EU Borders to Go Stamp-Free with New Biometric System

The European Union is set to introduce a major change to its border control procedures, transitioning from traditional passport stamps to a new biometric system. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to go into effect on October 12th, marking a significant modernization of how the EU tracks the movement of non-EU citizens. This shift is designed to enhance border security, improve efficiency, and more accurately monitor the authorized length of stay for visitors.
The EES will apply to all third-country nationals, including those who do not require a visa for short stays, traveling into the Schengen area. The system will collect and store a range of data for each traveler. Upon their first entry after the system's implementation, travelers will have their facial image and fingerprints taken. This biometric data, along with their passport information and the date and place of entry and exit, will be securely stored in a centralized database. The system will then automatically calculate the duration of their stay, eliminating the need for manual stamping and the risk of human error or a missed stamp. The EES is a key component of the EU's broader effort to create a more robust and unified approach to border management. The system is designed to identify and flag overstayers and to provide authorities with a more complete and reliable picture of who is entering and leaving the EU. This is a considerable upgrade from the current system, which relies on inspectors manually checking for stamps in passports to determine if a person has overstayed their welcome.
One of the main motivations behind the EES is to combat illegal immigration and strengthen internal security. The centralized database will allow member states to share information more effectively, enabling them to better track individuals who may pose a security risk. It's a proactive measure intended to close security gaps that exist under the current paper-based system. The EES is not just about tracking entries and exits; it's also about streamlining the process for legitimate travelers. By automating a significant part of the border check, the EU hopes to reduce wait times at airports, seaports, and land borders. For frequent travelers to the EU, this could mean a faster and more seamless experience, as their data will already be on file from their initial visit. The system will recognize them and verify their identity more quickly, speeding up the process for everyone.
The introduction of the EES will necessitate a period of adjustment for both travelers and border guards. Travelers will need to be prepared for the initial process of having their biometric data collected. This may lead to slightly longer wait times in the early days of the system's launch as the new procedures are implemented. However, once a traveler's information is in the system, subsequent crossings should be much faster. Border guards are being trained on the new technology and protocols to ensure a smooth transition. The EES will also introduce a digital record of all entries and exits, which can be easily accessed by border authorities, replacing the need to sift through physical passport pages for stamps. This digital trail will provide a more accurate and immediate record of a traveler's movements within the Schengen area. The system is designed to track compliance with the 90-day rule, which allows non-EU nationals to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The EES will automatically calculate this period, providing an unambiguous record of a traveler's remaining authorized stay. This will reduce confusion and potential disputes at the border.
The implementation of the EES is a monumental task involving the integration of technology and data systems across all 27 EU member states, as well as non-EU Schengen countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The system requires significant investment in new hardware and software at border crossings, including biometric scanners and updated computer systems. The EU has been working for years on the development and rollout of this system, which is part of a larger plan to modernize its border management framework. The EES is a key piece of this puzzle, working in conjunction with other initiatives like the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to be implemented shortly after the EES. ETIAS will require non-EU citizens who are currently exempt from visa requirements to obtain a travel authorization before their trip. This will add another layer of pre-travel screening and security.
As the October 12th deadline approaches, travelers planning to visit the EU should be aware of the upcoming changes. It is important to remember that the new system applies to all external borders of the Schengen area. While the goal is to create a more efficient and secure system, it will be a major shift from the traditional methods that travelers and border agents have used for decades. The move to a digital and biometric-based system represents a significant step forward in European border security and management, promising a future where travel is both more secure and, ultimately, more streamlined. The EES is poised to become a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to control and monitor the flow of people across its borders, offering a more comprehensive and automated solution than the old system of ink stamps.
Source@BBC