EES: EU’s New Border Control System

The European Union is poised to implement its new Entry & Exit System (EES), a sophisticated border control mechanism, in October 2024. This system mandates facial scans and fingerprints for travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK and the USA.

The implementation of the EES, which has experienced several postponements, is now anticipated in the latter half of 2024, with autumn being the most probable period for its commencement.

Recent updates from GetLink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, suggest a tentative launch date of Sunday, October 6th. However, this date has not received official confirmation from the European Union.

Christian Wigand, the European Commission’s spokesperson for justice, equality, and rule of law, conveyed to The Independent, a UK newspaper, that member states are expected to be prepared by the end of July 2024. Following this preparation phase, a precise launch date will be announced.

The EES represents a significant upgrade from the conventional manual passport-stamping process, introducing electronic passport scans and necessitating biometric data from passengers arriving from outside the EU.

It’s important to note that the EES will be operational solely at external EU borders. This means it will not affect travel within the EU, such as between France and Germany. However, it excludes non-Schengen countries like Ireland, while encompassing Schengen zone nations such as Norway and Switzerland.

Industry leaders have expressed concerns about potential delays, particularly at critical points like the UK-France border. Locations such as the Port of Dover have already been grappling with increased checks since Brexit, highlighting the need for efficient implementation of the new system.