EU Sets Launch Date for Entry/Exit System – Essential Prep for Travelers

What Happens at Each Border?

When you cross the border, you’ll get a friendly welcome from info campaigns and awareness‑raising activities right at the checkpoint.

EU’s New Border Hack Goes Live

Finally, the EU’s much‑hailed Entry/Exit System (EES) is hitting the road—well, the airport, more precisely. The system, aimed at taming the chaos that comes when thousands of non‑EU nationals try to cross borders, will officially kick off on 12 October 2024.

What the EES Actually Does

• Fast‑Track, No‑Pain: Your passport scans faster than a coffee order at a busy café.
• Digital Detour: Robotic data checks that reduce human error… and hopefully cut the line length.
• Security with a Smile: The tech is built with “security” in mind, but with a user‑friendly interface that makes the whole process less stressful.

Official Tone‑Down: The Voice of the EU

“We’re inching closer to making Europe the coolest spot to travel in the world,” said Henna Virkkunen, the exec who’s juggling tech, sovereignty, and the occasional panic attack of a global summit. “By partnering with member nations and the transport world, we’re crafting a safe, efficient, and travel‑friendly platform that screams European values—security, innovation, and a touch of that charming continental flair.”

Why It Matters

• Speeding Up Travel: Fewer red‑card moments at border crossings.
• Sharper Security: Automating checks means more attention to the real threats.
• Tech Vibes: A modern system that keeps the EU ahead of the digital pack.

In short, the EU is giving its borders a tech makeover that’s supposed to make the whole travel experience smoother—and yes, hopefully a little less dreadful for everyone involved.

When will the EU’s EES be fully launched?

EU’s New Border Tech: Meet the “EES” (Just for a Laugh)

What’s the EES All About?

Think of the EES as the EU’s latest “Smart Surveillance” move, aimed at catching travellers who decide “No, I’m staying a bit longer” after the 90‑day limit inside Schengen. The system’s goal is simple: keep borders secure while making sure folks don’t overstay their welcome.

How It Works (A Quick Overview)

• Each European border crossing will get a dedicated infrastructure—yes, that means fancy booths, tablets, and the whole nine yards.
• UK funds a big chunk: £3.5 million (€4.1 million) per site for Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover. That’s like a slice of the UK’s pizza budget dedicated to border tech.
• Starting on 12 October, the rollout will be a gradual 6‑month sprint across all member states.
• During that spread, border guards will >capture all the new data on third‑country nationals to keep arms up on the digital charts.

When the Push‑Force Hits the Streets

By the end of the 6‑month roll‑out, the EES should be fully implemented—think of it as a new version of the EU’s passport, only cooler and with less paperwork.

Why This All Matters

While it may sound like a high‑tech way to politely say “You’re overdue,” it’s a measure aimed at stopping illegal residency and improving overall border security, especially in an era when travel data moves faster than an espresso shot. In short: it keeps folks in check, keeps the bureaucracy from spinning out of control, and lets travelers avoid the legal gray‑zone of accidental stay‑too‑longs.

What does the EES mean for travellers?

European Entry System (EES) – The New Passport‑Scanning Trend

Think of the EES as that super‑fancy selfie scanner you’ve seen on the latest smartphones, но now it’s roaming across 26 European countries. It will be the go‑to registration hub for travellers from the UK, the US, and other non‑EU nations.

Who’s in the Club?

• Non‑EU travellers – You need to scan your passport at a self‑service kiosk every time you cross an EU border.
• EU citizens, residents, long‑stay visa holders – They’re exempt from this new system.

What Happens Inside the System?

The EES does the usual paperwork for you in a single swipe: it records your name, captures your biometric data (a photo and a fingerprint), and logs the exact date & location of each entry and exit.

Data? How Long are They Keeping It?

All that biometric info is safely stored in the EES database for three years. After that, no more memorizing those digits – all you need is a quick finger‑print or photo at the border.

Speaking of Speed

• When you’re back at the border, you’ll simply tap or snap your face to match the stored data.
• That’s the trust‑worthy, hassle‑free “I’ll just show you my face!” moment.

So, next time you’re planning to jet across Europe, remember: a smooth selfie, a quick fingerprint, and the EES will take care of the rest — no more out‑of‑portcullis waiting lines for most of you. Cheers to faster borders!

Will the EES cause border delays?

What’s the Deal at the Borders?

Travelers around the world keep asking the same question: Will the new system make us wait in endless lines? The answer isn’t as simple as “no” or “yes” – it’ll depend on how smoothly the tech is rolled out.

Why It Matters

• Every border—land, sea, and air—in the Schengen Area is getting a high‑tech scanner.
• These gadgets will replace manual checks, so keeping pace with the new process is crucial.
• Long queues can still pop up while the new systems are getting a bit of a “teething period.”

What the Commission Is Doing

The European Commission is keeping a close eye on the rollout, promising to stay in touch with Member States to keep the whole operation smooth and effective.

Heads-Up for Travelers

As launch day draws near, you can expect:

• Information campaigns on the ground and at airports.
• Clear signage and friendly staff to guide you.
• Online resources and social‑media updates to keep everyone in the loop.

Stay tuned, stay informed, and don’t let any scanner surprises keep you from checking your ticket and heading home.

EES will be followed by ETIAS in 2026

ETIAS: The New “Passport Pass” Everyone’s Gotta Get

Ready for a little passport upgrade? The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is rolling out in late 2026, but it’s not a hard‑stop law until 2027. The EU is giving folks a six‑month grace period to get used to the new system.

What You’ll Need to Do

• Fill out a quick online form – no long quizzes, just the basics.
• Enter your personal details and answer a handful of safety questions.
• Pay a €20 fee (magically equivalent to about a coffee in most countries).
• Receive an ETIAS authorization linked to your passport that’s valid for three years or until your passport expires.

Who’s Actually Affected

All travellers from the 60 non‑EU nations that don’t normally need a visa will need an ETIAS. It’s basically a passport‑plus‑approval sticker.

Kids, Seniors, and the Out‑of‑Work Heroes

• Children under 18 and adults over 70 get the fee waived – they still need to apply, but the money part is off the table.

So, if you’re planning a quick jaunt to Paris or a longer stay in Italy, remember to line up your ETIAS before you hit the plane. It’s the quick‑pass to the Schengen playground, and you’ll want to get it done before the 2027 hard cut‑off kicks in.

Eurostar will double the number of booths for EES launch

Eurostar’s Bold Move: Early Boarding to Beat the Crowd

We’re all used to standing in the departure lounge at St Pancras waiting for our train. But Eurostar’s got a new trick up its sleeve to keep travelers from wrestling for the last seat.

Rule Change: Sit 30 Minutes Early

• Passengers can now jump aboard 30 minutes before the departure time.
• Forget the cramped queues – the boarding will happen in dry seats.

Why is Eurostar Doing This?

• St Pancras is a historic hub with limited space; crowds can turn a stroll into a stampede.
• New border systems like EES and, later, ETIAS will add fresh checkpoints.
• Eurostar is doubling its border staff and setting up extra manual booths to keep the flow smooth.

Key Logistics

• Eurostar’s 24 EES kiosks are expanding to 49, but there isn’t enough room at the usual spot.
• They’re hopping into spots currently used by domestic rail and the high‑speed HS1 line.
• Staff will be super‑trained so passengers get consistent help.

What This Means for You

Smaller wait times, smoother border checks, and a less stressful boarding experience. Eurostar’s changed the game so you can focus on that coffee you forgot to buy or the espresso you’re about to find out you’ll miss. Get on board early, save time, and enjoy the ride!