EU’s Entry-Exit System delayed yet again

The EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) has once again been delayed – and is now set to be introduced in November 2024, a month after the previously announced October rollout, according to multiple media reports.

EES is a biometric system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, when they cross the EU’s external border. It will apply to both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers.

But the implementation of EES has already suffered a series of delays, which has also put back the introduction of the related European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for non-EU visitors until mid-2025. 

EES needs to be introduced before the EU can launch ETIAS, which will require visitors from third countries to pay a €7 fee for an electronic authorisation that lasts for up to three years.

The European Commission has not confirmed an exact date in November, but media reports suggest that EES should start operating by 10 November, with some smaller airports reportedly briefed to expect a later start date of 17 November.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave in April warned a new app designed to reduce disruption for travellers using the EES would not be ready for an October rollout.

The cross-border rail operator is working to install some 50 kiosks at St Pancras station in London ahead of the EES launch.