EU Launches New Entry/Exit System, Tracking Biometric Data of Travelers

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) went live today, October 12, marking a significant shift in border control for non-EU citizens traveling to the Schengen area.

The EES will track the movements of individuals entering and exiting the 29-country Schengen area – encompassing most EU states excluding Cyprus and Ireland, as well as Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway – by capturing and storing their biometric data. Similar to procedures already in place in countries like the United States, travelers will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded upon entry and exit. This system aims to enhance security by reducing crime and preventing overstays, as third-party nationals are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The rollout is being phased to minimize disruption, with member states initially registering 10% of travelers, increasing to 35% within 90 days, 50% at 150 days, and ultimately 100% by April 9. Travelers will encounter self-service kiosks at border crossings to register their details, and those with biometric passports may be able to utilize e-gates for faster processing. While passport stamps will continue for the next six months to accommodate the staggered implementation, they will eventually be phased out once the system is fully operational. For those planning trips, understanding the EES requirements is crucial to avoid potential delays.

EU citizens and legal residents are exempt from the new requirements, and children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints. British citizens, post-Brexit, are now considered third-party nationals and will need to register unless they are legally resident in the EU or covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. Officials anticipate some initial delays but are working to streamline the process. The EES is a precursor to the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization, expected to launch at the end of next year, further impacting travel to Europe.

The European Commission advises that member states will continue to roll out the system at various crossing points by sea, air, and land, and officials warn that “there might be some delays at the beginning.”