The EES: A
Comprehensive Guide to the EU's New Border System
If you are
planning to visit France, Germany, Italy, Norway, or indeed any of the 29
countries within the Schengen Area, you need to be aware of a fundamental
change coming to its borders. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT
border control system designed to digitally monitor the movements of non-EU
citizens. This system will completely overhaul the way travellers from the UK,
US, and other "third-countries" enter the Schengen zone, moving from
a manual process to a fully digital one.
The key
changes are significant:
·
It means an end to passport stamps and your entry
and exit will be recorded electronically.
·
It enables stricter enforcement of the 90/180-day
rule. The system will automatically calculate your remaining stay,
eliminating accidental overstays.
·
It introduces much tighter and more efficient
border controls through the use of biometric data.
·
And, especially in the initial phases, it is
anticipated to lead to significantly longer queues at
border crossing points.
In this
detailed guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the EES to
ensure your next trip into Europe is as smooth as possible.
What
Exactly is the EES?
EES stands
for Entry/Exit System. It is the cornerstone of the European
Union's strategy to create a "Smart Border," enhancing security and
improving the management of the external borders of the Schengen Area.
It's
crucial to understand the distinction between the Schengen Area and
the European Union (EU). The Schengen Area is a zone of free
movement without internal border checks. It includes most EU countries (like
France, Germany, Italy, Spain) but also non-EU countries like Norway,
Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Conversely, some EU countries, namely
Ireland and Cyprus, are not in the Schengen Area and
will not implement the EES. When travelling to these
countries, you will continue to receive passport stamps.
The EES is
designed specifically for the external borders of the Schengen Zone.
How Will
the EES Work in Practice?
The process
will differ between your first registration and subsequent trips.
On Your
First EES Trip: The Registration Process
When you
first cross an external Schengen border after the EES goes live, you will undergo
a one-time registration:
1. Passport
Scan: Your passport will be scanned as usual, which will create your
digital file in the EES database.
2. Facial
Image: A dedicated camera will capture a biometric facial image. This is
more than a simple photograph; it's a precise measurement of your facial
features.
3. Fingerprints: You
will be required to provide fingerprints from all four fingers on each hand.
This
collected data—your passport details, facial image, and fingerprints—will be
stored securely in the EES system for three years from your last recorded exit.
Who does
this apply to? It applies to all non-Schengen residents, including children.
However, children under the age of 12 are typically exempt from providing
fingerprints, though their facial image will still be captured.
On
Subsequent Trips: The Verification Process
Once
registered, your future border crossings will be faster. You will simply
present your passport and look at a camera for a facial recognition check. Your
fingerprints may be requested randomly or if the facial scan is unclear. The
system will instantly verify your identity, check your remaining allowance
under the 90/180-day rule, and log your entry or exit.
Key Impacts
and What to Expect
1. The End
of the 90/180-Day Guesswork:
The EES will automatically and accurately track your time in the Schengen Area.
This eliminates human error from manual stamping and provides a clear,
indisputable record. You will no longer have to count days in your passport;
the system will do it for you, and border guards will have this information
immediately available.
2.
Significant Delays and Queues (Especially Initially):
This is the most immediate and noticeable impact for travellers. The
registration process takes time. Estimates suggest at least one minute
per person. While this seems short, consider the ripple effect:
·
A coach with 50 passengers would take over 50 minutes to
process, not including the time for passengers to disembark and re-board.
·
A family of four in a car could take 5-10 minutes.
This will inevitably lead to substantial queues at major entry points like the
Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, ferry ports in Dover and Calais, and
international airports across Europe.
Advice for
Mitigating Delays:
·
Travel Off-Peak: If your schedule allows,
aim to cross borders late at night or very early in the morning.
·
Allow Extra Time: For a fixed-time booking
like a ferry or train, plan to arrive significantly earlier than you normally
would.
·
Expect Disembarkation: At
vehicle borders, everyone will need to get out of their car, motorhome, or
coach to use the registration kiosks.
3.
Increased Scrutiny on Existing Rules:
With a more rigorous digital border, there is an expectation that border guards
may enforce other existing rules for non-EU travellers more strictly. Two key
requirements to be prepared for are:
·
Proof of Sufficient Funds: EU
law requires non-EU visitors to have proof of enough money to support
themselves during their stay. The required amount varies by country. For
example:
o Spain recommends
€109 per person per day.
o France requires
around €65 per person per day.
You should be prepared to show evidence, such as recent bank statements, a
credit card, or access to your banking app.
·
Proof of Onward/Return Travel: Border
guards may ask for evidence that you intend to leave the Schengen Area before
your 90-day limit expires. This could be a return ticket, a booking for a
ferry/train out of the zone, or, for motorhomers, a detailed travel itinerary.
EES vs.
ETIAS: Clearing the Confusion
It is vital
to understand that the EES and ETIAS are two
completely different systems.
·
EES (Entry/Exit System): This
is the border control process you go through at the
border. It involves biometrics and tracks your entry and exit. You do
not need to apply for it in advance.
·
ETIAS (European Travel Information and
Authorisation System): This is an online pre-travel
authorisation, similar to the ESTA for the USA or the ETA for Canada. It is
a security check you must complete and pay for (around €7) online
before you travel. Your approved ETIAS will be linked to your passport.
Crucially,
ETIAS cannot be launched until the EES has been fully operational for several
months. The current expectation is that ETIAS will come into effect in
mid-2026.
What You
Need to Do Now: A Practical Checklist
1. Check Your
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your
intended departure date from the Schengen Area. The "six-month rule"
is a good guideline, as it covers a potential 90-day stay plus the three-month
buffer.
2. Plan for
Major Delays: Factor in potentially hours of extra time for your border
crossing, especially if travelling in the first 6-12 months of the system's
operation.
3. Prepare
Supporting Documents: While you may never be asked, it is prudent to carry:
o Proof of
sufficient funds (bank statements or digital access).
o Proof of
onward/return travel (ferry booking, etc.).
o Proof of
accommodation for your trip.
4. Stay
Informed: The official launch date is currently October 12, 2025,
but this has been delayed before. A phased rollout is expected, with full
implementation aimed for by April 2026. Always check official government travel
advice for the latest updates.
For
motorhomers and campers, ensure you also carry all legally required equipment
for the countries you're visiting (e.g., breathalysers, warning triangles,
headlamp beam deflectors).
The EES represents a new era of travel to Europe.
While it may introduce short-term challenges like queues, its long-term goal is
a more secure and efficient border. By being prepared and informed, you can
navigate this change confidently and focus on enjoying your journey.
More Info:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees
