Owais Crawford
The European Union (EU) is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) to improve border security and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. The EES will be an automated IT system that records travellers' entry and exit movements in and out of the EU/Schengen area. This means that travellers will have to submit their fingerprints and facial images at dedicated booths or kiosks. The EES will be rolled out in Q4 2026 and will affect tourism, transit, and business visitors.
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What You'll Learn
Automated barriers and self-service kiosks
Automated barriers will be placed at border crossings and checkpoints to control the flow of people and vehicles. These barriers will use advanced technologies, such as gearmotors, detectors, and sensors, to allow authorised traffic to pass quickly while stopping unauthorised traffic. This will improve traffic management and security at airports and other transportation terminals. The automated nature of these barriers will also help reduce staffing costs and improve efficiency.
Self-service kiosks, on the other hand, will enable travellers to complete certain processes without direct interaction with border staff. These kiosks will allow visitors to pre-register their personal details and biometric data, such as facial images and fingerprints. This self-service option will reduce wait times, especially for those with ETIAS-approved passports, as their data will already be recorded in the EES.
The use of self-service kiosks can also provide additional benefits, such as increased efficiency, reduced staffing costs, and improved customer experience. Travellers can enjoy anonymity when using these kiosks, allowing them to make special requests or order additional items without feeling judged. Moreover, self-service kiosks can offer targeted promotions and upsells, potentially increasing revenue for airports and their partners.
The combination of automated barriers and self-service kiosks will create a streamlined and secure entry and exit system for the EU. These technologies will work in tandem to facilitate traveller processing, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for visitors entering and exiting the EU.
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Biometric data and facial recognition
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) will use automated barriers at all borders to record and file biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. This will replace the traditional passport stamp, automatically capturing an individual's details when they enter or leave an EU country. The system is designed to strengthen European security, combat terrorism, and prevent cross-border crime. France, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Norway are among the countries preparing to implement the EES with self-service kiosks and automated camera solutions.
In the United States, major airlines and government agencies have also invested in facial recognition technology. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced facial recognition at select airports as a voluntary identity verification process. TSA uses facial recognition algorithms developed by top-performing vendors to ensure accuracy and security. The technology helps verify the authenticity of a traveller's ID, their flight status, and whether they are an imposter or not.
While the use of facial recognition technology can improve security and reduce waiting times, concerns have been raised about the sensitive nature of biometric data and the potential for misuse. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has emphasized the need for individuals to have maximum control over their biometric data, recommending that data be stored either by the individual or in a central database with the encryption key in the individual's possession.
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Passport stamps and digital records
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) has replaced passport stamps with digital records and automated barriers at border crossings. The EES, launched in November 2023, aims to streamline border checks and reduce wait times by up to 70%. The system automatically logs the arrival and departure of travellers from non-EU countries, recording their movements and capturing their biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. This shift towards digitalisation is designed to make it easier for authorities to identify individuals who have overstayed the maximum period in the EU.
The move away from passport stamps is not unique to the EU. Many countries are transitioning to digital entry systems and electronic records, including the United States, which has implemented the I-94 record as official proof of entry. This digital record contains the same information as the traditional entry stamp, such as the length of stay, and can be easily accessed and saved by travellers.
The phasing out of passport stamps has sparked a debate about the impact on travellers' experiences and perceptions. The physical stamp has long been a tangible reminder of past journeys, a cherished memento for some. However, the shift towards digital records offers new opportunities for preserving travel memories and creates a more efficient and faster border control process.
While some travellers may miss the traditional passport stamp, others may appreciate the convenience and speed of the new digital systems. Additionally, digital records can be easily accessed and saved for future reference, providing travellers with a virtual record of their journeys. This shift towards digitalisation is likely to continue, with more countries adopting electronic entry systems to streamline the border control process and enhance security.
It is worth noting that, while passport stamps are being phased out in many countries, there may still be exceptions. For example, travellers entering the United States by land or sea may still receive an entry stamp, and some countries provide souvenir stamps upon request.
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Border security and illegal migration
Border security and the prevention of illegal migration are key concerns for governments and agencies around the world. The displacement of people across regions is greater than at any time since World War II, and this is placing a strain on nations with broken or outdated immigration systems.
The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) to improve border security and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. EES will replace the manual stamping of passports, which is time-consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings, and does not allow for the systematic detection of overstayers. The new system will record entry refusals and will help prevent irregular migration and protect the security of European citizens. It will also help to identify document and identity fraud and will allow for wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for travellers. France, Austria, and Germany plan to set up self-service kiosks at airports, where visitors will pre-register their personal and biometric data before verification by a border guard. The UK government is also working to prepare its ports for EES, providing funding for registration kiosks and infrastructure.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also working to enhance border security and address migration trends. DHS has developed a six-pillar Southwest Border Security and Preparedness Plan, which includes increasing efficiency at the border, disrupting networks of cartels and smugglers, and working with regional partners to deter irregular migration. DHS is also investing in technology to better secure borders and enforce laws, while upholding civil rights and liberties.
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EES and ETIAS: working together
The European Union is preparing to launch two new border management initiatives: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES). These programs will impact tourism, transit, and business visitors to the EU. The EES will become operational first, in 2025, and ETIAS will follow six months later.
ETIAS is a new entry requirement for travellers who do not need a visa to enter Schengen Area countries and Cyprus for a short stay. With ETIAS, visa-free travellers will need to apply for a travel authorisation and pay a fee before starting their trip. The system will check applications against EU security databases to identify risks before travellers arrive at the border.
EES, on the other hand, is an automated border system that will monitor and record traveller movements through the European region. It will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, to create a digital record of each visitor's entry and exit. This system will replace the manual stamping of passports and make it easier for authorities to identify visitors who have overstayed the 90-day time limit or who may pose security risks.
Together, ETIAS and EES will add an extra layer of pre-travel screening to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate travel. ETIAS will be used to pre-screen travellers and deny entry to those who may pose a security risk, while EES will monitor the movements of third-country nationals within Europe. This will improve border control and help prevent cross-border criminal and terrorist activity.
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Frequently asked questions
EES stands for the Entry/Exit System, a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.
The EU is working towards a phased launch for EES starting in October 2025.
At airports, travellers will be required to submit their fingerprints and have their photos taken at dedicated booths.
No, you will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.
No, the EES will not apply to citizens of the EU or to individuals travelling from one Schengen country to another.
