Germany Joins France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and More in Full Rollout of EU’s Game-Changing Entry/Exit System – Here’s What You Need to Know About Passport Scans, Fingerprints, and Photos

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The EU’s new Entry/Exit System is now being rolled out across a wide range of Schengen Area countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, and several others. This cutting-edge system, which requires travelers to provide biometric data such as fingerprints, passport scans, and photos, is designed to boost security and streamline the border control process. While the system promises faster and more efficient travel in the long run, it’s important for travelers to be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak travel seasons. Airports and travel hubs across these countries are in the process of adapting to the new procedures, and it’s expected that there may be disruptions as the system becomes fully operational.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU citizens to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, and have their photo taken, will be fully operational across all Schengen border points starting Friday. The system is being introduced to enhance security while aiming to streamline travel. It began rolling out gradually in October and is set to cover all 29 Schengen countries, making it mandatory for travelers from outside the EU, including UK citizens, to provide biometric data at border crossings.

The system’s main objective is to track the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, replacing the traditional passport stamp system. While EES is designed to improve security, some travelers have encountered delays at airports due to technical issues. Some airports have experienced long queues, and travel experts warn that these delays could worsen during peak holiday periods.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

EES is a biometric system designed to keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area. It applies to all 29 countries within the Schengen Area, which includes popular European destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. With EES, travelers will need to have their fingerprints and a photo taken alongside a passport scan when crossing the border.

Previously, travelers’ passports were stamped by border officers to record their entry and exit. This new system eliminates the need for physical stamps and replaces them with digital data stored in a database. The EES process will speed up border control procedures, making it easier for travelers to pass through while ensuring enhanced security measures.

How Does EES Affect Travelers?

Whether or not you will need to use the new EES system depends on where and how you enter the Schengen Area. If you are flying, you will go through the registration process when you arrive at European airports. The system began its gradual implementation on October 12, with the full roll-out expected by Friday. However, some airports have already reported delays, with queues reaching several hours at certain points.

At airports like Pisa in Italy, travelers have faced long waits as the system struggles with technical difficulties. The new system has caused disruption, particularly at popular destinations like Geneva and other ski resorts, where travelers have experienced long queues and delayed processing. Some reports even mention that travelers’ luggage was left on the concourse due to the delays.

What Do Travelers Need to Do?

When travelers use the EES system for the first time, they will need to register their biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. This process will take place when travelers arrive at their destination airport. However, travelers entering the Schengen Area via the Channel Tunnel or by ferry will undergo the process before leaving the UK.

At ports like Dover and Eurotunnel, passengers will use special kiosks to scan their passport, take fingerprints, and provide a photograph. The process will be slightly different for those traveling by car, as they will need to go to a kiosk where their biometric data will be captured.

Children under 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints but will still need to answer questions about their trip. For example, travelers will be asked about their accommodation and whether they have sufficient funds for their stay. At some locations like Eurotunnel, border officers may ask these questions manually, depending on the discretion of the officers.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the intentions to streamline travel, concerns have been raised about the potential for long queues, particularly at busy travel hubs. Airports, including London’s St Pancras International and Dover, have introduced additional kiosks to manage the flow of passengers. However, the extra few minutes it takes for each traveler to complete the registration process could lead to delays, especially during peak travel times.

The port of Dover, in particular, has had to make significant adjustments to accommodate the EES system. It has created a new processing area a mile from the main ferry terminal to handle the registration process. As part of this change, coaches will be sealed after completing the biometric checks, ensuring that passengers don’t need to go through additional checks at the terminal.

Eurostar, too, has installed 49 kiosks in its London terminal to process passengers before they board their train. However, the system is still being manually processed by border officers for the time being, and travelers will have to wait for the operational software to be fully approved before the kiosks become fully operational.

While these changes have been rolled out gradually, there have still been delays and disruptions as the system works out technical issues.

The Future of EES and ETIAS

The EES is just the beginning of a broader plan to modernize travel into the Schengen Area. The European Union is also introducing a new visa waiver system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be mandatory for travelers from non-EU countries who do not currently need a visa to enter the EU. The ETIAS will require travelers to apply for authorization online before they travel. It is expected to cost €20 and will be valid for three years.

The ETIAS will be implemented by the end of 2026, and it is expected to further enhance the efficiency and security of the EU’s border management system. While ETIAS is not yet in operation, travelers are encouraged to apply online before their travels, as it will be required for all non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen Area.

Conclusion

As the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to be fully operational across the Schengen Area, travelers are urged to familiarize themselves with the process. Though the new system promises to streamline travel and enhance security, delays and technical issues are still a concern at some airports. Travelers should be prepared for longer processing times, especially during busy periods, and allow extra time for entry and exit procedures.

While the EU works to iron out the challenges of implementing EES, the introduction of ETIAS later this year will also have an impact on travel. Together, these systems aim to create a more secure and efficient travel experience for both EU and non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area.