ADVERTISEMENTThe EU's post-Brexit Entry-Exit System (EES) could be delayed yet again, according to an exclusive report published in The Independent.
The UK newspaper claims the new Schengen border checks will now start on 10 November, with the possibility to postpone by a week to 17 November.
The EES was first slated to launch in 2022 but has faced multiple setbacks. It was first rescheduled for May 2023, then delayed until the end of 2023, and until recently was anticipated to launch on 6 October 2024.
However, the European Commission has not announced an official launch date and maintains that the EES will come into force this autumn.
"The roadmap for the delivery of the new IT architecture foresees that the Entry/Exit system will be ready to enter into operation in autumn 2024 and that ETIAS will be ready to enter into operation in spring 2025," European Commission Spokesperson Christian Wigand tells Euronews Travel via email.
"The exact date will be determined by the European Commission and announced on the EES official website well in time for the start of operations. At the moment we do not have a date to communicate."
When it finally does come into force, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area will face new border controls. Some have anticipated chaos when the scheme launches, while others are hopeful that the repeated delays will give countries enough time to prepare for the change.
The Independent also reports that busy transport hubs will initially be granted a "relief valve" to ease queues created by the system. This would allow them to forego biometric registration - facial and fingerprint recognition - at busy times. It has not been confirmed by the Commission.
What is the EES?
The Entry-Exit System will be an automated registration system for UK and other non-EU travellers who don’t require a visa to enter the EU.
Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel document at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border. It will not apply to legal residents or those with long stay visas.
The system will register the traveller’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. Facial scans and fingerprint data will be retained for three years after each trip.
It will apply when entering all EU member states, apart from Cyprus and Ireland, as well as four non-EU countries in the Schengen Area: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The EES is being introduced to bolster border security and identify travellers who overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180 day period).
How was the travel industry reacted to the delays?
The airline industry previously supported the delays as they give more time for preparations to be made.
“The EES will be a game changer for how the EU’s borders are managed. There are, however, a number of issues which must be resolved to ensure a smooth roll out and operation of the new system so that air passengers do not face disruptions,” a joint statement from the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
ADVERTISEMENTThe coalition pointed to a need for “wider adoption and effective implementation of automation at national border crossing points by national authorities, funding by member states to ensure a sufficient number of trained staff and resources are deployed to manage the EU’s external border, particularly at airports.” It also said airlines and airports should be given "sufficient resources” to facilitate the new rules.
The organisations added that there needs to be a public communications campaign to inform travellers of the changes.
Is ETIAS still on track?
The EES is connected to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new scheme obligates non-EU citizens who do not require an EU visa to gain travel authorisation to enter the bloc. The visa waiver will be mandatory for anyone wishing to visit the Schengen Areashort term.
ETIAS was originally set to be operational from November 2023. However, the European Commission now states that it will come into force in spring 2024. While an exact date is not provided, the EU has previously indicated that it will be introduced five to six months after EES. There may be an implementation period where it is gradually introduced alongside the Entry-Exit System.
ADVERTISEMENTTravellers will be able to apply for ETIAS online before their trip at a cost of €7. Once approved, the electronic travel authorisation will be electronically linked to their passport and will last for three years.
Click here for full details on the ETIAS.
Why has the EES been delayed?
Challenges with contractors meeting deadlines have been cited as the reason for pushing the EES back.
Automated EES barriers need to be installed at all international land, maritime and air borders in the Schengen Area. Travellers will be able to register their details at self-service kiosks and on mobile apps in some countries, after which border guards or e-gates will complete the checks.
ADVERTISEMENTIt is unclear exactly when the system is now set to be introduced but it is expected to be in autumn 2024.
How will the EES impact travel?
In the UK and elsewhere, there are concerns that the EES could increase delays at border checkpoints.
In a European Council report released by non-profit Statewatch, various countries express concern over the EES implementation delays. Last year, they said the amount of time they will have to test the system prior to its launch was rapidly decreasing.
French authorities will operate EES border checks at the UK’s Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel. They are currently working with the UK government to minimise the system’s impact on border flows and traffic, but express concern about potential waiting times.
ADVERTISEMENTOther countries are still working on EES implementation plans, too. The European Commission has suggested that the system may need to be introduced in a gradual and flexible way to reduce the likelihood of long waiting times at borders.