Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden Set to Revolutionise Schengen Border Control With Biometric Scans for Over 300 Million Non EU Travellers – Travel And Tour World

The European Union’s (EU) long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally set to launch in 2025, revolutionizing how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen Area. This cutting-edge border control system aims to streamline entry procedures, enhance security, and track overstays with precision.

The EES introduces a fully automated process for non-EU travellers, such as United Kingdom nationals, Americans, and citizens from other visa-exempt nations. Instead of manual passport stamps, travellers will scan their passports at self-service kiosks at airports, seaports, and land borders. Biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, will be collected once every three years, valid for multiple trips within that period.

The new system excludes EU citizens, long-term visa holders, and legal residents. Its main goal is to tighten border security and ensure compliance with the 90-day stay limit in the Schengen Area.

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Why is the EES Being Introduced?

The EES is part of the EU’s broader efforts to modernize and fortify its border security. By using biometric data and automation, border control officials can better identify travellers who exceed their 90-day stay limit. The system also aims to simplify border checks, reduce wait times, and create a more efficient entry process.

In addition to tightening security, the EES is expected to provide a more accurate record of non-EU traveller movements, enabling Schengen countries to identify overstays quickly. This will be especially important for nations like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, which collectively receive over 100 million tourists annually.

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When Will the EES Be Implemented?

After years of delays, the European Commission (EC) recently announced a progressive start date for the EES in 2025. This marks nearly nine years since the system was first proposed. The rollout will occur gradually, with the goal of 10% of Schengen border crossings operational on the first day.

EU member states will have six months to implement the EES once the official start date is confirmed. By the end of that period, the system is expected to be in place at all air, sea, and land borders. During the initial soft launch, passports will still be stamped in addition to electronic registration.

This staggered approach allows EU nations to address technical challenges and fine-tune the system. Given the complexities of updating border infrastructure, many airports have had to reinforce their floors to accommodate the weight of the new scanning equipment.

Which Countries Will Use the EES?

The EES will operate across the entire Schengen Area, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. It will also be adopted by four non-EU countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, will be required to use the system each time they enter or exit the Schengen Area. While EU citizens and residents are exempt, non-EU tourists, business travellers, and short-term visitors will be required to scan their passports at the self-service kiosks.

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How Will the EES Work for Non-EU Travellers?

The EES introduces a simple but impactful change to the border-crossing experience. Instead of having a border officer stamp their passport, travellers will follow these steps:

1. Passport Scanning: Passports or other travel documents will be scanned at self-service kiosks at air, sea, and land borders.
2. Biometric Capture: Fingerprints and a facial scan will be taken on the first visit. These biometrics will be stored for three years and can be reused for future trips.
3. Data Registration: The traveller’s name, passport details, and biometric information will be registered in the EES system.
4. Exit Recording: When leaving the Schengen Area, travellers will scan their passports again, and the system will automatically record their departure.

This process removes the need for passport stamps, as all information is stored digitally.

Previous Delays and Challenges

The EES was initially expected to launch on November 10, 2024. However, technical issues, installation delays, and resistance from key countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands led to its postponement. These nations expressed concerns over system readiness and the lack of practical testing.

Earlier delays were attributed to technical challenges, including the need to install new biometric scanning equipment at airports and border crossings. Some airports were even required to reinforce their floors to accommodate the weight of the new scanning machines.

Despite the setbacks, the EU remains committed to launching the EES. According to Ylva Johansson, the former EU Home Affairs Commissioner, the system is inevitable. “With the EES, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area with a foreign passport,” she declared, underscoring the system’s importance for border security.

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What’s Next? The Role of ETIAS

The EES is not the only major change on the horizon. Six months after the EES is fully operational, non-EU travellers aged 16 to 70 will also be required to obtain an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver.

The ETIAS will cost €7 and remain valid for three years. Travellers will need to apply online before departure, ensuring compliance with entry rules. This system is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) used for travel to the United States.

The combination of EES and ETIAS is intended to tighten security across EU borders while simplifying processes for legitimate travellers. An app is also being developed to make the EES process more user-friendly. However, it remains unclear whether the app will have the capability to capture biometric data, such as fingerprints.

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How Will the EES Affect Travel to the EU?

The EES will undoubtedly change the way non-EU travellers experience entry into the Schengen Area. Instead of passport stamps, biometric data will be registered digitally. This change may increase efficiency at border crossings but could also create initial confusion for travellers unfamiliar with the new process.

Key takeaways for non-EU travellers:

• Biometric Registration: Facial scans and fingerprints will be required.
• No More Passport Stamps: Entry and exit will be recorded digitally.
• Gradual Rollout: Implementation will start at 10% of border crossings before full deployment.
• ETIAS Compliance: Non-EU visitors will eventually need to apply for ETIAS in addition to using the EES.

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Final Thoughts

The EES is one of the most significant changes to EU border control in recent memory. By embracing automation and biometrics, the system aims to improve security, reduce wait times, and eliminate passport stamps for non-EU travellers. While delays have plagued its rollout, the EU is now set to introduce the EES in 2025.

Travellers should prepare for new procedures when crossing EU borders. With EES and ETIAS both coming into play, the entry process for non-EU nationals will become more streamlined, albeit more regulated. For now, stay informed and be ready for these landmark changes at the EU’s borders.

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