The Entry/Exit System (EES) is required for travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, each time they cross a border into or out of the European Union.
Understanding the Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES is an advanced, automated IT system designed to register the entry and exit of non-EU citizens whenever they cross an external EU border. This system aims to enhance border management by accurately recording the time and place of entry and exit, facilitating the calculation of authorised stay duration, and identifying overstayers.
Who Is Required to Use EES?
The primary group of individuals who will need to use the EES are:
- Non-EU Citizens: This includes any individual who does not hold citizenship of an EU Member State.
- UK Nationals: Following Brexit, citizens of the United Kingdom are classified as non-EU travellers and will be subject to the EES.
- Third-Country Nationals: Essentially, anyone from a country outside the European Union who requires a short-stay visa or is exempt from visa requirements for short stays (e.g., tourists, business travellers).
This applies whether they are entering or exiting any of the 27 Schengen Area countries, as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania.
Who Is Generally Exempt from EES?
While the EES is broad, certain categories of travellers are typically exempt:
- EU Citizens: Nationals of any European Union Member State do not need to use the EES.
- Schengen Area Residents: Those holding a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a Schengen country.
- Travellers with Specific Status: This may include certain diplomats, cross-border workers, or other specific groups, depending on EU regulations.
How EES Works for Travellers
When required to use the EES, travellers will follow a streamlined, automated process:
- Automated Registration: The EES is an automated system. Instead of traditional passport stamps, it digitally registers border crossings.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Travellers will typically need to scan their passports or other valid travel documents at automated self-service kiosks.
- Biometric Data: The system will also collect biometric data, such as facial images and fingerprints, upon first entry and subsequently verify it on future crossings.
- Digital Record: Each entry and exit is digitally recorded, providing an accurate overview of the traveller's movements within the EU.
This digital registration replaces manual passport stamping, making the process more efficient and secure for border authorities. The system's implementation is a key part of the EU's Smart Borders Initiative, designed to modernise and strengthen external border management.
For more detailed information on the Entry/Exit System and its implementation, you can refer to official EU sources such as the European Commission's dedicated page on the Entry/Exit System.
