Introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in the European Union
The European Union has initiated the rollout of a new Entry/Exit System (EES) at its external borders, focusing on electronically registering non-EU nationals' data.
Key Features of the EES
- The EES is an automated system requiring travelers to:
- Scan their passport
- Have their fingerprints and photograph taken
- The implementation will span six months.
- Goals of the EES:
- Detect overstayers
- Tackle identity fraud
- Prevent illegal migration
According to European Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the EES is the digital backbone of the EU's new migration and asylum framework.
Operational Details
- Non-EU citizens must register personal details upon first entering the Schengen area, which includes most EU countries and some additional ones like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
- Subsequent visits will only need facial biometric verification.
- The system will be fully operational by April 10, 2026, replacing passport stamping with electronic records.
Implementation Example: Bajakovo Border Crossing
- At the Bajakovo border crossing between Serbia and Croatia:
- Travelers queued for approximately 20 minutes for fingerprinting and face scanning.
- Processing time at booths was about two minutes per individual.
Implementation in the UK
- British travelers undergo the EES process at the border before leaving the UK.
- Current implementations:
- Freight and coach traffic checks at Dover and Eurotunnel terminal
- Passenger vehicle checks to start in November at Dover and by year's end at Eurotunnel
- Gradual introduction at Eurostar terminal, starting with business travelers
British Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, stated that the UK and EU share the goal of securing borders and these modernization measures will help protect citizens and prevent illegal migration.
