Date announced for upcoming changes to EU border control procedures including new scanners – Wales Online
In a bid to enhance security measures, the European Union is introducing new entry rules that will impact travellers within the EU and certain parts of Europe. The implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in EU and Schengen Area countries, originally planned for 2022, has faced delays. Nonetheless, the chief executive of the Port of Dover, Doug Bannister, has confirmed that the new system is slated to be operational from November, although an exact launch date is yet to be revealed.
The EES will revolutionise border crossings by replacing traditional passport stamping with a digital process requiring non-EU travellers to provide fingerprints and facial recognition data when entering or leaving EU or Schengen countries. This update will see the introduction of new scanners to facilitate the transition. According to the House of Commons library, travellers will need to scan their travel documents at automated kiosks before crossing borders. The system will capture crucial information such as personal details, biometric data, and entry/exit records.
UK passport holders travelling to the EU will also need to adhere to the new EES procedures, regardless of their mode of transportation. However, Ireland and Cyprus, although EU members, will not enforce the EES as they are not part of the Schengen border. The EES registration process mirrors that of obtaining visas, with initial registration expected to initially cause delays, advising travellers to anticipate congestion in busy travel hubs like Dover ports and the Channel Tunnel.
During the initial implementation phase, non-EU citizens will need to register their biometric data at the border, linking it to their passport for a three-year period. This biometric registration aims to provide more accurate monitoring of visitor movement, potentially leading to stricter visa regulations or penalties for overstaying visitors. In the Schengen area, non-EU citizens are permitted a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, requiring a visa for longer stays.
Previous delays in the EES rollout were attributed to technical challenges and concerns about increased border congestion. To address this, the EU is working on an online pre-registration system. The European Commission has outlined a phased approach for implementing the EES, aimed at gradually integrating the new regulations. The EES will ultimately offer a comprehensive overview of visitor movements to aid in enforcing immigration rules effectively.
The new EU border control procedures signify a significant step towards bolstering security measures within the region. Travellers are urged to familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes and allocate additional time for border crossings to avoid disruptions. As the November deadline approaches, stakeholders are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition to the enhanced entry/exit system.