Start date released, Entry/Exit System (EES) starts operation in November 2024

After years of waiting, it is now official: on 10 November 2024, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will enter into operation. The EES marks a significant advancement in the European Union's mission to improve border security while maintaining the region's openness and mobility. By systematically tracking the entry and exit of non-EU nationals, the EES enhances border control measures and helps identify overstayers across Europe. This data will also support the EU's visa policies and offer better insights into migration trends, contributing to the fight against irregular migration. The system originates from a regulation adopted in November 2017, but its release has been repeatedly delayed whilst EU Member States prepared for this significant change to border crossing processes.

The EES is an automated IT platform designed to register non-EU nationals traveling for short stays each time they cross the external borders of participating European countries. The system will electronically log the time and location of their entry and exit, as well as calculate the duration of their authorized stay. By doing so, it will replace the current requirement to stamp the passports of third-country nationals, a practice applicable in all Member States. The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, regardless of whether they need a visa for short stays in Europe or not. However, the EES does not apply to, for example, nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland, non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national or holders of residence permits and long-stay visas, further exceptions are set out in the Article 2(3) of Regulation.

In addition, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a visa waiver program for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area which is closely connected to the EES, is also anticipated to be implemented in the first half of 2025. The ETIAS serves as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries.

The forthcoming implementation of the EES and ETIAS will bring a huge impact on the future travel plans of travellers within the borders of the EU. Travellers should anticipate potential delays and longer queues at passport control, as officers will be gathering biometric data from passengers at busy border points like airports and ferry terminals. Once travellers have crossed the border more than once, their biometric data will already be stored in the system, allowing for faster verification by officials.