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Date Published: 09/12/2024

EU proposes gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit border control system

The EES border management will now be phased in over a period of 6 months

After already suffering several delays, the introduction of the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), which will implement fingerprint and facial recognition checks for non-EU travellers at ports and airports, is set to undergo even more changes.

It might feel like the never-ending story, but the border control system, last tipped to go live in November, is an extremely complex scheme and Brussels wants to make absolutely sure that every country is equipped and ready for the roll-out.

As a result, the European Commission announced last week that it’s considering a six-month phased introduction of the border management system to ensure that it works “fluidly” from day one.

This proposal must now be approved by the other two co-legislators, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.

Once it’s properly up and running, the EU will have the “most modern digital border control system in the world” and the EES will represent an “important milestone in the Union’s efforts to improve border security, knowing who enters and who leaves the Union territory,” explained Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration.

Designed to modernise and secure Europe’s borders, the EES will provide real-time data on who enters and exits the EU.

Assuming the proposal is passed, which seems likely given the level of support from member states, the EES, originally set for launch in late 2023, will instead be introduced incrementally.

Member states will begin using the system at select border crossings, starting with at least 10% of crossings on day one. By the end of the six-month period, the system will be fully operational across all external borders.

During this transition, electronic data registration will begin at designated borders, while passports will continue to be stamped at all crossing points.

In theory, this approach will ensure minimal disruption and provide a buffer for addressing technical issues. The proposal also allows for temporary system suspensions in case of unexpected failures, avoiding excessive delays for travellers.

How the Entry/Exit System works

The EES is a state-of-the-art automated system designed to register the entry and exit of third-country nationals travelling for short stays in the EU or Schengen-associated countries.

The system will capture key data, including:

Biometric information (fingerprints and facial images)
Passport details
Dates and locations of entry and exit
Any refusals of entry

Costing 480.2 million euros over four years, the system is expected to streamline border checks, strengthen the Schengen area’s security and curbing identity fraud.

It will also help identify individuals who overstay their visas and automate routine border control tasks, reducing wait times and improving travellers’ experiences.

In other news: When will I need a special ETIAS permit to get into Spain and how can I get one?

Image: EES

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