The European Commission announced on the 10th October that it has decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the bloc’s automated registry for short-stay travellers that was expected to come into force on 10 November.
As previously advised to Members the Entry/Exit System is a comprehensive reform to modernise checks at the EU’s external borders and promote information-sharing. During early October there has been considerable speculation that the previously announced implementation dates of the 10th and 17th November were not achievable, particularly when France, Germany and the Netherlands all announced that their systems would not be ready.
The announcement was made by Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, at the end of a meeting of EU interior ministers on Thursday where the issue was discussed.
“10th of November is no longer on the table,” Johansson told reporters. It was noted by the Commissioner that Germany, France and the Netherlands had declared their unreadiness.
In a meeting of EU interior ministers, Johansson said the commission does not yet have a new timeline for the start of EES, but that it is now considering “a phased approach… not a big bang of all border crossing points at the same time”.
“It’s clear that we’re not going to be ready for the 10 November,” Ylva Johansson advised adding: “We will be going for a phased approach, step by step.” As well as delaying the launch of EES, it seems the EU has watered down some of the checks, with the most recent communication stating that passengers will need to provide a facial scan or a fingerprint, whereas previously it was understood both would be required.
The latest delay means many travellers will now undergo EES registration probably in the summer of 2025, this will be in tandem with the need to register for the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver scheme, which the EU says will be introduced “in the first half of 2025”. ETIAS will require visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including the UK, to obtain a new electronic travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries. The fee for ETIAS will be €7 for those aged 18 to 70 and it will be valid for three years.
