November 10 2024 has been confirmed as the start date for the EU’s new biometric Entry-Exit System (EES), according to EU commissioner Ylva Johansson.
It means travellers without EU passports will have their fingerprints registered and their photographs taken on arrival, which will be checked on subsequent visits.
The requirements will apply to short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers.
“It will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU – making travel easier and border checks gradually faster,” said Johannson.
“At every single airport, every single harbour and every single road into Europe, we will have digital border controls – all connected, all switched on at the very same time.”
The next stage will be the introduction of the ETIAS scheme – similar to the ESTA scheme – which is due to come into force in the first half of 2025.
This will require visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including the UK, to pay €7 to obtain a new electronic travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries.
It will apply to visitors aged 18 to 70 and will be valid for three years or until the expiry of an existing passport – whichever is first.
“With the Entry/Exit System we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area, with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long. Countering irregular migration,” said Johannson.
“And the Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports. Thanks to biometric identification: photos and fingerprints. It will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU, making travel easier, and border checks gradually faster.”
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association (BTA), added: “The looming introduction of EES will cause friction for travellers. There is significant concern that the technology will not be ready and doubts as to whether there will be enough staff at borders to avoid lengthy queues. This is a worry for everyone and will negatively impact the willingness to travel for business.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Given the surge in demand for travel over the last few years the launch of EES in November and ETIAS scheme next year will add significant complexities for many travellers who are not clear on what this means for them and their travel plans to the EU.
“It is vital that the travel industry is prepared for the introduction of new processes and that there is a smooth and efficient process for border staff to implement the new measures whilst minimising any disruption to travellers on their journeys and avoid travel chaos.”
