, Member States will report regularly to the European Commission.
Meanwhile, the EU agency eu-LISA, which is responsible for managing large-scale IT systems, will oversee the technical management of the EES.
Launch delayed, but moving forward
With a revised start date in 2025, officials are confident the system will deliver its intended benefits.
According to the official EES website, “The complexity of the system requires extensive testing to ensure reliability and user-friendliness.”
To ensure the smooth implementation of the EES, EU Member States are upgrading their border infrastructure and training personnel.
The European Commission has allocated funds to support these efforts, especially at busy border crossings like airports and land entry points.
Still, some have raised concerns about handling biometric data and its potential privacy implications.
The European Commission has reiterated its dedication to protecting personal data and adhering to stringent EU privacy regulations.
In addition to the EES, the European Union plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025 after the EES is fully implemented.
The ETIAS system is similar to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Scheme for visa-exempt travelers.
It will require them to apply for and pay a fee of €7 for online travel authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area.
While the ETIAS and EES serve different purposes, they are designed to work together to improve border security and efficiency.
What travelers need to know about the EES
The introduction of the EES will require border authorities to collect biometric data during the first crossing.
This process may take longer than a simple passport stamp due to the adjustment period required for any new system.
Travelers should prepare for the change by allowing more time for border checks when the EES is introduced.
To avoid more disruptions, they must be prepared with their passport or any other travel document when traveling to the EU.
Travel and transport officials expect the delays to persist for a year after the rollout of the EES.
However, the new EES phased rollout planned in 2025 aims to launch the system more effectively.
This could mean that delays caused by the EES would be shorter than expected and quickly resolved.
Travelers are also advised to keep themselves updated with the latest information about new travel rules in Europe.
The new timeframe for the launch of the EES is still tentatively set for 2025, while the ETIAS launch will roll out six months later.
The UK’s new ETA scheme will also roll out to all visa-exempt nations, including European nationals, in April 2025.
Soon, visitors and border officials can look forward to a smoother and more secure European travel experience.