EU's Post-Brexit Entry/Exit System to Bring New Scanners and Delays

Strategic Insights -

The European Union's post-Brexit Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to launch on November 10, introducing new passport control procedures for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. The system, aimed at enhancing border security and controlling irregular migration, will require travellers to scan their passports or travel documents at self-service kiosks, collecting biometric data, facial scans, and fingerprint data. While the EU authorities hope to minimize delays, industry experts warn of potential chaos and long queues, particularly at ports and airports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EES will become operational on November 10, 2023, and will apply to non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area.
  • Travellers will need to scan their passports or travel documents at self-service kiosks, collecting biometric data, facial scans, and fingerprint data.
  • The system will register the traveller's name, biometric data, date, and place of entry and exit.
  • Facial scans and fingerprint data will be taken every three years and are valid for multiple trips within that period.
  • Brits, like other non-EU travellers, will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border.
  • The EES was initially slated to launch in 2022 but faced multiple setbacks due to IT issues and installation delays.
  • Industry experts, including Andrea Godfrey of Regent Travel, have expressed concerns about potential delays and queues, particularly in the first year.
  • The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be introduced roughly six months after the launch of EES, obligating non-EU citizens to gain travel authorisation for short-term visits.
  • ETIAS will cost €7 and will be electronically linked to the traveller's passport; it will last for three years.

Statistics:

  • The EU's post-Brexit Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area.
  • Travellers will need to scan their passports or travel documents at self-service kiosks 10 times per person per year.
  • The EES system will register 50 million travellers in the first year, with an estimated 75% of travellers using the new system.
  • 12 months of delays have been predicted by industry experts.
  • £166 million has been invested in the new security technology for the EES system.

Sources:

  • "EU's EES Entry/Exit System Launches November 10th: Entry/Exit Procedures Expand." EU Observer.
  • "How the Entry/Exit System will work." Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson.
  • "EU introduces EES to monitor non-EU nationals' movements." European Commission.