Europe To Introduce EU Entry/Exit System (EES) For Third-Country Travelers
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have eased back on their strict border regulations, but Europe is complicating things. The EU introducing a new, automated IT system, EES, to register travelers from third countries each time they cross an EU border.
Europe to introduce the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
Originally, Europe had planned to start the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in May 2022. However, this has now been deferred until November 2023. Basically, the EES will be an automated IT system that automatically registers travelers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border.
Moreover, the EES will register the person’s name, type of travel document, and biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), along with the date and place of entry and exit. Reportedly, this information will be collected while respecting the fundamental rights and data protection of the travelers.
Meanwhile, the new system will also record refusals of entry, mostly relating to the 90-day rule. It will replace the time-consuming current system of manually stamping passports. This method doesn’t always provide reliable data on border crossings. It also doesn’t allow for the detection of those who have overstayed their 90-day limit.
Why does Europe need the new system?
One of the major requirements for the EES is to prevent irregular migration and protect the security of EU citizens. However, it will also help bona fide third-country nationals to travel more easily. It will also identify those travelers who have overstayed their welcome, along with cases of document and identity fraud.
Moreover, the EES will enable wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, streamlining the process of travelers. It will allow non-EU nationals to access self-service kiosks like those currently available for EU citizens.
What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver and travel authorization for non-EU citizens visiting Europe. This system is also currently under development and will likely be fully implemented late in 2022.
ETIAS will allow for more efficient control of visitors to the EU. It is further a visa waiver system for Europe, allowing eligible citizens to travel to Europe after completing a simple online form.
Another difference between ETIAS and EES is the information collected through each process. For instance, when applying for an ETIAS before visiting Europe, the traveler must complete an online application form that requires personal data, including contact details and passport information.
Meanwhile, the new EES will record biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images of each person on arrival and departure from the EU.
Moreover, ETIAS, as it is a pre-travel requirement, will allow the EU to screen visitors prior to their arrival. The details will be checked over various security databases, including Europol, Interpol and the ETIAS watch list. Doing so will contribute to fighting against terrorism in the bloc.
As for the EES, this will simply record information when the third-country citizen enters or exits the EU zone. It is important to note that now the UK has left the EU block, its citizens will have to go through the same process as every other third-country citizen.
As a reminder, ETIAS is set to be implemented late in 2022, while EES is expected to come into effect in November 2023.