EES system: Most British tourists have no clue about the recent modifications to travel regulations in nations that are members of the European Union.
According to a recent survey, over two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the new border control system, which requires passengers to register their fingerprints and facial scans while passing.
In this study, we explain this new system and outline what to expect if you plan to travel to Europe for holiday.
What is EES, and what distinguishes it from ETIAS?
Every time foreign nationals pass borders inside or outside the European Union, visitors from non-EU nations must register with the EES, an automated system.
The system logs the user’s identity, the kind of travel document he uses, biometric information (facial photographs and fingerprints), and the entry and exit dates and locations.
The information gets put into the system and is likely to stay there for three years before being removed.
Notably, travellers who visit multiple Schengen member states over the course of three years won’t have to re-register their information.
The European Union states on its website that “the main advantage of the EES service is time-saving,” as it streamlines travel by doing away with the need for a passport stamp and “automating border control procedures.”
There is still uncertainty about how the system will impact travel, as 46% of British respondents to an insurance company Co-op survey expressed frustration with the need to store this kind of data for three years.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will work in tandem with the EES and require British visitors to apply for a visa exemption in order to visit the majority of EU countries, is not the same as the EES.
It is important to note that the probable cost of visiting any nation in the Schengen area without a visa is 7 euros (£6).
Will UK Citizens Need to Use EES?
Unquestionably; Britons will need to abide by the same laws as citizens of other non-EU nations following the UK’s decision to exit the European Union.
Before you can cross the border, you must use the automated self-service counter to scan your passport.
Unfortunately, for travellers visiting EU and Schengen nations who are not inhabitants of such nations, this procedure will take the place of manually stamping passports.
Entry into the 25 EU member states and the four non-EU member states listed below will require the EES.
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Holland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Additionally, the Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel terminals will activate EES.
Visitors who are not residents of the European Union or Schengen nations have limits by Schengen regulations to 90-day visits within 180 days.
While EES data will be used to record cases of entry refusal, EES will make sure that people abide by this regulation and record those who overstay.
When Do the New EES and ETIAS Rules Take Effect?
EES was initially scheduled to go into effect in 2022, however, it has been repeatedly delayed. It was originally scheduled for the end of last year, but it was moved to May 2023.
France asked that it hold off until after the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer, and as a result, it is now set to take effect in October 2024.
Originally set to go into effect later this year, ETIAS will now start to go into effect in mid-2025.
Read more about UK Visas: Granted to Citizens of Qatar, Amman, Jordan, & UAE
