The European Commission recently announced that starting in November 2024, the Entry-Exit System (EES) will be implemented as an automated IT system to register visa-exempt travelers and non-EU nationals on short stays, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries.

The EU has been working over the past years to strengthen and protect its external borders and increase the security of the Schengen area. The EES is considered an important step towards achieving more effective border management and better oversight of who is crossing the EU’s external borders.

All you need to know about the EES

What is EES?

The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals, who do not hold the nationality of any European Union country or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Every time a traveler crosses the external borders of the European countries for a short stay using the EES, they must register as non-Eu nationals.

An individual must disclose his personal information if he is crossing the border for the first time since the EES began. Officers in charge of passport control will either scan his facial photo or his fingerprints.

This data will be stored in an electronic document. There won’t be a stamp on the passport, whether biometric or not. If the traveler registers his data in advance, the process may go more quickly.

The traveler may use a mobile application if provided by the country of arrival or departure, or the specialized equipment (sometimes known as the “self-service system”), if it is accessible at the border crossing point.

If a traveler has crossed the borders of European countries using the EES multiple times since its implementation, his fingerprints or facial photo will already be recorded in the system. Passport control officers will simply verify these biometric details, which will speed up the process.

Travelers with biometric passports may benefit from faster entry through a self-service system (if available at that border crossing point). If their digital file shows no issues, they typically won’t need to pass through a traditional passport control officer.

Benefits of the new measure

The EES modernizes border management by increasing the efficiency and quality of processes at the border and replacing passport stamping. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer. It identifies overstayers and provides reliable data on entries, exits, and refusals of entry.

This system will effectively combat identity fraud by collecting biometric data. Security within the EU will be strengthened, thanks to improved border checks, and the use of electronic records and biometric data. Moreover, the EES promotes real-time information sharing, ensuring that border authorities across the EU have the right information at the right time.

More changes to come in 2025

Starting in May 2025, a special travel authorization—ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System–will be required. Once the program starts,  some 1.4 billion people will need ETIAS to enter 30 European countries.

The document will cost €7, however, travelers under 18 years old or over 70 will not have to pay a fee.  The ETIAS travel pass will be valid for three consecutive years.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport, and valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If travelers get a new passport, they need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, travelers can enter Europe as often as they want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days, however, it does not guarantee entry. When a traveler arrives, a border guard will ask to see his passport along with other documents and verify that he meets the entry conditions.

Read also: What UK Travelers need to know about the new ETA system

How to apply for an ETIAS

To apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, travelers can complete the application form on the official ETIAS website or via the ETIAS mobile app. The application fee is EUR 7, but certain travelers may be exempt from this charge. Most applications are processed within minutes.

It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, applicants will receive a decision within four days.

Once applying, applicants will receive an email confirming the submission of the application which will include the unique ETIAS application number. Once the application has been processed, they will receive another email informing them about its outcome. If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.

Who will need to apply for ETIAS?

Any citizens from a non-EU country who do not currently need a visa to visit an EU member state for a short-term stay require ETIAS for entry. This means that investors holding Caribbean citizenship, and are eligible to enter the Schengen area without a visa, should have ETIAS for entry. EU nationals and those who have a residence permit, card, or document issued by any EU country are exempt.

The system will allow a simpler method of valid travel to the Schengen countries for citizens who presently do not need a Schengen visa. The number of countries whose citizens do not need a Schengen visa at present is approximately 60. This means that all these people will need to apply for an ETIAS.

Impact of new measures on second citizenship holders

The measures taken by the EU will benefit holders of residency permits or citizenship by facilitating smoother, more secure travel while ensuring compliance with regulations, reducing fraud, and improving access to services.

Holders of a European residency can experience faster border checks when traveling between countries, as the system automates the entry and exit procedures. This means less waiting time and a smoother travel experience, especially in countries that have modernized their border controls.

Second citizenship holders often benefit from visa-free or multiple-entry privileges in various countries. The EES ensures proper tracking of stays, helping them avoid overstays that could affect their eligibility for visa-free access or future entry. For example, individuals with Schengen Area access can easily track their days spent in the zone to remain compliant with the 90/180 rule.

EES helps frequent travelers, including businesspeople with second citizenship, by maintaining accurate records of entry and exit dates. This can make it easier to demonstrate compliance with tax residency rules, maintain permanent residency statuses, or qualify for long-term visas. The EES uses biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition to authenticate the identity of travelers.