A new digital system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) is on track to revolutionize border management. This will be of immense help especially to those EU non-citizens who travel within the Schengen Area. This incredible initiative will improve both safety and travel experience for millions of Americans. The EES will be rolled out gradually over six months, with full integration anticipated by April 2026.
What the EES does do is closely monitor travelers from outside of the EU as they arrive and leave the Schengen Zone. This zone consists of 29 European countries. Through tracking these movements, the system aims to strengthen the region’s security infrastructure overall. Improved tracking capabilities will allow for more efficient border control processes, making lines shorter and wait times lower for travelers.
The first stage of the EES will come into force on October 12, 2023. From this date, coach passengers leaving the UK by ferry from Dover will start to use the system. After that, we’ll add in the rest of non-residential visitor traffic on November 1, 2023. To ensure this transition goes as smoothly as possible, Eurostar designed and rolled out 49 new automated kiosks at London St Pancras station. Simultaneously, Eurotunnel has deployed more than a hundred kiosks on both sides of the crossing.
Nationals of all non-EU countries will have their biometric data registered the first time they use the EES. This can even involve taking digital scans of their passports. However, there are exceptions: children under 12 will not be required to provide fingerprints. If you’re less than 18 or more than 70 you’ll have to apply for the EES. Don’t be alarmed, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED ANY FEES! For all other travelers, the application fee is €20 and is valid for 3 years.
At border crossings, travelers will be greeted by a machine that asks them the same four key questions about their travel. These questions will address logistics to confirm your housing plans and the readiness of your finances. This process allows for each person to be vetted for the specific requirements of entering the Schengen Area.
Flexibility will be used during the transitional period at ports such as Dover to address any expected congestion. If lines are allowed to build up excessively, it is possible that officials will regress and stop EES operations. They plan to revert to manual passport stamping until order is restored. This is a sensible approach that focuses on good transportation efficiency while meeting the needs of the travelers’ conveniences.
The use of EES is an immense shift to the concept of managing borders inside Europe. The system tightens security measures and increases tracking efforts. That makes it safer for everyone traveling and makes it easier for everyone traveling to go back and forth across the border.