EES / ETIAS faces further 'indefinite' Delays
Plans to collect fingerprints and facial biometrics from British travelers entering Europe have been postponed once more. The European Union had initially announced that the much-anticipated "entry-exit system" (EES) would be implemented on November 10, 2024.
The EES aims to replace traditional passport stamping at borders across the Schengen Area, which includes most EU nations, alongside Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, with a more efficient method of recording entries and exits. This system will store biometric information in a centralised database, streamlining border control processes.
The 'indefinite' delay of EES, exactly one month before its designated launch date, has raised concerns among travellers and officials, who had been preparing for the upcoming changes. Further updates on the implementation timeline are expected as the EU works to address the technical and logistical challenges associated with the new system.
However, it appears that the scope of the system has been reduced. The Commission indicated that the revised plan will now involve scanning fingerprints or taking photographs of individuals crossing the border for the first time, rather than implementing a comprehensive biometric system from the outset. This change reflects ongoing discussions regarding the practicality and effectiveness of the EES as it moves forward.
What exactly is EES?
The proposed Entry-Exit System (EES) is designed to monitor the movements of "third-country nationals" at external borders of the Schengen Area, such as those traveling from the UK to Spain or crossing from Greece to Turkey. Importantly, the system will not be implemented at internal borders within the Schengen Zone.
The system will log the date and location of each entry and exit and replace the need for manual passport stamping. Initially, the plan included capturing both fingerprints and facial biometrics; however, recent updates indicate that the system will now operate on an "either/or" basis, allowing for either fingerprints or facial data to be collected. This modification aims to streamline the process while maintaining security at external borders.
How EES / ETIAS would affect British Travellers
Following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, Boris Johnson’s government negotiated terms that classify British travelers as third-country nationals, resulting in various travel restrictions. Currently, British passport holders are required to have their travel documents inspected and stamped upon entering or leaving EU countries.
In a recent development, officials have announced that the practice of passport stamping will soon come to an end. However, this change comes with a downside: the new process will involve fingerprinting and/or capturing facial biometrics, which is expected to be slower and more cumbersome for travelers. These adjustments aim to enhance security at borders but may lead to longer wait times for those crossing into the EU.
When will EES actually be implemented?
In a significant setback, the introduction of the biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) has been postponed indefinitely, just one month before its planned rollout on the 10th November. Many airports, ports, and railway stations had already invested heavily in the necessary equipment to support the new system, however concerns regarding the system’s efficacy have been raised by several countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Brussels officials are now exploring potential implementation dates in 2025. However, any rollout during the peak travel months from Easter to September would coincide with high volumes of border crossings. If a pilot program cannot be initiated in the first quarter of the new year, the entire project may be delayed until autumn 2025.
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