End of Passport Stamps: Exploring Four Key Questions About New Biometric Border Controls
The European Union has launched a new automated border control system as of October 12, 2023. This system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), replaces the traditional manual passport stamps for non-Schengen nationals. The initiative aims to enhance security and streamline entry processes at the continent’s borders.
Key Features of the Entry/Exit System
- The EES will electronically record the entries and exits of travelers from countries outside the EU.
- It will compile important data, such as passport details, biometric information, and entry refusal records.
- The system is designed to maintain a common database accessible to EU member countries.
Purpose of the New System
The primary goal is to facilitate smoother border control procedures upon entry into the EU. Moreover, it will significantly improve security measures. The EES will help monitor immigration patterns and handle instances of illegal entry more effectively. By calculating travelers’ duration of stay, the system can automatically flag individuals exceeding their permitted time.
Who is Affected?
This regulation pertains to travelers lacking citizenship from any of the 27 EU member countries, as well as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Vatican City. It applies to individuals entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, regardless of visa status.
Operational Mechanism
When an individual crosses a Schengen border for the first time after the EES is implemented, they will be registered in the system. Their digital file will be retained for three years following their last border crossing. Personal data collected includes the traveler’s name, photograph, and fingerprints, which are secured under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Travelers with biometric passports can take advantage of pre-registration systems available at certain airports, ports, and train stations to expedite border checks. In situations where the traveler is already in the system, their entry and exit will be recorded with biometric verification.
Deployment Timeline
The EES will be rolled out gradually across select European airports, ports, and train stations starting this month. In France, the initial implementation will be limited, potentially leading to longer wait times during border checks. By 2024, France expects to see 100 million foreign visitors, emphasizing the need for a reliable and swift border control system. Full implementation of the EES is slated for April 10, 2026.
