New EES Border System For Entering The EU Launces In 2024

For several years, the European Union has been toying with implementing its Exit-Entry System (EES) to keep track of immigration within the Union. The EES is an automated, biometric system. Designed to register travelers arriving from countries outside the EU, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, it will also track visitors leaving the EU to ensure they have not exceeded their 90-day stays.

The EU has delayed the launch of the system multiple times over the past years. Many EU countries have struggled with integrating their border systems with the new
Central Data Base. France specifically requested postponing the EES until after the 2024 Paris Olympics. 29 European countries will use the EES once it goes into effect –

The EES is expected to officially launch on 10 November 2024.

How The EES Will Work

Travelers will be required to answer a short questionnaire, have four fingerprints recorded that will be cross-checked with data collected in the EES, and their pictures taken. This information will be logged into a central EES database that will only be accessible by Europol, border and visa authorities. Data will be stored for five years.

For those who have recently traveled to Schengen countries like the Czech Republic, you may have already experienced e-Gates with biometric technology and self-service kiosks at several major airports.

How Will The EES Be Different From Europe’s ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver is a travel authorization similar to the ESTA for the United States. It will only apply to visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to Europe.

Previously slated to debut in May 2023, the ETIAS has also faced delays with no firm start date being set, but estimates point to the first half of 2025.

ETIAS will allow the EU to maintain a more efficient control of who travels within its borders. Travelers will be required to complete a one-page online ETIAS Application Form prior to visiting Europe. Since the ETIAS will be a pre-travel requirement, it will allow Europol and Interpol to identify any possible threats before the traveler arrives in Europe. ETIAS visas will only be granted to risk-free travelers.

In contrast, the EES will record biometric data including facial images and fingerprints of each traveller upon arrival in and exit from the EU.

EES Will Be Long Reaching

While EES is directed toward travelers entering and  leaving the EU, it has far reaching implications as well. Criminal activities such as terrorism, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and the trafficking of goods are facilitated by the absence of any system for recording entry/exit movements in Europe. Initially, EES will be introduced at airports, but eventually will be expanded to all EU ports of entry.

Is EES And Fingerprinting An Invasion Of Privacy?

Authorities tell us no. With the rollout of the EES, it is hoped the nagging long lines at passport control points will be reduced since paper documents will no longer be required.