What Is EES? Understanding the EU’s New Entry/Exit System (EES)

Planning a trip to the EU after November 10th? You’ll need to understand the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and how it might impact your travel plans. Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game.

What is EES?

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated passport-checking system set to launch on November 10th. This upgrade will replace the current manual passport stamping process with an advanced biometric system. EES will capture your fingerprint and facial photo during your first visit to the EU, and use this data to verify your identity on future visits.

Update October 2024: The European Union has once again delayed the launch of its Entry/Exit System (EES), originally set to start in November 2024. The system, designed to enhance border security by collecting biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans, faced delays due to concerns over infrastructure readiness and potential travel disruptions. While no new launch date has been confirmed, the EES is expected to roll out in late 2024 or 2025. For now, standard travel procedures will remain in place.

Which Countries Are Affected by EES?

EES will be implemented across all EU Schengen Zone countries, including:

•  Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

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What Should You Do?

If you’re traveling before November 10th, you’re in the clear. For travel after this date, you’ll experience a new check-in process where your biometric data will be recorded and stored. Be aware that new biometric checks might cause delays, so plan accordingly. If your passport expires soon, consider renewing it ahead of time to avoid having to provide your data again. To avoid stress from potential delays, consider staying at the most convenient hotels near major airports for a smoother experience.

Potential Disruptions

Expect some initial disruptions as the new system rolls out. Early tests suggest that processing times could be longer, but the EU has allowed for flexibility in how many visitors are processed biometrically to ease congestion. Prepare for potential delays, particularly at major hubs involving the UK, where the process will differ. Booking affordable accommodations near airports can help you avoid long waits and make your trip more comfortable.

Travel From the UK to Schengen

For the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), border checks and biometric data collection typically occur when entering the Schengen Area. However, for certain travel routes involving the UK, the process differs:

• Eurostar from St Pancras: When traveling on the Eurostar train from London’s St Pancras International to the EU, the EES checks will be conducted at St Pancras before you board the train. This is because Eurostar operates a direct service from the UK to Schengen countries, so the initial checks are done in the UK.
• Port of Dover: If you’re traveling to the EU by ferry from the Port of Dover, the EES checks will occur at the Port of Dover before you board the ferry. This means you’ll undergo biometric data collection and passport checks before leaving the UK.
• Eurotunnel in Folkestone: For travelers using the Eurotunnel shuttle service from Folkestone to Calais, the checks will be conducted at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Like the Eurostar and ferry, the initial EES processing happens in the UK before you travel to the EU.

In essence, for these specific routes, the UK handles the EES checks before you leave for the EU. This process helps streamline the entry process into the Schengen Area, as all necessary checks are completed before you travel, avoiding delays upon arrival in the EU.

Why Is EES Being Introduced?

The EES aims to enforce the 90-day stay rule for non-EU visitors, which is currently hard to manage with the manual system. By automating this process, the EU hopes to streamline entry and exit management. EES also paves the way for the upcoming ETIAS scheme, expected to start in May 2025.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a visa waiver program that will soon be required for all non-EU travelers. The ETIAS visa waiver will cost approximately €7, $7.50, or £6, depending on your currency for those aged 18-70, and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

ETIAS will be optional in May 2025 but will become mandatory by November 2025. Initially, travelers will get a grace period to visit the EU without ETIAS, but from May 2026, it will be fully enforced.

How to Avoid EES-Related Hassles

Below are some tips on how to sidestep potential delays and avoid EES:

• Travel Before November 10th: Beat the rush by traveling before the new system starts.
• Choose Non-Schengen Destinations: Consider alternative travel packages or accommodations outside the Schengen Zone like Ireland, Macedonia, Cyprus, Turkey, Albania, or the UK, and be sure to get a cheap flight.
• Book Last Minute: Once EES is up and running, book travel based on how well airports are managing the new system. Get last-minute deals on accommodations and activities to stay flexible during your travels.
• Avoid Major Hubs: Stay away from busy entry points like the Port of Dover until delays are under control.
• Travel Light: Opt for hand luggage and a seat at the front of the plane to reduce time spent in queues.
• Check Passport Validity: Renew your passport if it’s close to expiring to avoid repeating the biometric process.

EES vs ETIAS – What’s the Difference?

With similar acronyms, these two systems can be confusing. The information below shares the difference between the two border control EU Travel Security and Management Systems.

• EES (Entry/Exit System): EES is an automated border control system that records travelers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos) and passport details to monitor entries and exits from the Schengen Area. It uses biometric data to facilitate and secure border crossings.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system that requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply online for travel authorization. It is an electronic authorization linked to the traveler’s passport, which must be presented at the border.

Here’s a concise comparison of EES and ETIAS:

EES (Entry/Exit System)

• Function: Tracks entry and exit of travelers in the Schengen Area using biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos) to manage borders and enforce the 90/180-day stay rule.
• Who It Affects: All travelers entering the Schengen Area, including EU citizens and third-country nationals.
• Implementation Date:  November 10, 2024.
• Process: Biometric checks are conducted at the border when entering the Schengen Area.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System):

• Function: Pre-travel visa waiver system that screens travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter the Schengen Area to assess security risks. These include health and safety, security, travel history, and personal information.
• Who It Affects: Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, who are planning to visit the Schengen Area.
  Implementation Date: Expected to start in May 2025, with mandatory use by May 2026.
• Process: Travelers apply online for authorization before traveling, which is valid for three years or until their passport expires.

In essence, EES is for managing and monitoring border crossings, while ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization requirement.

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