Discover How the New EU Border System EES Will Operate

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Discover How the New EU Border System EES Will Operate

The EU is set to implement a new digital border system, the Entry-Exit System (EES), which goes into effect on Sunday. This initiative has faced multiple delays and marks a significant shift in border security for non-EU travelers. The EES will require most non-EU citizens to register their biometric information upon entering the Schengen area.

Understanding the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)

The EES aims to enhance border management efficiency while ensuring security. It will not replace traditional passport checks; travelers must still interact with border officials at ports. However, instead of stamping passports, authorities will record travelers’ biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints.

Implementation and Timeline

This phased introduction is scheduled to be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Initially, the system will be tested at various entry points, including major ports and airports.

Applicability: The EES will be implemented across the Schengen area, which includes 25 of the 27 EU member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Exclusions: The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus will not adopt the EES, maintaining their current passport processing systems.
Target Audience: The system impacts non-EU travelers, with some exceptions for those with long-stay visas or similar permits.

How Will the EES Operate?

Upon arrival at the border, travelers will utilize self-service kiosks to input their personal information, including names, passport details, and biometric data. The machine will capture a photograph of their face. Notably, children under 12 will not be required to provide fingerprints.

Processing timelines vary based on travel methods. For example:

Coach and foot passengers at the Port of Dover will start EES checks on Sunday.
Eurotunnel coach passengers will also begin processing on the same day.
Eurostar services will gradually implement EES starting from St Pancras International.
Airports, such as Stuttgart and Frankfurt in Germany, will phase in the service at varying rates.

What Will this Mean for Travel Times?

Concerns regarding potential delays due to the new biometric processing have surfaced. However, authorities at the Port of Dover advise coach drivers to arrive no earlier than two hours before departure. Eurostar anticipates that passengers can still adhere to the standard 75-minute pre-departure time.

Yann Leriche, CEO of Eurotunnel, confirmed the organization’s readiness and does not foresee extended waiting times. Additionally, border officials are authorized to suspend EES processing should excessive delays arise.

Data Privacy and Retention

The EES will collect and retain biometric data for three years. After this period, data is set to be erased, although certain exceptions apply. Authorized border, visa, and immigration authorities, as well as local police and Europol, can access this information.

Furthermore, if this data is needed to be transferred to non-Schengen countries or international organizations, it will be done under strict policies. Upon re-entering the border within three years, returning travelers may experience an expedited process since their biometric information will be pre-registered.

Travelers who refuse to comply with biometric recording will unfortunately be denied entry into the Schengen area, reinforcing the critical nature of the EES for border security.