Europe's New Entry System: Get Ready for EES in One Month!
A significant change is on the horizon for travelers heading to Europe. In just one month, the European Entry/Exit System, or EES, will officially launch, streamlining the way non-EU citizens enter the Schengen Area.
What You Need to Know About EES
This new system is designed to enhance border security and speed up checks for short stays, including tourism. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Who it affects: Anyone planning a short stay in the Schengen Area, whether for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
- Launch timeline: Countries will begin implementing EES sequentially starting October 12th.
- No more passport stamps: Say goodbye to manual passport stamping. EES will digitally record your entries and exits.
- Biometric data collection: Upon your first entry under EES, you'll be asked to provide facial images and fingerprints.
- Smoother future entries: Once your data is registered, subsequent entries will be much quicker and more efficient.
- Preparation: No pre-registration is required; your data will be collected on arrival.
A Note on ETIAS
It's also important to be aware that the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been postponed. Its implementation is now scheduled for sometime between October and December of next year.
