The European Union has once again announced the postponement of the launch date of the electronic entry/exit control system for citizens from third countries. Find out why EES is not ready to launch and what features this system has

The European Union has again postponed the implementation of the new biometric entry-exit system (EES), which was scheduled for November 10, 2024. The main reason for the postponement is technical problems. The new launch date of the system aimed at strengthening border security has not yet been announced. It is worth noting that the EES system is part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which, according to experts, is planned to be implemented as early as 2025.

The reasons for the postponement of the launch and what changes await the system of entry and exit to European countries in 2024-2025 are discussed below.

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.

Why did the EES fail to launch in November 2024?

Several reasons contributed to the latest postponement of the system launch:

1. System Readiness – Germany, France and the Netherlands reported that their internal systems are not yet ready to integrate the new technology.

2. Technical stability – According to the German Ministry of the Interior, the EU agency responsible for implementing the system has not yet made it stable enough to launch.

3. Testing issues – EU software has not been tested on UK border systems. This fact further complicates the deployment of the EES system.

It is worth noting that the entry-exit system has already faced numerous delays. Originally planned for 2022, the implementation of the system was postponed to May 2023, and then again postponed to the end of 2023. The last target date was November 2024, but now even that has been pushed back.

When will EES be operational?

According to EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, the system will not be ready until November 2024, as previously planned. Currently, they have decided to use a phased implementation approach, but the schedule has not yet been approved.

A meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council to discuss the next steps for the EES is scheduled for next week.

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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.

Implementation of such complex systems as EES and ETIAS at all external borders of the EU presents significant challenges. That is why the EU leadership understands the importance of proper preparation of the system and people should be prepared for the fact that during the implementation of such large-scale operations, delays and postponements cannot be avoided.

Until the system is fully operational, travelers will continue to use the current passport stamping process at EU borders.

We will remind you! Citizens of the 99 countries eligible for short-term visa-free travel to Israel must now apply for an ETA-IL permit before traveling. Currently, the procedure for obtaining it is voluntary, but from January 1, 2025, it will become a mandatory condition for visiting the state. We have already told you what will change for visa-free travelers in Israel very soon.

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