The New EU Entry System (EES) Is On The Way: What Do Travelers Need To Know?

On November 10, 2024, the entry system into the Schengen area will change — the entry/exit system (EES) will work at its external borders. It will affect everyone entering for a short period of time, including those who do not need visas.

EES is a new digitalized system for registration and admission of foreign citizens to the territory of the European Union who travel for a short period of time (up to 90 days every 180 days). Both those entering on a short-term type C visa and those who have the right to visa-free entry will be registered in it.

The main goals and capabilities of the EES system are:

Speeding up the passage of border control.
Increased security.
Registration of entries and exits, as well as refusals of entry.
Monitoring compliance with the terms of stay and identifying violators (especially with overstays).
Identification of forged documents.
Additional collection of personal data.

EES replaces stamps in the passport and automates border control procedures. The system will collect the following information: data from the travel document (name, date of birth, etc.); date and place of entry/exit; biometric data (photos and fingerprints); information about refusal of entry (if any).

The EES system will operate in 25 EU member states with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How it will work:

Upon entering an EU country, it will be possible to enter personal data through special self-service terminals (if they are installed at this checkpoint).
It is also indicated that it will be possible to register in advance through the mobile application (if it is available in the countries of entry and exit).
Only holders of biometric passports will be able to use such terminals. Entry with regular passports will also be possible, but you will need to go straight to the border guard.
Those entering the EU for the first time, even with pre-registration, will still have to go to the border guard for a final decision on admission.
In the future, holders of biometric passports who have already used EES will be able to pass passport control automatically without a border guard.

Important changes:

Cancellation of stamps in passports when crossing the Schengen borders (except Cyprus and Ireland).
Automatic control for holders of biometric passports after initial registration.
All entries and exits will be recorded electronically only.

EES does not apply to:

Citizens of the EU and countries using EES.
Holders of residence permits and long-term visas.
Some categories of travelers (diplomats, crew members, cross-border workers, etc.).

The full list of exceptions can be found here.

The launch of the EES has already been postponed several times, but now the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs has officially announced the date of November 10, 2024.