Brussels looks set to once again try and introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES) – the launch of which would prompt major changes for UK travellers crossing the EU border.
The EES was meant to be launched in November, but the rollout was delayed after some EU member states said they were not ready for it.
On December 4, the European Commission proposed a progressive start of operations for the EES, which will essentially be a new digital border system impacting non-EU nationals.
The Commission hasn’t yet set a new date for the rollout, but once it is set, the EU member states will have six months to deploy the system.
The system is set to begin in 2025 – nine years after the EES was originally proposed.
Travellers need to know that the EES is an automated registration system for UK and other non-EU travellers who do not need a visa to enter the EU.
The EES will require travellers to scan their passports each time they cross an EU external border. This system is meant to speed up border control – but it is feared it may lead to delays following its rollout, as tourists are required to provide their biometric information the first time they use the EES.
It is being implemented to increase security between borders and identify travellers who overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area.
The system will apply to non-EU citizens, including Brits, who come to the area in Europe.
Ylva Johannson, the EU’s former home affairs commissioner, said: “With the EES, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area with a foreign passport.”
So far, the EES has faced long delays but it now appears that the scheme is likely to be put into use in 2025.
Delays have taken place due to lack of testing, IT issues and some countries which have voiced concerns.