The Entry-Exit System (EES) for British travelers entering the European Union, initially planned for November 2022, has been delayed again. The system is now expected to launch in November 2023, with a final date to be confirmed by the EU Commission by April or May. The EES will require British travellers to provide fingerprints and facial recognition data at the border when entering the Schengen Area.
A new implementation date has been set for the Entry-Exit System ( EES ) for British travelers entering the European Union. The EES , which has faced significant delays, is now projected to be launched in November. Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, confirmed this timeline, although a precise date remains unannounced. The EU Commission is expected to finalize and confirm the exact start date by April or May.
Until then, British citizens have more time before the EU's biometric border checks, often referred to as 'visas', come into effect. As previously reported, last October revealed a postponement of the EES introduction, originally planned for November of that year. This included the fingerprint plan for British citizens visiting countries like Spain and France. The delay was attributed to technical challenges and concerns from member states regarding the system's potential impact on border congestion. Once operational, the system will replace manual passport stamping with a digital registration process. This will require non-EU travelers, including British citizens, to provide fingerprints and facial recognition data when crossing the Schengen Area. All UK passport holders traveling to the EU, whether by air, rail, or ferry, will need to undergo this process. Notably, Ireland and Cyprus, which are not part of the Schengen border system, will not enforce these checks, according to Chronicle Live. The system aims to enhance border security by electronically tracking EU entries and exits. While not technically a 'visa', the EES functions similarly from the perspective of holidaymakers, requiring registration before entry. Port authorities and transportation officials have issued warnings about potential delays when the system launches, particularly at busy areas like Dover and the Channel Tunnel. The Port of Dover, where passengers will need to exit their vehicles for biometric registration, is currently developing additional registration areas to manage potential queues and congestion. The EES will necessitate non-EU travelers to register their fingerprints and facial biometrics at the border, have their travel history recorded digitally, and they will no longer receive physical stamps in their passports. Returning travelers will not need to repeat the biometric registration for three years unless they obtain a new passport. UK officials and travel operators will keep travelers informed about the new requirements of this system, which is part of the EU's broader initiative to strengthen border security and modernize immigration protocols. The digital records will provide a clearer picture of who enters, leaves, or overstays a permitted visit. This may lead some member states to re-evaluate their visa policies, potentially tightening rules for individuals who violate them
Entry-Exit System EES British Travelers EU Schengen Area Biometric Border Checks Passport Control Travel Delays Border Security
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