The EES includes biometric facial images
Credit: Pixabay:Tumisu
Manual passport stamping could be replaced with an Entry-Exit System (EES) as early as October 6 2024.
The implementation of the entry-exit system (EES) has seen several delays as EU countries diligently work to align their border controls with the central EES database. The most recent delay, requested by France, was to avoid travel delays during the Summer Olympics.
The goal was to introduce both the EES and a new form of visa under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) by mid-2025.
However, according to the latest European Union Travel Website update, the EES could be operational from October 6 2024, with ETIAS planned for six months later.
EES migration and border control
The introduction of both systems aims to enhance the security of EU members within the Schengen region by capturing data on visitors currently permitted to enter the area without a visa. This will impact travel to thirty countries, including Spain.
The primary goal of the EES is to significantly ease the identification process for authorities, particularly in identifying individuals who have overstayed the agreed 90-day period.
EES fingerprints
Therefore, new automated barriers will be introduced to record and file biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. The information will be stored in a secure database for a three-year period, enabling efficient cross-border monitoring and movement.
Unlike manual passport stamping, the EES will allow rapid identification of individuals who have overstayed the 90-day limit. This is a crucial development in the EU s efforts to prevent illegal migration across Europe. The system is viewed as a significant tool in enhancing EU security.
EES may deter UK travel
In the travel industry, concerns are already being raised about the potential impact this could have on tourism, particularly how it will deter UK travel.
In fact, a recent survey carried out by the UK’s Department for Transport found that 15 per cent of British adults are less likely to travel to the EU once the EES launches. Likewise, 20 per cent said they would delay their ferry trip to the EU if the system caused delays of more than an hour.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also expressed concerns. Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Head of Europe, said, “The industry is concerned there are critical unresolved items that will require urgent and coordinated action from both the EU and member states prior to its implementation.”
Conversely, Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive of Advantage Travel Partnership believes that Brits should not hesitate to travel to the EU from October. Her view is that although travellers may face delays when registering initially, the automated border controls will eventually speed up processing and the overall experience.
It remains to be seen if the level of concern being expressed will lead to the introduction of the EES being further delayed. In the meantime, British travellers should continue to follow the current guidelines, including getting their passports stamped at entry and exit points.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our
Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Marketer, copywriter, storyteller and President of Samaritans in Spain. They say variety is the spice of life and I am definitely loving life!
Leave a comment Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Known as the PEOPLE’S PAPER, Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain. And it’s FREE!
Covering the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Almeria, Axarquia, Mallorca and beyond, EWN supports and inspires the individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities we serve, by delivering news with a social conscience. Whether it’s local news in Spain, UK news or international stories, we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home.
With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month, EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain. The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close.
Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP), Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall). All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers. All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Close