The EES (Entry-Exit System) may be launched as early as October this year, and soon it will be supplemented by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Find out what changes will take place in the near future and what tourists and expats will need to consider when entering and leaving the EU

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After numerous postponements and revisions, it is predicted that the new system of entry and exit to the European Union EES (Entry-Exit System) will become operational already in October 2024. It will become part of the new policy of safe entry to the countries of the region, which will be supplemented by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) next year.

Given the possible changes, we decided to find out how the EES and ETIAS systems work and what will change for tourists in the near future.

What is the EES system (Entry/Exit system)?

In simple words, EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports of citizens of countries that have the right to visa-free entry to the EU during passport control upon arrival in the region.

With the help of the EES system, certain information about foreigners entering the EU will be registered: passport data and biometric information (fingerprints and facial photos).

The system will automatically register when someone enters or leaves an EU country. That is why it will be much easier to identify persons who have violated the period of stay in the Schengen area.

Importantly! According to EU legislation, citizens of non-EU countries, who are entitled to visa-free travel, can stay in the EU for only 90 days. For a longer stay, it is necessary to issue a visa.

Who will not need to register through the EES system?

The rule will not apply to:

- Foreigners traveling between the countries of the Schengen zone.

- Citizens of the EU and Schengen Agreement countries.

- Holders of a residence permit in one of the EU countries.

Which EU countries participate in the new entry-exit program to the region?

All EU member states will participate, with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland (in these states, passports will still be stamped manually).

Also, all four non-EU Schengen countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland - will introduce the EES entry system.

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Where will the EES check be conducted?

EU countries are preparing to install automatic barriers to check EES:

- France plans to install self-service kiosks at airports where travelers can register their biometric and personal data before going to a border guard for inspection. Tablet data logging devices will be available for visitors arriving by car at France's land and sea borders.

- Germany and Austria have confirmed that the necessary system will also be installed in airports.

- Italy said it would increase the number of automatic gates at all of its major airports and add around 600 self-service kiosks.

- Norway plans to test "automated cameras", which will be managed by the border service.

What are ETIAS systems?

The ETIAS system will require foreigners who are citizens of non-EU countries, but are entitled to visa-free entry to the region, to go through the registration process before traveling, pay a visa fee of 7 euros and obtain an appropriate permit. This requirement applies to persons aged 18 to 70 years.

On the basis of the document, it is allowed to stay in the territory of the EU and the Schengen zone for 90 days.

Once approved, the traveler does not need to re-register in the ETIAS system for three years. If your passport expires during the ETIAS period, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS.

ETIAS is a similar system to ESTA in the US or ETA in the UK.

Although the exact launch date is unknown, the EU has previously stressed that ETIAS will be implemented five to six months after the EES.

This means that you don't currently need to have an ETIAS to travel to Europe, and since the system is down, the website itself is down and not accepting applications, so you can't get an official ETIAS yet. Any websites that offer this service today are not official and should be avoided.

Read about the new grounds for canceling the visa-free regime for third countries, which were recently established in the EU, at the link. The new cost for obtaining Schengen visas in 2024 in this article.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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